Situated in the extreme south West of France, the region extends along the Mediterranean coast from the north eastern ranges of the Pyrenees and the Spanish border, to Provence, then inland to the Midi-Pyrenees and as far north as the Auvergne.  The area has a typical Mediterranean climate with long hot summers, temperatures often reaching over 30 degrees C and short, mild winters. Rain falls in spring and autumn and there can sometimes be strong Mistral winds and summer storms. The inland hills are colder in winter and the Pyrenees have thick snow cover.  The earthy, independent character of the people of Languedoc-Roussillon is reflected in the robust and unpretentious dishes of the region. Strong Mediterranean flavours with a generous use of herbs, garlic and olive oil. Lamb, grazed on wild thyme in the uplands, barbecued over a vine wood fire. Rich game or beef stews cooked slowly for many hours and Cassoulet, the most famous of regional dishes. On the coast there is good seafood and from the mountains, charcuterie, hams and pates. Wild mushrooms, oranges and chestnuts are used in many dishes, as are fresh vegetables, grown here in abundance. Roquefort, considered by many to be the king of cheeses, is made at Roquefort-sur-Soulzon from ewe's milk, then laid in the Cambalou caves to mature naturally. Delicious fruit tarts and freshly made ice-cream and from Roussillon little honey and almond cakes and panalets, marzipan sweets with nuts are very tempting.  The wines of Languedoc-Roussillon are growing in reputation and are well worth exploring.

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Herault

A region steeped in history, where the mountains meet the sea.  It is a land of sea & lakes, ports & beaches, forests & cliffs, vineyards & garigues, nature reserves, sea water étangs, canals and rivers.  A region influenced by Greeks, Romans and Cathars, and today, still with a strong Catalan influence.

From the Haut Languedoc National Park to the award winning beaches it is a region that boasts 300+ days of sunshine a year.

Its best assets are the miles of golden, award winning safe, sandy beaches.  Deep sea fishing, under water diving, volleyball, surf boarding, para-gliding, kite-surfing and horse riding, wind-surfing, pleasure boats, sail boats, all can be found here.  Inland there is tennis, golf, keep fit, boules, jogging tracks and horse riding.  For the more adventurous there is rock climbing and white water rafting.  And then of course, there is the glorious food from both the land and sea.  Fish and shell fish, meat, vegetables and fruit, cheeses, chutneys, garlic and honey.  And don’t forget to taste a glass of Noilly Prat, locally produced in Marseillan.

 

At every turn you will see the tree lined Canal du Midi which links the Atlantic Sea to the Mediterranean.  Started in 1667 it took 15 years to complete and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site – a canal cruise is a must.  Excellent shopping can be found in Beziers and nearby Montpellier and all the smaller towns and villages have lively markets.

To avoid the crowds the best time to visit is in May, June and September.  The October wine festival is well worth a visit.

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Avignon
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Avignon is situated at the crossroads of Provence and the Camargue where you can stroll the shopping streets in the pedestrian area, Joseph Vernet and St Agricol, the district of la Balance and the large Republic avenue. In addition to the large variety of well-stocked luxury shops, you will find Provencal materials, ceramics and pottery, terracotta figurines (santons), handicrafts, and other specialities of the region.

The Black Mountains
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The Black Mountains make up the area of Haut-Languedoc and the vast National Park of the Cevennes. The limestone gorges of the Tarn and the mountains and lakes of Lozere are a striking contrast to the coastal plains. Much of this area is a protected, an unspoilt wilderness of great beauty, where rural life and traditions have remained unchanged.

Canal du Midi
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The Canal du Midi is the oldest canal in Europe that is still operating.  It took 15 years to build and was opened in 1681.  It covers 240 km, from Toulouse to the Etang de Thau.  In the 19th century it was extended to the Rhone with the Canal du Rhone and to the Atlantic with the Cana Lateral a la Garonne.

Carcassonne
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The citadel of Carcassonne looks like a medieval film set. The spectacular walled town is one of France's most famous national monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally a Roman settlement, then a medieval walled town, it was built between the 12th and 14th centuries and restored in the 19th century by Viollet le Duc. The River Aude and the Canal du Midi separate the citadel from the lower town.  The Narbonne Gate and Tresau tower are a must to visit in the citadel and in the lower town the Pont Vieux and Maison des Memoires, once the home of the Joe Bousquet must be seen.

Carmargue
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Wild and unspoiled, the Camargue is renowned for its extraordinary landscape and is home to the famous herds of black bulls, white horses and pink flamingos.

Ceret
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At the turn of the century this was a  simple village and the unique light there
attracted many painters; Matisse, Derain, Dufy, Picasso and Chagall. Picasso was particularly fond of Ceret and it claims to be the birthplace of Cubism.

Beziers
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Situated on a hill overlooking the Orb River, Beziers is the capital of the Languedoc wine region and home to two great Languedocian adopted traditions, English rugby and Spanish bullfighting. Located south west of Montpellier and 14kms from the Mediterranean Sea, this picturesque town is best approached by road from Carcassonne. As you cross the Pont-Neuf, the castle-like towers of Cathedrale St-Nazaire slowly come into view.  The Gothic cathedral is certainly the most recognisable symbol of Bezier.

Millau
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The world's highest road bridge - the Millau bridge over the River Tarn in the Massif Central Mountains is more than 300m (984ft) high - taller even than the country's Eiffel Tower.  Seven slender piers support the roadway, rising into seven graceful pylons bound to the bridge with what look like cobwebs of steel.

Montpellier
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The principal city of this area is known as The Oxford of France because it is home to one of the oldest universities in the country - Nostradamus was a student here.  Most of Montpellier dates from the 1622 siege during the Wars of Religion.  The old quarter of Lou Clapas (The Rubble) is a fascinating confusion of narrow streets.

Mende
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Situated on the banks of the River Lot, Mendehas stunning architecture and is one of the most beautiful French cities.  Mende's Gothic cathedral towers over the historic streets and houses.  The cathedral and the Notre Dame Bridge are not to be missed.

Narbonne
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Narbonne was founded in 118 BC as a Roman port.  It's now a city of 40,000 and a few kilometres from the sea.  The Canal de Robine - which joins the Canal du Midi - runs through the centre of the city.  It's really quite lovely.  The Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace are worth a visit.  So is the covered market, les Halles, next to the canal, which runs every day from 7 am to 1 pm.  There are also open air markets next to the canal on Tuesday and Thursday.

Nimes
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A bustling modern city that owes a lot to Roman architecture.  You could enjoy a drink in one of Nimes' many squares or even take a stroll in the Jardins de la Fontaine where you can take refuge in the shaded foliage.  It is also the most Spanish of the cities of the south with Tapas bars, bullfights and late night bars.

Perpignan
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Once the capital of the kingdom of Majorca, Perpignan has managed to preserve its Spanish heritage, which is reflected in the architecture and ambience of the town.

Pont du Gard
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France's very own piece of Italy. This famous bridge and aqueduct, a UNESCO world heritage site, is one of the most famous landmarks of France. With its three rows of arches, 275 metres long and 48 metres high, it is one of the most impressive bridges ever built by the Romans.

Sete
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Sets is located at the foot of Mont St Clair between the Basin de Thau and the Mediterranean sea.  It is a warm, colourful town and in the summer a busy town, nick named the Venice of Languedoc, because of the canals and bridges that criss cross it.  You will find excellent sea food restaurants serving fresh produce caught and landed that morning.  In July and August there are water jousting festivals.