Visitors to the Languedoc enjoy the beaches, the history of the region, the St Chinian and Faugeres appellation controlled wine, sports – both water and inland and the cultured way of life of both the city of Montpellier and town of Beziers.
Click here for a map of attractions in the area
Montpellier is the capital of Herault, and was a market town in the 10th century. By the 13th century it was second in size only to Paris, and now enjoys both classical and avant - garde architecture, Opera Berlioz in place de la Comedie and a wonderful array of museums galleries and shops.
Beziers sits on a bend on the River Orb and has been populated for 6,500 years. Greeks, Romans and Visigoths have all played their parts in shaping the city. Probably its most famous resident is Pierre Paul Riquet who built the famous Canal du Midi in the 17th century, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. The famous 9 locks are well worth a visit, as is the famous Spanish “corrida”, with a 4 day festival or “feria” in mid August. The impressive towers of the Cathedral St Nazaire dominate the skyline, providing a wonderful view of the river and the surrounding countryside. The shops and boutiques in the old town and the Friday fruit and craft market are certainly places to visit.
Carcassonne - This medieval fortified city with ramparts and an old moat is a wonderful town to visit, with theatrical productions held in the old fort in the summer, and wonderful shops and restaurants open all year round.
Roquebrun – A village of note, clinging to the hillside beneath the ruins of a medieval tower. The Jardin Mediterranean takes advantage of the local microclimate with a collection of exotic plants from around the world, and the Mimosa festival in winter carpets the valley with sunshine yellow. The river Orb gracefully flows along the village boundary.
Sports – Beziers has a successful rugby team and a great stadium. Canoeing, horse riding, golf (19 courses), barging and hiking are all popular in the Languedoc. The Tour de France regularly passes through the region and many cycling clubs are based locally. Water sports abound on the Mediterranean, and jet-ski, pedaloes, sailing, swimming and fishing are all easy to arrange.
Beaches – There are 65 miles of beaches in the department of Herault, and whatever one’s view of leisure or pleasure, all tastes can be satisfied.
Sete is famous for the summer jousting contest, culminating in a final on the 14th July, and naturists enjoy the beach nearby. Agde is popular for the nightlife, the river and sea-going tours. Narbonne has 6 miles of uninterrupted golden sand with family friendly beaches, and ornithologists flock to the nearby beach to see the wildlife. Valras Plage has wonderful seafood restaurants and a firework display on the 14th July that is well worth a visit
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