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Your holiday in Languedoc
The world’s largest single wine-producing area, Languedoc is a vast landscape of undulating hills and sweeping plains, scattered with lush vineyards. Stretching from the peaks of the Pyrenees to the Camargue and the Côte d’Azur, this region offers incredible scenery, architecturally-rich towns and cities, and miles of beautiful sandy coastline. Here you can enjoy a different side to the south of France; one of peaceful broad beaches and laid-back coastal resorts – a world away from the hustle and bustle of glamorous St Tropez and Cannes to the east. If you want to combine time spent relaxing on the beach with a fascinating cultural experience enjoying southern France from a different perspective, Languedoc is the place for you.
Local cuisine
Languedoc is known for its diverse range of local cuisine that will satisfy a variety of tastes. Many dishes typical of the region are based on garlic and olive oil, often making use of produce local to the region. Well known dishes typical of the Languedoc include different varieties of soup, Ollada (a type of beef stew), and of course, Cassoulet, which usually includes haricot beans, sausage, and confit of duck or goose. Responsible for around a third of France’s total wine production, Languedoc-Roussillon offers plenty of great vintages to enjoy with your meal. Some of the best known wines include Corbières, Côtes du Rhône, and Tavel, whilst the Languedoc plains also produce excellent muscatels, and the sparkling wine Crémant de Limoux originates from the town of Limoux to the west of the region.
Outdoor pursuits
The beautiful countryside of Languedoc is wonderfully diverse, ranging from mountain ranges such as the Pyrenees and Cevennes, to lush hillsides covered in vineyards or woodland. If you enjoy walking, or simply want to take in some spectacular scenery, the dramatic Gorges du Tarn are well worth a visit. Rising in the Cevennes Mountains to the west of the region, the River Tarn cuts a steep-sided gorge through limestone plateau. The sides of the gorge are covered in woodland, creating a lush, scenic landscape. The river itself is popular with those who enjoy canoeing. Also within the Tarn region is the spectacular Millau viaduct – the tallest road bridge in the world. One of the masts is 1125 feet high – taller than the Eiffel Tower! The bridge forms part of the Autoroute between Paris and Béziers, and offers spectacular views over the beautiful surrounding valleys and hills.
On the beach
The beaches in the Languedoc region are generally much larger and sandier than those further east along the Côte d’Azur. The coastline is predominantly flat with many beaches backed by sand dunes. Many of the best beaches are located off the beaten track, including the huge sandy beach of Espiguette – one of the longest in France. Here you will find a desert-like landscape of dunes and cacti, as well as crystal clear water, and a peaceful atmosphere. La Franqui is a two-sided strip of beach that is set between the Mediterranean coast and an inland lagoon. This rural beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the sunshine, rural in character with a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. This stretch of coastline is quite windy and is therefore very popular with windsurfers.
Discover local charm
There’s plenty of local culture and charm to be enjoyed in the Languedoc region, ideal for those looking for an insight into the traditional French way of life. The best time to soak up the atmosphere is during one of the many fascinating festivals and events that take place throughout the year, particularly over the summer months. The coastal town of Sète enjoys its fair share of events, including a water jousting festival each August. Set on the Grand Canal that runs through the town, two opposing teams with gondola-style boats face each other and try to knock members of the other side off their boats – providing a great spectacle for those watching! Sète also hosts a two week music festival – the Fiesta de Sète – during late July and early August. One of Languedoc’s most spectacular festivals is La Feria de Béziers held in August, which features fireworks, street entertainment, a wine festival, and more.
Getting to Languedoc
We offer a great choice of flights to Montpellier, Toulouse, and Beziers airports in Languedoc. Take a look at the transfer time listed on your chosen accommodation page to see the closest airport.We also offer a self drive option for guests staying at our villas in , via ferry or Eurotunnel crossings from the UK to France.
James recommends
- Take a day and tour some of the fabulous vineyards of the region and take back some produce to try at home.
- Head for the fascinating medieval town of Carcassonne for a day and marvel at the historic buildings.
- Take some French bread, cheese and chilled white wine, and head for Sete beach for the day, and sample Languedoc at its best.
- For the adventurous, head down the coast to the Spanish border and visit any of the lovely traditional fishing ports such as Collioure, where Picasso spent his days painting.
- Visit Montpellier and try Southern French city life and shopping first hand.
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