About Languedoc

  • Pont du Diable on the Herault riverPont du Diable on the Herault river
  • CollioureCollioure
  • ArlesArles
  • VineyardsVineyards
  • Return of the fishing boats, SeteReturn of the fishing boats, Sete
  • Wine TastingWine Tasting
  • Flower MarketFlower Market
  • Catalan Barques - with Sete in the distanceCatalan Barques - with Sete in the distance

The Languedoc stretches from the Rhone Valley to the Spanish border and eastern Pyrenees, from the spectacular Massif Central mountain range, through hills and plains carpeted with vines and olive groves to the Mediterranean’s beaches and lagoons full of oyster and mussel beds. This rich diversity ensures that there is something to suit all tastes and interests.

The area is steeped in history from the Cathar Castles in the Pyrenean foothills to the Crusader towns of Aigues Mortes and Le Couvertorade. The Roman towns of Nimes, Arles, Narbonne and Avignon are all within a days drive. The medieval town of St Guilham le Desert is not to be missed for its fabulous setting and it’s famous abbey.

Swimming in the river at the mouth of the Gorges d’Herault is only a ten minute drive; canoes can be hired on the large sandy beach for breathtaking views as you paddle up the gorge. The beautiful Lake Salagou is twenty minutes away and offers safe bathing, windsurfing, sailing, pedelos, bike hire and horse riding. Sandy beaches on the coast are all within forty minutes drive. Several excellent Golf courses are available in Montpellier, Lamalou les Bains and Beziers.

The varied countryside is a walker’s paradise the footpaths are well marked, local tourist offices provide suggested itineraries to suit all levels of ability. The spectacular limestone rock formations give rise to wonderful gorges and scenery including the Cirque de Navacelles, Cirque de Moureze, Gorge d’Herault and the caves of Clamouse and Desmoiselles.

The sophisticated City of Montpellier is ahaven for shoppers with its ancient narrow streets offering everything from antiques to the best in French Haute Couture. There is an excellent range of restaurants and pavement cafes where you can enjoy being entertained by a wide range of street artists and musicians during the summer evenings. The newly inaugurated tramway system is highly efficient and avoids the need to take your car into the town centre.

Weekly street markets are held in Gignac, Clermont Herault and Pezenas and Lodeve, here you will find an unbeatable array of local produce including olives, cheeses, fruit, vegetables and colourful Provencal textiles. There are also daily markets in Montpellier and a weekly flea market on Sunday mornings.