An L-shaped region on the coast of south-eastern France, the administrative area of Languedoc-Roussillon is a varied land stretching from the Pyrenees to Provence. The coast is a long stretch of generally wide, sandy beaches, while the interior is filled with vineyards and tiny hamlets. Though united by the government, Languedoc and Roussillon are really two separate areas with two separate personalities. Languedoc is typically French in food, culture and customs, while Roussillon, which runs along the Spanish border, has a distinctly Spanish air to it. Some people here still speak Catalan, the language spoken across the border in the Catalonia region.
The largest city and main point of entry is Montpellier, a pretty university city that's home to several fine gardens and stately 17th- and 18th- century manor houses. Students constitute nearly a fourth of the city's population, giving Montpellier a distinctly youthful feel.
Nîmes, northeast of Montpellier, is also worth a stop. Known for its fabulous Roman buildings, this makes a great day trip. Be sure to visit Les Arènes, a Roman amphitheatre still used for performances, and the Maison Carrée, a first-century Roman temple. Roussillon's largest city, Perpignan, is another must-see destination. Well-kept and with a wealth of historical buildings, this Catalan city is great for strolling. While here, peek into the Royal Palace, built in the 13th century and once the domain of the King and Queen of Aragon. Other cities worth visiting include Alès, Béziers, Ganges, Narbonne, Pézenas and Sète.
Languedoc-Roussillon is also known for its fabulous seaside resorts. Some of the most popular Mediterranean towns are Argelès, Leucate, Port-la-Nouvelle and Maquelone. In all you'll find sandy beaches and pretty town centres where restaurants and seaside cafés abound.
Inland, head to Carcassonne, one of France's most famous medieval towns. Though heavily restored and generally swarming with tourists, this is nevertheless a magical place that lets you image what life here was like half a millennium ago. After visiting the town, take a drive through the vineyard-filled countryside, where you'll find some wineries that are open for visits. |
