Southeastern France: Languedoc-Rousillon

Region at a glance

Major city: Montpellier, Perpignan, Nîmes, Carcassone

Gallo Roman history and monuments

Mediterranean beaches, dry, sunny climate with quaint coastal towns and ports

Catalonian influence

Rugged mountains and vineyards

Ruins of Cathare castles

A wealth of history lies in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Roman monuments, Greek ruins, medieval castles and ancient villages are set amidst a patchwork of vineyards, farmlands, mountains and plateaus.

The walled city of Carcassonne encompasses towers, dungeons, moats and drawbridges and serves as one of the most impressive examples of medieval France. Many of the citadels and fortresses are perched high atop cliffs and rocky mountains. The Chateau de Peyrepertuse provides a breathtaking panoramic view from dizzying heights. Ruins of the former Cathare castles can be seen throughout the region.

Montpelier is a lively and radiant university town with squares, gardens and majestic mansions. The town of Nîmes is built around a Roman amphitheatre and Perpignan offers the unmistakable characteristics of Catalan.

Places of interest

Aigues-Mortes

Medieval city

Béziers

Wine capital of the region, St. Nazaire cathedral, Canal du Midi

Carcassonne

Largest medieval walled city in Europe

Limoux

Medieval town, Notre Dame de Marseilla Basilica, St. Martin church

Montpellier

Famous for universities, Musée de l'Infanterie, Fabre Museum

Narbonne

Roman sites, Gothic cathedral

Nîmes

Oman remains and amphitheatre, Pont du Gard

Perpignan

Kings Palace

Pézenas

Molière's home

Villeneuve-les-Avignon

Royal City of and residence of popes in 14th century

Technical tourism and sports

Pottery, Catalan fabrics, Cacharel designer wear, cork

Barging on Canal du Midi

Golf, biking, hiking, horseback riding

Cuisine

Cooking is Provençal, characterized by garlic and olive oil with delicious sausages and smoked hams. The region produces delicious pastries and sweetmeats made from almond paste and flavored with aniseed, pistachio and orange - flower water. Fish is popular along the coast: fish soup bourride in Sète. Wines include the reds of Corbières, Minervois, and the sweet Banyuls and Muscat.