Languedoc-Roussillon

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Languedoc was once independent of France speaking a separate language – the langue d’oc, while Roussillon was Spanish until the mid 17th century, and the Catalan heritage is still evident.

Although the effect of modernisation is bringing Languedoc-Roussillon more into line with the rest of France, the area still strikes the visitor as being distinctly different. Medieval fantasies exist everywhere in the shape of small towns, walled cities and ruined fortresses bearing the memory of past bloody religious battles.

Inland, the countryside torched by the heat, is wild and untamed, although fertile enough to support the rounded red wines of Minervois and Corbières.

Aude

Narbonne has tree lined walks and is steeped in Roman history Carcassonne – the finest medieval walled city Castelnaudary is capital of the bean stew cassoulet

Gard

The Pont du Gard is France’s most impressive Roman monument Nîmes’ Roman arena is still in use and the Maison Carrée is classic architecture Uzès is an unspoilt renaissance town

Hérault

Sunseeker resorts including the famous Cap d’Agde Languedoc traditions continue with the water jousting in Sète Montpellier buzzes with students and discerning touri

Lozère

The Parc National des Cévennes mixes stunning landscapes and great walks Mende’s cathedral was built by a local boy who became Pope From the Tarn Gorges to the arid limestone plateaux, Lozère is outdoor country

Pyrénées-Orientales

Sandy resorts include the popular Canet en Roussillon and Argelès sur Mer Perpignan has a Spanish feel and Catalan is spoken every day Céret was a centre for the Cubist movement reflected in the local museum collection

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