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Languedoc-Roussillon
is an expansive natural amphitheater between Massif Central and
the Mediterranean. It is the sunniest area of France and is also
the largest winegrowing area in the world. From the Rhone River
to the border of Spain, it is several times larger than all the
wine growing areas of Australia combined. Centred around the ancient
province of Languedoc, (literally tongue of Oc, short for Occitan)
the modern Languedoc-Roussillon Region is large and diverse. It
has coastal plains, several mountainous areas, a huge wetland area
in the form of the Camargue, world heritage listed castles and canals.
The Romans left an indelible mark on Languedoc as it formed part
of the Rome’s province of Gaul. Narbonne and Nimes were established
by the Romans some two thousand years ago. The ancient Roman road
Via Domitia that linked Rome to Spain still threads through the
Languedoc plains and the magnificent aqueduct Pont du Gard still
spans the Gard Valley two millennia after it was built. Languedoc-Roussillon’s
regional capital Montpellier was recently voted one of Europes most
livable cities. Home to one of the oldest medical schools in the
world, Montpellier is a major university town with around 20 percent
of the population students. The Languedoc-Roussillon coast whilst
less glamorous than the Cote d’Azur is nevertheless beautiful
and with many excellent resorts. Close to Spain with excellent road
and rail links in all directions as well as four airports with daily
flights to the UK, Languedoc-Roussillon is easy to get to and from.
Montpellier | Herault | Languedoc-Roussillon | 34000
Montpellier (pronounced momm-pell-yay)is one of Europe's
most liveable cities. Located 150km west of Marseille, it has a
population of 250,000 and growing fast. Montpellier was founded
in 12th century and is a respected university city with around 20
percent of the population being students. It boasts one of the best
climates in France with 300 days of sunshine per year and several
beautiful beaches nearby. Montpellier is linked to the rest of the
country by Autoroute, TGV and air to Paris, London and Frankfurt.
Beziers | Herault | Languedoc-Roussillon | 34500
Beziers is an important regional centre and market town in Languedoc-Roussillon
Region. It is located beside the River Orb and the Canal du Midi
and has a population of around 70,000. A relative new comer, Beziers
was founded during the middle ages unlike many towns in the region
that trace their origins back to Roman times or beyond. Beziers
is the centre for the Languedoc wine industry and is served by Autoroutes
and TGV.
Carcassonne | Aude | Languedoc-Roussillon | 11000
Carcassonne is a fortified city in the Aude Department of the Languedoc
Roussillon Region. Carcassonne is strategically located along a
trade route between Toulouse and the Mediterranean. It dominates
the valley formed by the Massif Central and Pyrénées
Mountains through which the Canal du Midi, the Autoroute and TGV
line now pass. The city of Carcassonne with its double ring of stone
ramparts and 53 towers is a World Heritage listed site and well
worth a visit.
Narbonne | Aude | Languedoc-Roussillon | 11100
Narbonne is located in the Aude Departement of the Languedoc-Roussillon
Region. It was established by the Romans as Colonia Narbo Martius
in 118BC located on the first Roman Road in Gaul called the Via
Domitia. Nowadays it is a quiet provincial city of around 50,000
that is best known for decent wine and rugby. It is located on the
main transport corridor (TGV and Autoroute) from France to Barcelona
in Spain and has the Canal du Robine running through it. Although
inland it is not far from the Languedoc coast and its many beaches.
Nîmes
| Gard | Languedoc-Roussillon | 30000
Nîmes (pronounced Neem) is in the Gard Departement of Languedoc-Roussillon
region. It is one of the oldest settlements in France. Archaeologists
have uncovered evidence of buildings dating back to 1800BC. In 50BC
it became the Roman colony of Nemausus and eventually one of the
most important cities in Roman Gaul. Many of the Roman monuments
remain including one of the best preserved amphitheatres anywhere.
Nimes of today has a more Spanish feel about it especially the city’s
passion for bullfighting and that it is an important olive growing
area. The city has a lively nightlife and excellent dining options.
It is served by the TGV and Autoroute and has daily flights to London
with Ryan Air.
Perpignan | Pyrénées-Orientales | Languedoc-Roussillon
| 66000
Perpignan was established in the middle ages and has passed between
various rulers including Spain and currently France. At its heart
however it is Catalan and is much closer spiritually and geographically
to Barcelona than Paris. It sits on a narrow plain between the Pyrénées
and the Mediterranean astride the main transport corridor between
France and Spain. Perpignan is a colourful and lively city of many
festivals and pageants. It has a team in the French rugby Top 14
competition and a growing tourism sector with numerous air connections
to the UK.
Pézenas | Herault | Languedoc-Roussillon | 34300
Pézenas is a pretty market town in the Herault Departement
of Languedoc-Roussillon. It was once the seat of local Government
for the Languedoc during the 16th-17th Centuries. It produces very
good reds, roses and white wines and specialty foods. There are
several excellent restaurants in the town offering regional dishes.
The old town has many artisans practicing their crafts such as leatherwork,
jewellery making, glass blowing, metal work, painting and sculpture
that have been passed down from generation to generation. Pézenas
is also major antique centre and the town hosts one of the most
popular markets in the region every Saturday.
Sète | Herault | Languedoc-Roussillon | 34200
Sète is fishing port established in the middle ages located
on located on a narrow spit of land between the Mediterranean and
the Thau Lagoon (Etang de Thau). Sète has long been known
as a nautical center and currently serves as a training base for
America’s Cup teams and has ferries sailing to North Africa.
Sète has some major summer festivals dating back centuries
associated with the sea. Dining in this historic port naturally
revolves around seafood (fruit de mer) and the many specialties
of the area including oysters from the Thau Lagoon, a major oyster
producing area.
Uzès | Gard | Languedoc-Roussillon | 30700
Uzès was established as a Gallo-Roman fortified town (oppidium)
at the source of the Eure River. It was from here that the aqueduct
supplying the Roman city of Nîmes was built and included the
magnificent Pont du Gard taking the water across the River Gard.
Like many towns in the south Uzès suffered through a series
of religious based conflicts over the centuries that have marked
their character. Uzès has changed very little over the past
few centuries and remains an attractive market town that is popular
with visitors. The surrounding countryside is known as the Garrigue,
which is a low hilly scrubland found around the Mediterranean. This
area is known for its production of herbs.
Getting
there
By road with Viamichelin.com
routeplanner
By air via Montpellier,
Nimes, Perpignan, Carcassonne
By rail from Paris
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