Discover Languedoc-Roussillon: A Mediterranean Gem

The Languedoc-Roussillon region in Southern France is a hidden gem with a Mediterranean flair and a rich cultural history. Its mild climate and picturesque coastline make it an ideal holiday spot.

Stretching from the Rhône River to the Pyrenees Mountains, the region's landscape is dotted with rocky gorges, lush orchards, and historic villages perched on hilltops. Romantic ruins and castles add to the area's allure.

Highlights include the fairy-tale city of Carcassonne, the vibrant Montpellier, and the warm town of Perpignan. Seaside resorts like Cap d'Agde and Port-Camargue offer sandy beaches without the crowds of the French Riviera. The "Les Troubadours" festival celebrates the region's unique heritage with medieval music performances.

For more attractions, see our list of top sights in Languedoc-Roussillon.

See also: Where to Stay in Languedoc

1. Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a stunning medieval fortified city, the Cité de Carcassonne, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore its maze-like cobblestone streets and historic landmarks like the Basilique Saint-Nazaire and the Château Comtal. The double-walled ramparts with 52 towers offer breathtaking views and a walk along the Promenade des Lices is a must. The lower town, the Ville Basse, also has its charm with shops and cafes. Carcassonne hosts cultural events and a spectacular Bastille Day fireworks display.

2. Montpellier

Montpellier is known for its elegant architecture, grand squares, and cultural scene. The Musée Fabre boasts a collection of European masterpieces. The city's historic center offers delightful walks through medieval streets and the Promenade du Peyrou offers stunning views.

3. Perpignan

Perpignan, close to the Spanish border, has a Spanish influence and features like Le Castillet and the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste. The town is a gateway to the Pyrenees and Spain's Catalonia region.

4. Nîmes

Nîmes is a city with a rich Roman heritage, including the well-preserved Arènes de Nîmes and the Maison Carrée. The Jardins de la Fontaine are a neoclassical marvel, and the Musée de la Romanité showcases the city's ancient history. Nearby, the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard is an engineering wonder.

5. Narbonne

Narbonne, once a significant Roman port, is now a lively city with attractions like the Palais des Archevêques and the Cathédrale Saint-Just et Saint-Pasteur. The nearby Abbaye de Fontfroide is a serene Cistercian abbey worth visiting.

6. Uzès

Uzès charms visitors with its medieval ambiance and the leafy Place aux Herbes, where a market takes place on Saturdays.

7. Aigues-Mortes

Aigues-Mortes is a medieval town with intact fortifications. The Salin d'Aigues-Mortes offers insights into traditional sea salt harvesting.

8. Saint-Gilles du Gard

Saint-Gilles du Gard is known for its UNESCO-listed abbey church, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture.

9. Béziers

Béziers is a historic town with notable churches and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which houses a collection of 19th-century paintings.

10. Villefranche-de-Conflent

Villefranche-de-Conflent, a "Most Beautiful Village of France," is a medieval fortified town with a UNESCO-listed citadel.

11. Sète

Sète is a port town known for its canals and the annual Jazz à Sète festival.

12. Céret

Céret, an artists' town, is home to the Musée d'Art Moderne with works by famous modern artists.

13. Amélie les Bains

Amélie les Bains is a spa town with Roman baths and hosts an International Folklore Festival.

14. Arles-sur-Tech

Arles-sur-Tech is a quaint town with a Carolingian abbey and a Romanesque church.

15. Saint Martin-du-Canigou

Saint Martin-du-Canigou is a village with an 11th-century abbey set against the backdrop of Le Canigou mountain.

16. Cap d'Agde

Cap d'Agde is a beach resort with modern amenities and the historic town of Vieux Agde nearby.

17. Prades

Prades is a picturesque village at the base of Le Canigou, known for the Festival Pablo Casals.

18. Cerbère

Cerbère is a coastal village near the Spanish border with a protected beach and scenic waterfront.

Where to Stay in the Languedoc for Sightseeing

For sightseeing, Beziers, Montpellier, and Nimes are great bases. Cap d'Agde offers beachside accommodations. There are luxury, mid-range, and budget hotels throughout the region.

Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to the Languedoc-Roussillon Region

To fully experience Languedoc-Roussillon's historic towns, consider guided tours. Popular tours in Carcassonne and Montpellier are led by expert guides, offering insights into the area's rich past.