From the peaks of the Pyrenees mountains and the Cevennes national park to the wide open spaces of the Camargue and the Mediterranean coastline of the Golfe-du-Lion, where Phoenician fleets and Roman galleys once made landfall, every square meter of the Languedoc-Roussillon region bears the imprints of the many civilizations that have come and gone in the long history of this hallowed region.
Today the ancient and the modern co-exist side by side. Fortunately, the modern seldom impinges upon the architectural heritage of Languedoc-Roussillon. Memorable places like the Gorges du Tarn, Gorges de l'Aude, Gorges de l'Herault, Gorges de la Cèze and the creeks and caves of the Cote Vermeille preserve their ancient villages intact. (image: The Pont du Gard - Roman aqueduct )
Lose yourself in the ambiance of the Middle Ages when visiting the beautiful Romanesque abbeys of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Fontfroide, Saint-Hilaire, Saint-Martin-du-Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa, or stand at the gates of the walled cities of the Cathars or Aigues-Mortes and Carcassonne and be transported back in time. Other wonders of the region include 18th century shady mansions of Montpellier, Uzès, Pézenas and Beaucaire, or cruising along the Canal du Midi.
Local accommodation ranges from five star hotels to sparse, yet safe, camping sites.
Beyond typical tourist sightseeing, even the smallest villages feature re-enactment of battles of the "boules" during long summer nights.
Montpellier and Carcassonne are great "base camps" when exploring this region.
Montpellier
The city of Montpellier, France is the capital of the Languedoc-Rousillon region. A smaller city (8th largest in France) with a huge student population. While inland, Montpellier is just a stones throw from the Mediterranean sea and many wonderful beaches.
Chateau d'Eau in Montpellier
The old-city of Montpellier is steeped with history and makes for a wonderful shopping excursion. The old-city is primarily a pedestrian only zone filled with boutiques, restaurants and pubs.
Be sure and visit the Place de la Comedie on your visit, Montpellier's main town square.
Rail from Paris to Montpellier departs from Paris Gare Lyon. The trip from Paris to Montpellier last about three and a half hours.
Languedoc-Roussillon Map
