Languedoc-Roussillon Holiday Guide
French Holiday Property Home > Holiday Guides > Region Guides > Languedoc-RoussillonInteresting and colourful, offering a little bit of everything
Languedoc-Roussillon is a region that offers a little bit of everything. From mountains and ski resorts to Mediterranean beaches and resorts, this is a region bursting with interest, colour and fun. It is also the spiritual home of the Cathars whose existence, beliefs and persecution by Rome have left a legacy of castles, cities and legends to discover.Top 5 things to see and do in Languedoc-Roussillon
1. Beaches and seaside resorts
Languedoc-Roussillon has some of the best beaches and resorts on the Mediterranean coast of France, and they are often less busy and less expensive than the better known seaside locations of Provence and the Côte d'Azur. There are well established and lively resorts such as Narbonne Plage and Cap d'Agde, or picturesque fishing villages such as Collioure to enjoy. The sea is unpolluted and clear, the water warm in summer and the opportunities for scuba diving, sailing and swimming are numerous.2. Visit the Etangs
As a variation on the seaside theme, why not take a look at the beautiful inland seas or salt lagoons of the region. Known as Étangs, these are found all along the coast from Béziers to Marseille. Separated from the sea by a thin strip of land, the lagoons are characterised by a rich ecology offering superb oysters, mussels and other seafood, and also a fascinating flora and fauna to see. They offer some lovely waterside towns and villages too, renowned for their restaurants and authentic ambience.3. Follow the Cathar trail
The persecuted Cathars have left a huge legacy in Languedoc-Roussillon, and anyone interested in this will find more than enough to occupy an entire holiday. From ruined Cathar castles and fortified cities such as the fairy tale Carcassonne, to the mysteries to unravel at Rennes le Château, the history and heritage of the Cathar country is all to discover.4. Mountain and adventure sports
Whether winter or summer is the time of your holiday, there are some wonderful mountain towns and resorts with endless activities on offer. Resorts like Formigueres and Camurac are ideal locations for skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding and non snow activities like climbing, mountain biking and pony trekking. The region also has some dramatic canyons and gorges which are not only impossibly picturesque but also a great outdoor playground for adventure sports enthusiasts. Try white water rafting, rock climbing, kayaking or canyoning to get a real sense of the great outdoors and the power of nature.5. Canal du Midi
The 17th century Canal du Midi runs through the region, and offers a wonderful way of exploring the area. You can cruise along the waterways by boat and cycle, walk or even roller blade along the towpaths and/or sections of tarmac on the banks of the canal.Top 5 towns and cities in Languedoc-Roussillon
1. Montpellier
The region's capital is Montpellier, in the Hérault department. This lively university city has all the elements for a great holiday, with history, culture, shopping and entertainment of all types for all ages.2. Carcassonne
Carcassonne is the Aude's chief city, and is one of the region's best loved destinations. The old, walled town is packed with charm and also has good shopping and many cultural events taking place at various times of year. The more modern part of Carcassonne, which lies below, is also lovely and has markets, original architecture, churches and museums to enjoy. The city has a great choice of hotels and restaurants to suit all pockets.3. Nîmes
Nîmes, principal town of the Gard department has a great Roman heritage in addition to many more modern pleasures and entertainments. The Roman Amphitheatre is the star attraction, but with a supporting cast including the Pont du Gard Aqueduct, a Roman temple and the Garden of Fountains, Nîmes is more than worth adding to your holiday itinerary.4. Collioure
Collioure is not a capital city, in fact, it is really not much more than a fishing village, but it is such a beautiful place that it has to rank among the best destinations in Languedoc-Roussillon for anyone seeking the authentic charm of an old Catalan fishing village. Beloved of artists for centuries, Collioure is scenic and vibrant, and famed for its delicious anchovies.5. Cap d'Agde
Anyone looking for a lively seaside resort should head straight for Cap d'Agde, on the region's Mediterranean Coast. Long established and offering all mod cons and facilities, the Cap, as it is known, caters for everyone. There are family beaches and entertainment, gay and nudist beaches and clubs, sea and beach sports and superb restaurants and hotels. The nightlife is as legendary as the beach life, and there are many interesting excursions to be made from a base in Cap d'Agde too.Food and drink in Languedoc-Roussillon
Anyone who watches celebrity chefs on television cannot help but notice that a good number of them travel to or make reference to the gastronomy and cuisine of Languedoc-Roussillon. Rick Stein and John Burton Race have both praised the food and drink of the region, so take a tip from the top and enjoy cassoulets from Castelnaudary, sausages from Toulouse, oysters and mussels from the Étangs, anchovies from Collioure and cheeses from Payra sur L'Hers. Great wines are also produced here.How to get to Languedoc-Roussillon
The region has several airports that receive direct flights from the UK. Montpellier, Carcassonne, Béziers, Nîmes, Perpignan and Rodez are all choices you can make as a point of arrival by air. Airlines flying to one or other of these airports include Ryanair, easyJet and Flybe. The region is also well served by trains and TGV services in addition to a good road network linking it easily to other regions of France and Spain.Holiday Guides to the Departments of Languedoc-Roussillon
Aude Holiday Guide
The department of the Aude is a fantastic choice for a holiday. Reaching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Pyrénéan Mountains, and taking in just about every possible type of landscape in between, the department is also massively historic, passionate about its gastronomy and a prolific wine producer.
Gard Holiday Guide
The Gard is the most easterly lying of the Languedoc-Roussillon departments, and shares a border with Provence. In fact, it shares so many similarities with its neighbour that it is often called the Gard Provençal.
Hérault Holiday Guide
The Hérault department is a heady blend of sun, sea, mountains, history and wine. All the ingredients are there for the perfect holiday, but the recipe is up to you.
Lozère Holiday Guide
The Lozère, is the Languedoc's most northerly lying department, and as such, is very different from the Mediterranean influenced areas. Touching the Massif Central, the terrain is often mountainous, wild and sparsely populated.
Pyrénées-Orientales Holiday Guide
The Pyrénées-Orientales department borders Spain and has a vibrant and colourful attitude thanks to its Catalan culture. It has every advantage that nature can provide, including snow-clad mountains, warm Mediterranean seas and endless sunshine.
