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.