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Languedoc, France tourist information

Languedoc-Roussillon is found in southern-central France, along the Mediterranean coast and inland. It reaches Spain at its southernmost border, and Provence on its eastern border. Not yet so developed as its rich neighbour, Provence, it has its own share of dramatic landscapes, divided by dramatic gorges, and plenty of great medieval architecture. 

The history of the region is inextricably mingled with that of the Cathars, which plays a significant role in Languedoc tourism.

The region falls into two distinct areas with different characteristics - the Pyreneean region to the south -departments Aude and Pyrenees-Orientales (Eastern Pyrenees) - including the mountains and the coast between Perpignan and Spain; and the more northern part of the region (which includes the departments of Gard, Hérault, and Lozère).

A summary of the highlights for each region is shown below. More detailed tourist information and links to places to visit can be found in the separate features for each of these departments. See:

AUDE: central southern Languedoc
GARD: inland, north of Montpellier
HERAULT: central section of Languedoc
LOZERE: northernmost part of the region, part of the Massif central
PYRENEES-ORIENTALES: southern Languedoc on the border with Spain

 

A couple of highlights that fall in more than one department include:

- the Canal du Midi - a world heritage site, and a favourite boating (barge) holiday destination in France 

- Much of the National Parc des Cevennes falls in the northern part of the Languedoc-Roussillon region (see Massif central region in the menu)

The Languedoc map at the bottom of this page includes the whole region.

NORTHERN LANGUEDOC

Gard department

The most popular destination in Gard department is undoubtedly Nimes, for the town and for its exceptional Roman ruins. Likewise the nearby Pont du Gard is unmissable, being another extraordinary Roman achievement.

Temple at Nimes

Elsewhere in the Gard highlights included the fortified town of Aigues-Mortes, also Vigan and Anduze. Gardeners will appreciate the impressive bamboo garden at Prafrance.

There are several popular resorts in the Gard - places to visit on the coast include the 1970's resort at la Grande-Motte, which deserves to be visited for its architecture even if you don't like seaside resorts.

please see Gard for more detailed information

 

Hérault

The coastline and towns around the Etang de Thau are popular with visitors to Herault, and include Marseillan, Sete and Balaruc-le-Vieux.

The cosmopolitan town of Montpellier itself is also unmissable if you are in the region.

Fans of the French writer Molieres will be attracted to the town devoted to the author at Pezenas.

Most beautiful villages in this department include Minerve (25 km NW of Narbonne), Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert (20 km E of Lodève) and Olargues (40 km NW of Béziers).

please see Hérault for more detailed information

 

Lozère

Better known as part of the Massif Central than Languedoc, the region is best known for its dramatic and unspoiled scenery and outdoor pursuits.

Some of the popular places to visit in the heart of the Lozère department include the  towns of Mende and Marvejols. Other popular towns and villages in th southern part of Lozère include Florac, La-Garde-Guerin and Pont-de-Montvert

One of the 'most beautiful villages in France' is found at St Enimie, also in this department of Languedoc-Roussillon

please see Lozère for more detailed information

 

SOUTHERN LANGUEDOC

This region is known for its long relatively empty beaches, and of course the many fine wines that are grown in the inland regions of Languedoc, and the foothills and mountains of the eastern Pyrenees.

Aude

The first major town as you enter the southern part of the region is Narbonne (Aude), the lively town near the coast.

The Aude department stretches inland from the Mediterranean, along the Aude river, and includes Carcassonne and the nearby villages of Revel, Saissac and Montolieu (Aude), and the Cathar castles - one of the highlights of Languedoc-Roussillon is the ruined cathar castles such as Queribus and Peyrepertuse.

The castle at Peyrepertuse

Castelnaudary is in the Aude on the Canal du Midi, and south-west of Quillan, itself south of Carcassonne, the River Aude and its tributaries have carved magnificent ravines and gorges in the landscape at the Gorges de l'Aude.

The classified most beautiful village of Lagrasse is in Aude department.

please see Aude for more detailed information

 

Pyrénées-Orientales (eastern pyrenees)

You will see Mount Canigou as you venture inland - it is visible from many parts of the region, and is the main landmark). The region between Canigou and the coast south of Perpignan is one of hills and low mountains called the Albères and follows the French border with Spain.

Passing along the coast visit the Fort de Salses and Fontfroide Abbey (south of Narbonne), then take the children off to the African Nature Reserve at Sigean.

There are two main rivers and roads that enter into the hilly regions, following the valleys of the Tech and Tet. Both pass through lovely scenery.

The Tet Valley runs from Perpignan to Prades, via the two classified villages of Villefranche de Conflent and Eus, and the monastery at St-Michel-deCuxa near Prades. Further south the Tech Valley passes through Ceret an attractive town where Picasso lived. Continue on to see Arles-sur-Tech and then the Gorges de la Fou will keep the children (and you) entertained and shaded on a sunny day.

Visit also the 'beautiful village' at Castelnou.

Languedoc beach (picture thanks to Jamie Henderson)

The coastal section before you reach Spain includes some attractive old fishing villages and resorts (and some less attractive resorts). Visit Collioure, Banyuls-sur-Mer, Argeles-sur-Mer and Cerbère, and Elne Cathedral.

please see Pyrenees-Orientales for more detailed information

 

Holiday Ideas (Aude)

Cathar castles country, between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees - Cathars, sea and mountains

Visit Languedoc - travel information

Map of Languedoc, France