Languedoc-Roussillon: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
The Languedoc-Roussillon is known for its diverse landscapes with coastal sections, mountains, and vineyards. The region has a rich cultural heritage, characterized by ancient Roman settlements, medieval towns, and vibrant local traditions. Languedoc-Roussillon is famous for wine production, which includes both exquisite red wines and sparkling wines.
Table of contents
Languedoc-Roussillon - The most beautiful cities
Montpellier
The French city of Montpellier is located 10 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea. The central meeting point for locals and visitors is the Place de la Comédie in the old town. From the street cafes, you can watch the lively hustle and bustle of street performers. From there, you stroll through the narrow alleys to historic buildings. In bad weather, the Mare Nostrum Aquarium is a popular destination for the whole family. There, you can discover sharks, sea turtles, and many other marine creatures up close. A place of tranquility is the botanical garden Jardin des Plantes with its extensive green spaces and plants from around the world.
Nîmes
During a city tour of Nîmes, two sights immediately catch the eye: the amphitheater and the Maison Carrée, one of the best-preserved Roman temples and a prime example of ancient architecture. An unusual contrast to the ancient temple is the Carré d’Art, a center for contemporary art located on the opposite side of the street. Stroll through the narrow streets of the city, sample local specialties at a market, and relax in the Jardins de la Fontaine. The picturesque gardens were laid out in the 18th century around the old Temple of Diana and the Tour Magne from the Celtic era.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne in the Languedoc-Roussillon region is famous for its well-preserved city walls surrounding the old town center. The citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a remarkable insight into the Middle Ages. During a visit to the fortress La Cité, you can walk along the old wall past numerous watchtowers. Within the double walls, the Château Comtal looks back to the Gallo-Roman period with archaeological finds and a fascinating exhibition. Boutiques, restaurants, and cafés invite you to stroll through the narrow streets. Around the small town stretches a picturesque landscape with vineyards.
Perpignan
Perpignan is located in the French region of Occitanie, only about 30 km from the Spanish border, and is also Catalan-influenced. It enchants with a picturesque old town and numerous historical sights such as the El Castillet tower, the Sant Joan Baptista Cathedral, or the Palace of the Kings of Mallorca. From Perpignan, it is just a stone's throw to the magnificent beaches of the Gulf of Lion, where there are also many popular seaside resorts such as Argelès sur Mer. At the same time, the Pyrenees with their countless hiking opportunities or ski areas are also quickly accessible.
Béziers
The Pont Vieux bridge, with its 15 stone arches, is hard to miss. Since its construction in 1134, it was for a long time the only crossing of the Orb River. In the 19th century, the construction of the canal bridge followed. Among the landmarks of the city on the canal is also the Fonseranes lock staircase. From afar, you can already recognize the Cathedral of Béziers, which sits on a rock above the Orb. Inside, numerous paintings can be admired. If you are interested in contemporary art, a visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Béziers, considered an insider tip, is recommended.
Sète
Sète was the first fishing port on the Mediterranean, established by Louis XIV in 1666. Today, you can enjoy regional specialties in the city's restaurants, such as stuffed mussels and squid, oysters, or Tielle, a pie garnished with octopus. A paragliding flight offers a view over the harbor. Among several sandy beaches, you can choose your favorite spot on the Mediterranean in Sète. They all offer umbrella rentals and beach restaurants. Those who wish can set sail on a sailing trip and explore the Thau Lagoon. From the Saint-Clair hill, you have a great view over the sea.
Narbonne
From afar, the Cathedral of Narbonne can be seen, which was never completed. Nevertheless, it goes down in history with a choir height of 41 m. The altar area is used, and here there is an impressive organ. You can discover traces of the Romans on the former Via Domitia. Three square towers make the facade of the former Archbishop's Palace unmistakable. Right next to it is the Palais Neuf, where the Museum of Art and History is housed today. You can buy regional products in the market hall, which was built in Art Nouveau style in 1901. Here you will find sweet and savory delicacies.
Agde
The current center of Adge has moved 4 km inland due to increasing silting. Only the district of Cap d'Adge is still directly by the sea. Here, an artificial lagoon invites you to swim. Additionally, you can admire magnificent boats at a large marina and visit a water park. A walk through Adge makes you feel transported to the Middle Ages. The cathedral, built from black stone, stands directly by the river. It comes from the extinct volcano Mont Saint Loup, which is located near the city. A trip there is worthwhile for the magnificent view.
Languedoc-Roussillon - 5 most beautiful natural sights
Cascades of Sautadet
In Occitania in the south of France, the roaring waterfalls and swirling eddies of the Cascades of Sautadet create a unique photo opportunity. Formed over thousands of years, they lie in the riverbed of the Cèze. Its gurgling water hisses through cylindrical holes and fills huge basins and caves in a 500-meter-wide, rugged limestone mass. The name Sautadet means something like "little water jump." However, you should not jump into the holes and up to 10-meter-deep pots of the Cascades du Sautadet. Below the waterfalls, where the river becomes calmer, rocky river beaches invite you to take a refreshing swim.
Salamander Cave
The Grotte de la Salamandre is located in Méjannes-le-Clap in the south of France. It is a dripstone cave with huge stalactites, whose bizarre shapes are highlighted by colorful lights and sound effects. The tour through the Salamander Cave lasts just under an hour and is suitable for both young and old. Daring visitors rappel 50 meters down to explore the Grotte de la Salamandre in all its beauty. From the terrace of the cave, there is a beautiful view over the bushland. Nearby is the wild and romantic gorge Gorges de la Cèze.
Camargue
The Camargue in southern France is crisscrossed by vast swamps that provide a habitat for rare plants. Rice can even be cultivated here. In the wet landscape, pink flamingos search for small brine shrimps. At Salin de Giraud, you can see one of the typical salt lakes where Fleur de Sel is harvested. If you want to swim in the Camargue, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is recommended. The romantic fishing village offers a kilometer-long sandy beach. A ride in the surf is guaranteed to be unforgettable. The beaches of the Camargue stretch from Piemanson along the coast to Palavas. Wind and kite surfing, kayaking, and fishing are popular leisure activities.
Cévennes National Park
In the Cévennes National Park, you will find a unique flora and fauna. More than 40 species of orchids can be found here. In the high-altitude forest areas, you can walk through beech, oak, and pine forests. The valleys are characterized by chestnut, olive, and almond trees. In the narrow valleys, powerful slate rock walls have been shaped by streams and rivers. The Cévennes National Park is ideal for an active holiday. 3,500 kilometers of trails lead through the nature paradise. Among the famous routes is the Stevenson Tour, named after the Scottish writer. He once crossed the Cévennes massif with a donkey. Unique are the dripstone caves Aven Armand, Bramabiau, and Dargilan.
Pyrenees
Around 200 peaks of the Pyrenees rise above 3,000 meters in height. Impressive natural beauty awaits the hiker in the three national parks. Tours in the French Pyrenees National Park lead to magnificent viewpoints, foaming waterfalls, and secluded villages. By car, you can reach the lakes of the Massif du Néouvielle in the eastern part of the park. A must is the cable car ride to the Pic du Midi from the ski resort La Mongie. The view from 2,800 meters high of the surrounding, partly glaciated 3,000-meter peaks is spectacular. Strong nerves are needed during a one-hour ride on the narrow-gauge railway at 2,000 meters through the Vallée D’Ossau.
Languedoc-Roussillon - Climate
The following graph shows the average weather conditions for the country. Historical weather conditions may vary by region.