When you think of the South of France, the Languedoc region might not instantly spring to mind. However this area is a real hidden gem. From the medieval walled city of Carcassonne to the incredible pink salt lake in Guissan, there are lots of fun things to do in Languedoc Roussillon. For a luxury South of France vacation, this is a great choice.
There are some beautiful beaches in Languedoc, yet the area is less crowded than the French Riviera. Perhaps because of this, the local people are extremely welcoming.
Things to Do in Languedoc Roussillon
The Languedoc-Roussillon region has a rich heritage, with many historic castles and natural attractions. It is part of the beautiful Occitanie region of France, which includes the regions of Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées.
Close to the Spanish border, Languedoc-Roussillon enjoys a Mediterranean climate. The name Languedoc comes from langue d’oc, meaning the language of Oc or Occitan. This dialect is still spoken by some of the region’s inhabitants.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Languedoc Roussillon.
1. Canal du Midi
Stretching for 240 kilometers in the South of France, the Canal du Midi connects the Atlantic with the Mediterranean Sea. Built in the 17th century, the waterway network was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the way it effortlessly blends with the local environment.
The canal is known for its scenic bankside that meanders from Marseillan to Toulouse. A popular departure point is at the Port of Carcassonne on Promenade du Canal. Some of the river cruises include a lunch or dinner option.
2. Carcassonne
This hilltop town is one of the best preserved medieval sites in the world. La Cité de Carcassonne, the fortified part of the town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors can wander freely around the old town of Carcassonne. We recommend taking a 2 hour walking tour of the city, where you’ll visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Nazaré and learn about the history of the Cathars.
There are many souvenir shops and courtyard restaurants such as Comte Roger.
You need to buy a ticket to enter Carcassonne Castle, or Château Comtal as it is known in French. This is one of the most beautiful castles of France, restored in the 19th century by famous architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc.
The castle and ramparts skip the line ticket is worth getting, especially in Summertime. With this ticket, you can return to the castle enclosure at any time during the day.
We recommend arriving for the opening time of 10 am if you can. As there’s a lot to see inside, try to allow at least a couple of hours.
You could start with the busiest section, near the Porte Narbonnaise. Here you have fabulous views of the surrounding countryside from the castle walls.
After lunch in one of the nearby restaurants, return to see the West Rampart. This section is one way only, so it’s important not to visit it before you’ve seen the rest of the castle.
It’s a lot less crowded than the other areas and you’ll be able to see the amphitheatre where Summer concerts are held. After visiting la Cite, head down to the lower town, known as the Bastide.
The Bastide of Carcassonne is the commercial heart of the city. Place Carnot has an impressive fountain and its cafes are popular with locals.
3. Cathar Castle Route
Languedoc Roussillon is known for its medieval hilltop castles, nestled among the Montagne Noire or Black Mountain range. Although they are often nicknamed Cathar castles, they did not actually belong to the Cathars, who simply took refuge in some of them.
In the Middle Ages, the Cathars were a religious movement who believed that the material world was evil. They were persecuted as heretics for refusing to pay tithes to the Catholic church.
Some of the finest Cathar castles are:
- Carcassonne
- Chateau des Templiers
- Lastours – not one but 4 castles: Cabaret, Quertinheux, Surdespine and Tour Régine.
- Montségur Chateau
- Puylaurens
- Peyrepertuse
- Rennes-le-Chateau
4. Gruissan
One of the most unique places to visit in Languedoc Roussillon is the salt producer, Le Salin de l’Ile Saint-Martin de Gruissan. You can book onto a guided tour of the salt factory and visit the free museum, art gallery and shop.
It sells all kinds of flavored salt, both in ready made packs and as self-service. There are also lots of local specialties like salted caramels.
Of course, the main attraction here is the salt lake itself. At certain times of the year, the water turns a startling shade of pink.
This is due to the high levels of salt in the water and the presence of minute crustaceans. Flamingos in turn feed on them, thus getting their striking pink color.
La Cambuse du Saunier is a hidden gem of a restaurant, overlooking the salt lake. Savour the freshest oysters and seafood, washed down with a glass of local wine.
The Chateau de Gruissan is another interesting landmark. Dating from medieval times, it’s a ruin today but still cuts an impressive figure.
5. Lagrasse
Named one of the most beautiful villages in France, Lagrasse has a stunning Benedictine abbey. Currently undergoing restoration, The Abbey of St. Mary of Lagrasse is curiously split into two.
The local municipality owns half the building, while monks own the rest of the monastery. Visitors can choose to see either side or both!
As you wander through the village, you’ll come across many ivy clad houses. A Michelin starred restaurant is also set to open here soon.
6. Languedoc Wine Tour
For great value rosé wines and white wines, look no further than the Languedoc region. The Grenache Blanc grape variety is used extensively in local wines such as Chateauneuf-du-Pape, as well as single varietal Grenache.
Fans of sparkling wine will enjoy Blanquette de Limoux, which was created well before Champagne. There are many good Languedoc AOP wines. This Appelation d’Origine Protégée wine must be grown in a delimited area and only include approved grape varieties.
If you’d like to learn more about Languedoc wines, an ideal way is to take a wine tour. Wendy Gedney and her team at Vin en Vacances run tours throughout the Languedoc region and elsewhere in France.
Wendy is a highly knowledgeable and engaging guide who demystifies wine tasting and makes it very enjoyable. On the Carcassonne Vineyard Tours you’ll also see some picturesque local spots along the way.
Whether you’re a wine novice or an expert, you’re sure to enjoy these fun wine tours.
7. Leucate
The sandy beaches in Leucate are among the best in the South of France. There are 8 beaches in total, spread over 18 kilometers of flat coastal plains.
La Franqui Beach is one of the most popular, with free parking and shallow water that’s ideal for children. You’ll find a few beach clubs near Leucate, such as Le Ponton Club de Plage.
In Leucate town itself, see the main square with its picturesque pastel colored houses.
8. Minerve
This little village dates from the Middle Ages and has been beautifully restored. There’s an impressive viaduct spanning the river Cesse.
The Pont Grand viaduct was used to transport water to the village. Cars are not allowed in the village, but there’s a car park close by from which you can walk into the village.
There are some charming shops selling local arts and crafts. If you’re here for lunch, try Relais Chantovent which is known for its tasty South of France cuisine.
9. Montpellier
The largest city in Languedoc Roussillon, Montpellier is the capital of the Hérault department. With a large student population, it is a bustling place.
Montpellier has several vineyards and hosts the International Vine and Wine Fair. Place de la Comédie is one of the most well known Montpellier landmarks.
The city’s main square, it is nicknamed l’Oeuf or the Egg due to its oval shape. The Fountain of the Three Graces stands at the center of the square, and dates from 1790.
10. Narbonne
This charming Languedoc town is known for its indoor market, les Halles de Narbonne, open daily from 7 am to 2 pm.
On Saturday mornings, there’s Narbonne organic market at Place du Forum. On Thursdays there’s a flower market at Les Barques and on Tuesday mornings there’s Narbonne flea market at Place Voltaire.
Cathédrale Saint-Just et Saint-Pasteur is a Gothic masterpiece dating from 1272. Although Narbonne Cathedral was never completed, it is still very impressive. The choir is one of the highest Gothic choirs in France at 40 meters.
11. Nimes
Famous for its Roman monuments, the city of Nimes is still a vibrant place today. Don’t miss the Arena of Nimes which is thought to have been built in the 1st century.
Maison Carrée is another exceptional Nimes landmark, over 2,000 years old. The temple is dedicated to Lucius and Gaius and Lucius Caesar, grandsons of the Emperor Augustus who died young.
12. Peyriac-de-Mer
This small French village is worth visiting for its lakes, which are frequently visited by pink flamingos. Peyriac de Mer is located in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional de la Narbonnaise en Méditerranée.
This regional park is known for its natural beauty. There’s a nice walk around the lakes, and even if you don’t spot flamingos there are many birds such as cormorants and egrets to admire.
13. Ribaute
Another charming village in the Aude Department, Ribaute is a great spot for wild swimming in the South of France. If you don’t fancy that, sun yourself on the rocks by the cascade.
The Gorges du Ribaute flow into the Orbieu River, passing under the historic Pont de Ribaute bridge.
14. Route du Vin Corbieres
The Languedoc region makes some of the best wine in France. Languedoc red wine in particular has great complexity.
The department of Corbieres has created the Route du Vin to showcase the wonderful Languedoc wines. The Corbieres Wine Road encompasses five themed routes: the Alaric Route, the Cathar Chateaux Route, the Cru Boutenac Route, the Lake and Sea Route and the Narbonne to Lézignan-Corbières Route.
15. Le Pont du Gard
One of the most famous landmarks in France, this Roman aqueduct spans the river Gardon close to the town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard. With three tiers, this historic bridge was built to carry water to the Roman settlement of Nemausas, which is now the city of Nimes.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pont du Gard dates from around AD 50. You can walk across the Pont du Gard or swim in the river beneath it.
Where to Stay in Languedoc Roussillon
You can rent a luxury villa in Languedoc at a very favourable rate compared to Provence. One of our favourites is La Fraissinede, a former wine store that’s now a stylish place to stay.
There are also some great hotels in Languedoc Roussillon such as this Relais & Chateau near Montpellier and this luxury hotel in the centre of Nimes. Or why not rent a Languedoc treehouse, barge or dome house for a truly unique stay!
As you can see, the charm of Languedoc Roussillon creeps up on you slowly. This large region of Southern France is well worth a visit. If you’re looking for a less crowded alternative to the Côte d’Azur, look no further!
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