Languedoc - Roussillon, the French South at its finest. French region Languedoc-Roussillon Languedoc Roussillon

Languedoc-Roussillon is an old region in the south of France. Its entire territory is divided into three zones. Where the terrain is hilly, vineyards line the foothills of the Pyrenees and Massif Central: Minervois, Saint-Chinyan and Faugères, as well as Banyuls, Corbières, part of the Coteaux du Languedoc and the western part of Fitou. In the south and southwest of the region, large areas are occupied by a mountain system that forms the natural border of the French region with Spain and Andorra. The flat region contains most of the Coteaux du Languedoc, part of Corbières and the coastal region of Fitou. Finally, the region of Cabardes, Malper and Limoux belongs to the “Atlantic Corridor”, which is under significant influence.
In the Languedoc-Roussillon region there are about two dozen relatively large rivers, seemingly peaceful and quiet, but after heavy rain they form rapid streams, and during periods of drought they dry up completely. River sediments formed the topography of the entire flat part of Languedoc-Roussillon.
It is home to the warmest region of France, with hot, dry summers and warm, wet winters. It rains infrequently, but in the form of downpours, and it is almost impossible to predict them. There is a wide variety of winds here: the arid mistral and tramontane blow from the coast, sea breezes reduce the air temperature.
In these climatic conditions, grapes and olives became the most common crops.
The remains of Totavel man, a subspecies of Homo erectus, found here suggest that the first people lived in this area no later than 450 thousand years ago. The found subspecies is one of the oldest in Europe.
8 period 7500-1500 BC. e. Tribes of Ligurians and Iberians lived here, later displaced by the Celts. In the ancient period - 600-500 BC. e. - Phoenician colonies appeared on the coast, followed by Greek colonies. In the 60s BC. e. The era of Ancient Rome began in Languedoc, large trading and port cities grew here, and the Roman province of Narbonese Gaul was created. From those times, roads, canals and aqueducts have been preserved here to this day. This territory is noticeably different from other Roman provinces in that it managed to survive the first waves of invasion by Germanic tribes and even retained governance and culture. But in 300-500, tribes of Vandals and Visigoths invaded here, destroying many cities.
Around 720, the lands of Languedoc were occupied by the Saracens, until 865, when this region came completely under the rule of Catalonia. Wars followed one after another, and Languedoc turned into a theater of military operations for a fertile stretch of the Mediterranean coast.
In the second half of the 9th century. The County of Toulouse arose on the territory of Languedoc. In the X-XI centuries. it was the largest feudal state of Southern France, distinguished from other parts of France by a high level of economic development caused by the early development of crafts and trade, as well as the prosperity of the independent cities of Nîmes, Béziers, Narbonne, Montpellier, which preserved the republican structure almost from ancient times.
The development of sciences and arts caused the emergence of several Christian heretical movements, followed by religious wars, as a result of which in the 13th century. most of these territories were annexed to France.
Then the current name of the region appears. To distinguish this land from northern French Languedoille, it was called "Languedoc". It literally means "the language of ok", where "ok" is the southern French pronunciation of the particle "yes", as opposed to the northern French "oil" (later "oui").
Because of this linguistic phenomenon, Languedoc is usually understood to mean the entire area of ​​distribution of dialects of the Occitan (Provençal) language, or the entire southern part of what is now France.
Part of the region was originally called Ruscino: this name was given to it by the Romans, and it came from the center of settlement of the Sardon tribe who once lived here. Later - in the language of the Franks - the name was transformed into Roussillon.
Languedoc-Roussillon is the main viticulture and winemaking region, producing more than 40% of all French wines and a third of all grapes. Because of this, the region is called “vin du lac”, or “wine lake” in France. The province has been making wine for more than 2 thousand years, offering a high-quality and inexpensive product, and collectible drinks reach exorbitant prices.
Olives are still grown here as in the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Languedoc-Roussillon is famous for its lavender and rare varieties of sheep and goat cheese. The lagoon lake Etang de Tau is the second largest lake in France and is not only a famous tourist attraction, but also a breeding ground for oysters and mussels. The city of Sete is the main fishing port of the region, where the fishing industry has always been one of the most important. And another ancient branch of the economy, dating back to Roman times, is the extraction of salt from sea water in coastal lagoons.
The unique complex of agriculture in the region would not have been possible without the Languedoc Canal du Midi, or South Canal, 240 km long, connecting with the Garonne Canal, which goes to. The canal was dug under King Louis XIV in the 17th century. and in 1996 it was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was through this canal that wheat from Languedoc-Roussillon reached the north of France, from where it was traded with all of Europe.
Modern Languedoc-Roussillon is also home to the aerospace, electronics and biotechnology industries, with enterprises concentrated in Montpellier.
Languedoc-Roussillon is a historical region inhabited by the Provencals, or Occitans. In the 9th century. this ethnic group represented an entire nation, and until the 16th century. Provencals were the name given to the inhabitants of all southern France. Today, the Provençal language is spoken only in villages, and even then not in many, but the “Provençal spirit” - love of freedom and pride in the ancient history of the native land is alive everywhere.
From time to time, a social movement for the revival of the Provençal language and literature makes itself felt.
Languedoc-Roussillon is a land of countless monuments of the past. Its small towns are famous for the buildings of pre-Roman and Roman culture: amphitheaters, triumphal arches, aqueducts.
The most famous cities of Languedoc are Montpellier and Nîmes.
The historical sights of Carcassonne are concentrated in the Upper and Lower towns. In the Upper Town stands the Narbonne Gate with 13th-century buttresses leading to the fortress; the Cathedral of St. Nazarius - a Romanesque building of the 11th century, standing on a foundation whose age is lost in the centuries; and a castle of the 12th-13th centuries. noble family Trancavel - former owners of Carcassonne. The Old Bridge of the 14th century has been preserved in the Lower Town.
Beziers is one of the oldest cities in France: it was founded back in the 7th century BC. e. The main attraction of Beziers is the Cathedral of St. Nazarius in the Romanesque style, built in the 13th century. The uniqueness of this city is also that every year the Feria festival takes place here, reminiscent of the Spanish bullfight.
Perpignan occupies a special place, if only because it was once the capital of an entire state - Catalonia, until it was ceded to France by the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. Perpignan is the capital of the Eastern Pyrenees department, which remains a kind of Spanish enclave in France. Many Spaniards and Catalans live here, who have preserved their original culture.
No less famous are the Languedoc cities of Montpellier - with the first botanical garden in France, Jardin des Plantes, founded in 1593, and Nîmes, where stands the Pont du Gard, or Gard Bridge (1st century), the highest surviving ancient Roman three-tier aqueduct : length 275 m, height 47 m.
Languedoc-Roussillon is also one of the most popular resort areas in all of Europe. Cap d'Ag, Palava-les-Flos, La Gros-du-Roi - all these exotic names are the names of tiny fishing villages that at the beginning of the 20th century turned into fashionable resorts.

general information

Location: Western Europe.
Administrative division: departments of Aude, Hérault, Gard, Lozère, Eastern Pyrenees.
Administrative center: Montpellier. 253,998 people (2008).
Languages: French - up to 90%, Catalan, Provençal.
Ethnic composition: French - ok. 90%, others - 10% (including Algerians, Moroccans, Portuguese, Catalans, Spaniards).
Religions: Catholicism (majority), Protestantism, Islam, atheism.
Currency unit: Euro.
Large settlements: Montpellier - 253,998 people. (2008), Nimes - 140,267 people. (2008), Perpignan - 120,100 people. (2009), Beziers - 71,672 people. (2008).
Largest rivers: Rona, Gar, Ero, Od, Orb, Tarn.
The most important port: Set.
Major airports: international airports Montpellier-Méditerrane, Nîmes-Alès-Cémargues-Cévennes (Nîmes-Tharon).
External boundaries: French regions Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur - in the east and southeast, Rhône-Alpes - in the east, Auvergne - in the north, Southern Pyrenees - in the west, Andorra - in the west, Spain - in the south, Mediterranean Sea - in the east.

Numbers

Area: 27,376 km2.
Population: 2,610,890 people (2009).
Population density: 95.4 people/km2 (150-300 people/km2 in cities and on the Mediterranean coast, 7.4 people/km2 in mountainous areas).
Highest point: Peak Carlit, 2921 m (Pyrenees-Orientales department).

Economy

Minerals: coal, bauxite.
Industry: mechanical engineering, metalworking, oil refining, high technology, pharmaceutical, chemical, light (textile), food.
Agriculture: viticulture, fruits, vegetables, animal husbandry (cattle breeding).
Winemaking.
Fishing.
Service sector: tourism, trade.

Climate and weather

Mediterranean.
Average January temperature:+8°С
Average temperature in July:+25°С.
Average annual precipitation: 750 mm - in the east, 450 mm - in the west, 400 mm - on the Mediterranean coast, in the south, 1200 mm - in the foothills, in the north.

Attractions

■ City of Montpellier: Aragon Palace (XIII century), Jardin des Plantes Botanical Garden (XVI century), Promenade du Peyroux gardens, Montpellier Cathedral (XIV-XIX centuries), La Comedie Square;
■ City of Perpignan: Fort La Castillet (XIV century), Saint-Gen Cathedral (XIV-XVI centuries), Church of St. Mary (XVI century), railway station building, Rigaud Museum, Collioure Castle (XIII century), La Park -Miranda;
■ City of Nimes: Pont du Gard, or Garsky aqueduct bridge (1st century), Les Arenes amphitheater (1st century AD), Temple of Diana (2nd century AD), Notre Dame Cathedral -Saint-Castor (XVI century). public garden Jardin de la Fontaine (XVIII century);
■ City of Beziers: Pont Neuf bridge, Saint-Nazaire Cathedral (XIII-XVII centuries);
■ City of Narbonne: Roman ruins of Orreum, Gothic cathedral of Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur, Archbishop's Palace, Marchand Bridge, Notre-Dame de Lamourgie church;
■ City of Carcassonne: St. Nazarius Cathedral (XI century), Trancaveley Castle (XII-XIII centuries), Bastide Saint-Louis fortress (XIII century), Narbonne Gate (XIII century), Old Bridge (XIV century), embankment River Aude (XVII century). fountain "Neptune" (XVIII century), Palace of Justice (XIX century);
■ City of Sete: Fort Saint-Pierre (XVII century);
■ City of Albi: museum of the artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, La Berbier castle (XIII century), Gothic Cathedral of Saint-Cecile (XIII century);
■ City of Kord: underground tunnels of the Albigenses, wooden mansions (XII-XIV centuries);
■ City of Aigues-Mortes: fortress (XIII century), salt fields;
■ City of Agde: houses made of black volcanic stone.
■ Regional Natural Park of Haut-Languedoc.
■ Seven National Park.
■ Reserve (Rhone delta): relict semi-steppe natural complexes.
■ Lake-lagoon Etang de To: oyster cages.
■ Canal du Midi (Languedoc, or Southern, Canal).
■ Resorts Cap d'Ag, Palava-les-Flos, La Gros-du-Roi, La Grande-Motte, Valras, Saint-Pierre, Narbonne-Plage;
■ Tarn River Gorge.

Curious facts

■ Languedoc-Roussillon are actually two very different areas combined into one region. In Languedoc, Provençal traditions are still alive today, while in Roussillon, which was under Spanish rule for a long time, Catalan culture has been preserved. For example, in Roussillon it is customary to paint houses in different bright colors.
■ The symbol of the city of Nîmes is the ancient Roman amphitheater Les Arenes (1st century AD), considered one of the best preserved Roman arenas in the world. Built for gladiator fights, it accommodated more than 20 thousand spectators. This structure is still used for bullfighting: Nîmes is considered the main European bullfighting center outside Spain.

The joyful and welcoming region of Languedoc-Roussillon is located in the south of France, bounded by the Massif Central to the north and the Pyrenees to the south. Its shores are washed by the Mediterranean Sea, there are many resorts with wonderful sandy beaches. In the small towns of the region, the historical heritage has been carefully preserved: castles, cathedrals, palaces and mansions of the French aristocracy. This is one of the largest wine-growing regions in the world. Wine production here began in the 3rd century BC. The vineyards cover an area of ​​approximately 400 thousand hectares.

It’s easy to guess from the double name that these were previously two different regions: Languedoc and Roussillon. And although politics and commerce have woven them together, they have remained distinct in terms of geography and culture.

The region is only three hours away from Paris by high-speed TGV train.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is able to surprise tourists with its lively fabulous paintings. Numerous defensive towers and jagged ancient defensive walls are stunning in their grandeur. This medieval city fortification is incredibly well preserved and well worth a look. The castle was built on a wide hill 148 meters high; for the Middle Ages it was an advantageous strategic location. Carcassonne has an elliptical shape and is surrounded by a double chain of thick defensive walls with 54 towers. The fortifications, partly dating back to the French Gothic period, were erected during the reign of Louis IX, in 1250, and under Philip Bald, in 1280. Every July, Carcassonne invites tourists to an unforgettable

Montpellier

Montpellier is the main tourist center of the region. It is located near the Lez River, in its valley. The city is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by 10 kilometers. It is the administrative center of Occitania. Here nature has created ideal conditions for growing grapes. Travelers are attracted by the elegant buildings, grand squares and mild Mediterranean climate. There are many universities in this vibrant city. In the 13th century it belonged to the kings of Aragon, and in the 16th century it was the capital of the Huguenots; today it is the center of French culture. There are art galleries and museums here. The city's main museum, Fabray, houses an exceptional collection of works by Italian, Dutch and French painters from the Renaissance to modern times. A walk through the narrow streets of Montpellier will allow you to admire medieval houses. The most suitable area for a leisurely walking tour is Esplanade Charles de Gaulle in the east of the Old Town.

Céret

The town of Céré is a 32 km drive south-west of Perpignan in the delightful countryside of the Pyrenees foothills. This is a city of artists. At the beginning of the twentieth century, at the invitation of the sculptor from Catalonia Manolo and the composer Deodat de Severac, many famous painters moved to Céret, which has since turned into a creative settlement. Here, the Museum of Modern Art houses a surprisingly rich and magnificent collection of works by modern masters for a small town: Matisse, Chagall, Maillol, Dali, Manolo, Picasso and Tàpies.

Narbonne

This is a former important port of the Roman Empire, and now a small seaside town. A special attraction of Narbonne is the central square surrounded by majestic buildings. A magnificent collection of paintings, enamels, furniture and ceramics is exhibited at the Museum of Arts and History, which is housed in the 13th-14th century archbishop's palace. The Museum of Archeology is also located there, where classical, prehistoric and medieval exhibits are kept. Worth visiting are the Old and New Palaces of the 12th and 14th centuries, the impressive structure of the Saint-Just Cathedral, built in 1272-1332, which represents northern French Gothic architecture. Tourists will hear the magnificent singing of a choir under its arches and see a stained glass window from the 14th century. The building of the Saint-Paul-Serge Church of the 12th century, erected in the early Gothic style, is located in the southwestern part of the city.

Amélie les Bains

The resort town, which is located in a picturesque valley, owes its name to the wife of King Louis Philippe. Even the ancient Romans noted the value of mineral water from a local natural spring. Among the attractions you should visit are the ruins of ancient Roman baths and a 10th century church. Every August, an international folklore festival of music and dance of the peoples of the world takes place here.

Arles-sur-Tech

This is a small picturesque ancient town near the peak of Puig de l'Estelle, on the territory of which is Sainte-Marie, founded in the 8th century. Over time, a city appeared around it. In the abbey church you can see ancient sarcophagi, the oldest of which dates back to the 4th century century. The early Gothic monastery of the 13th century looks beautiful and elegant. The parish church building near the abbey impresses with its tower and rich interior decoration. It is worth taking a walk to the De la Fou gorge and enjoying the stunning natural views.

Abbey of Saint Martin du Canigou

The picturesque location and long history of the monastery of St. Martin attract tourists here. It looks like a fortress and was built over an abyss at an altitude of 2785 meters - on the top of a sheer cliff. The stunning landscapes and the historic monastery church delight visitors. This Romanesque abbey is famous for its 11th-century monastery. The view from the top of the hill allows you to calmly contemplate the beauty of the Languedoc-Roussillon province.

Prades

This small but picturesque town is located in the Teth Valley, near the foot of Le Canigou mountain. It is only 44 km away from Perpignan. Prades is located within the Catalan Regional Natural Park. This city is culturally linked to neighboring Catalonia. The border with Spain is guarded by a fortress on Mount Mont-Louis, its author is the great architect Vauban. The Gothic Cathedral of St. Pierre stands out among other attractions with its Romanesque tower and paintings by 17th-century Catalan artist Leo Polge. The famous cellist Pablo Casals (1876-1973) lived here in exile. In his honor, a chamber music festival is held annually in Prada from July to August.

Aigues-Mortes

The historical city is known for its fortifications, which were built during the Middle Ages. It is adjacent to the territory of the Camargue nature reserve. It is surrounded by a rectangle of huge city walls, which have 15 towers and 10 gates. An architectural feature of Aigues-Mortes is its wide streets, which helped repel attacks. The best view of the city opens from its walls, and the narrow streets of the old city will help you plunge into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Aigues-Mortes is one of the most impressive cities in the Languedoc-Roussillon province.

Languedoc-Roussillon is one of the most colorful regions of France, carefully preserving its centuries-old traditions and rapidly developing as one of the modern seaside resorts. It is located on the very coast of the Mediterranean Sea next to the picturesque Provence and the mountainous region of the Midi-Pyrenees.

To visit here means to touch more than a thousand years of history, admire the incredible natural diversity, soak up the bright rays of the Mediterranean sun, enjoy real culinary masterpieces, and taste the best French wines.

Story

Surprisingly, such a region, rich in recreational opportunities, architectural heritage and unique cultural traditions, has been deprived of the attention of tourists for quite a long time. Initially, only lovers of educational recreation came to Languedoc, and only in the second half of the 20th century they seriously began to develop the resort infrastructure, trying to turn the local coastline, which has a specific beauty, into a new French Riviera. As a result, several large, fairly developed resorts have appeared, where the best conditions have been created for an unforgettable holiday with all kinds of entertainment, picturesque natural landscapes and interesting cultural and entertainment events.

Languedoc-Roussillon region

Beaches and resorts

Probably, the resort of Gruissan can be confidently called one of the most beautiful and unusual in the region. The fact is that it, and also Cap d'Aj, arose at the very foot of a volcano that has fallen asleep forever. Small private villas and cozy family-type boarding houses are located simply on the slopes of the mountains. But large hotel complexes with developed infrastructure are located closer to the shore. Here you can engage in all types of beach sports, go out on the open sea under sail or on a luxury rented yacht, scuba dive and admire the diversity of underwater life in the Mediterranean Sea.

Moreover, guests of the resort can enjoy numerous tastings in ancient wine cellars, where they also offer world-famous French cheeses. Great attention is paid to cultural events; dance evenings in the national style are often organized, as well as folk festivities in accordance with ancient local traditions.

If the main goal of your vacation is a beach holiday and walks in nature, you can safely go to the resort of La Grande Motte. It is here that the fairly wide coastline is strewn with the finest sand, and immediately beyond it begins an incredibly beautiful hilly area, where lakes with crystal clear water occur every now and then, for example, Lake Etang de To.

If you can’t imagine your holiday without all kinds of bars, small restaurants, souvenir shops and breathtaking attractions, go to the Lekat Barkare resort. It is located in a quiet harbor where ancient villas approach the sea.

Popular hotels in Languedoc-Roussillon

Entertainment and attractions in Languedoc-Roussillon

Perpignan and Montpellier will appeal to those who like to combine relaxation with easy shopping. Here you will find a lot of shopping centers and branded boutiques, where you can buy absolutely everything from a swimsuit to an evening dress. In addition, you will find cozy restaurants overlooking the sea, modern bars and nightclubs. But Montpellier will also amaze you with its ancient architecture, cozy squares with shady alleys and numerous fountains. Here you can visit the city's museums, visit the library, opened hundreds of years ago, and also sit in the square in front of the majestic St. Peter's Cathedral.

Carcassonne

The small town of Carcassonne will forever enchant you with its historical center, securely hidden behind two impregnable walls of an ancient fortress, will amaze you with the power of the ancient fort, and will also pleasantly surprise you with its vineyards and wine collections in cool cellars. And for those who find this not enough, they are offered to watch a bullfight - a spectacle that has never left anyone indifferent.

Carcassonne

Perpignan and surroundings

It is also worth visiting such large cities in the region as, for example, Perpignan, where many ancient fortresses and cathedrals have been preserved, and in their vicinity there are villages where you can see wooden fortified houses built back in the 17th century. You should definitely visit Elna, the town of Prat de Mollo, lost in the Pyrenees mountains, the picturesque quarters of Céret, and the Romanesque abbey of Sainte-Marie, built in the 14th century in the vicinity of Arles-sur-Tèche. And be sure to visit Nîmes, the city where denim was invented and where one of the most unusual aqueducts in the world is located.

And don’t forget to visit numerous natural parks, where juniper groves border marshlands, volcanic mountains border the sea coast, and up to three hundred species of rare birds nest in picturesque river deltas, including the pink flamingo.

Refined France attracts Russian tourists like a magnet. What could be better than a country where the inhabitants are full of self-esteem, but at the same time charmingly playful, where modern neighborhoods coexist with buildings from the Roman Empire?

For most Russians, France is Paris and the Cote d'Azur. The first has a lot of interesting things, but you won’t be able to sunbathe and enjoy the sea, the second is a recognized abode of rich people. However, there are places in it where the sun and beaches are available not only to the powerful. For example, Languedoc is a province on the shores of the warm Mediterranean Sea. Here you will find nudist villages, ancient monasteries, vast vineyards, and steep mountains - everything a tourist could dream of.

Where is Languedoc?

Languedoc is a wonderful region in the south of France, on the very border with Spain. Mountains in the south, the Mediterranean Sea in the east, a mild climate and magnificent landscapes - that's what this region is all about. True, now the historical province is divided into two - Languedoc-Roussillon and the Southern Pyrenees, with the capital of the region, Toulouse, going to the second. But when a Frenchman says “Languedoc,” he certainly means this wonderful city. Although the official administrative center is Montpellier.

The province ranks eighth in size in France - more than 27 thousand square kilometers. It is quite densely populated - almost 2.7 million people live in cities and wine-growing villages, of which there are a great many here. The vineyards are irrigated with water from the Rhone and Hérault flowing here.

Centuries of Prosperity

Ancient France was divided into regions more clearly. Languedoc was part of Occitania, a vast region where they even had their own language, Occitan. It came under the power of the French crown only in the 13th century, during the era of the glorious Sun King Louis XIV. A long period of independence, its own language, customs and developed agrarian economy (from time immemorial, excellent wine has been produced here) have led to the fact that this region has always been like a “state within a state.” This is probably why, despite the proximity of the sea and the wonderful climate, they began to turn it into a resort only in the nineteenth century - at a time when the Cote d'Azur had already managed to take all the tourist glory for itself.

That is why there are fewer vacationers here, prices are lower than on the Riviera, and you can spend your vacation just as well. Resorts here still managed to grow.

Nowadays, linguistic differences have disappeared; almost no one speaks Occitan, but the residents of the region still have a strong sense of their own uniqueness. Traditionally, people here are freedom-loving. This is where far-left and far-right political movements originate, and where artists with open-minded thinking are born.

Resorts of Languedoc

Although resort areas began to be developed only a century and a half ago, coastal cities can boast of substantial size, good infrastructure and receive thousands of tourists in the summer.

If you are most interested in beaches, you should definitely go to the oldest resort in the region - La Grande Motte. The coastline with the finest sand, behind which lie picturesque hills - the place looks truly idyllic. In winter the town seems to die out, but in summer it is very crowded.

Do you want a variety of attractions, cozy gatherings in restaurants and runs through souvenir shops? Lekat-Barkare will provide you with all this. Do you want something unusual? Gruissan and Cap d'Agde, located at the foot of a dormant volcano, will satisfy your thirst.

Cap d'Agde - the capital of nudism

By the way, the latter is known for its very free morals: there is a very large nudist beach (2 kilometers of coastline), where you can expose not only your breasts - no one will pay attention if you swim and sunbathe without a scrap of fabric at all. You can also show up at the restaurant in what your mother gave birth to. For conservatives, there is also a traditional beach with swimsuits and rules of decency. It's easy to get here by high-speed train from Paris - the journey from Gare de Lyon will take about 4 hours.

This place is clearly divided into three parts - old Agde on the banks of the Hérault, where you can admire the architectural monuments; the fishing port of Grau d'Agde, very colorful; and Cap d'Agde itself - a cheerful resort on the cape. The best way to walk here is to admire the volcanic rock houses. Among the cultural impressions - the Agatua Museum, Fort Bresco, the 240-kilometer Canal du Midi.

There are a great many hotels here - about 30, but almost all are two or three stars. There are also two fours, one in the nudist area (Résidence Hôtelière Natureva-Spa from 5.5 thousand per night). “Dressed” is more expensive - Oz"inn Hôtel from 11 thousand per night, there is for 4.5 thousand - Résidence Thalacap. A room in a two-room apartment will cost 2.5-3 thousand rubles (Alhambra, Hôtel Azur), in a three-room apartment - from three thousand.

Main cities of Languedoc

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is another face of Languedoc. This small town, covering both banks of the Aude River, has no access to the sea, but it did not grow up in the last century and a half, but has been mentioned for 2000 years, even before our era. Ancient stone castles, harsh fortresses - it is good to come for a couple of days of excursions.

You can get here by train from the regional capital Montpellier. Here you will see a Gallic fortress preserved from ancient times and defensive walls - they are called the Upper City and are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. And the Museum of the Inquisition on the territory of the citadel is also very interesting - where else can you see a real guillotine and a chastity belt? And for dessert - a haunted house next door.

However, you can go here not only to get acquainted with the historical past - there are very decent five-star hotels Hotel de la Cite Carcassonne - MGallery Collection (from 11.4 thousand rubles per night) and Domaine d’Auriac (from 8.7 thousand). A room in a “four” will cost 5.5-8 thousand, a room in a “three ruble” will cost 2.8-4 thousand, and good “twos” can be found for two thousand rubles (ibis budget Carcassonne La Cité, for example).

The food here is also excellent - cassoulet dish; a visit to ancient wine cellars should certainly be included in the program of any tourist.

Montpellier

The capital of Languedoc-Roussillon, Montpellier, rises in the hills ten kilometers from the Mediterranean coast. Palm trees on the streets, many cafes with relaxed townspeople - this is a typically southern town, filled with bliss and sybaritism. Flights fly here regularly from Paris, and during the season - from other European countries.

A beach holiday is possible here - the 28th bus goes to the coast, the journey will cost about three euros, but of course you will have to walk for about 20 minutes. The location is not the most convenient, if you are only interested in a tan and gentle waves - it is better to choose another place.

But here you can have great shopping. For expensive things, go to boutiques on Rue Fochi near Place de la Comedie. For non-branded European clothing and shoes, go to the Inno and FNAK shopping centers. On Sunday, you should take the tram and take the blue line to the Mosson stop - there is an open-air flea market there. You can buy branded items much cheaper, and you can’t even tell how much vintage and cute souvenirs there are.

It's good to stroll through the narrow streets of the Aragonese quarter - the buildings of the twelfth century will seem unknown exotic to a modern city dweller. And in the Antigone quarter you can see modernist experiments. A city of contrasts, no less. A good place for walks is the botanical garden and zoo.

Every summer a jazz festival takes place here, and at the end of July there is an international dance festival.

Here you can also have a stomach celebration. The best restaurants are near the main square, Comedy. But pay attention to the many ethnic restaurants and eateries with kebabs, sandwiches, Chinese cuisine, etc. Typically French coffee shops are concentrated on Louis Blanc Street.

The most luxurious hotel in this area is the five-star Domaine de Verchant Relais & Châteaux, a night costs from 14.5 thousand rubles. Four-star hotels are more economical - 4.5-5 thousand per room (Crowne Plaza Montpellier Corum, Suite Novotel Montpellier, Hôtel Oceania Le Métropole). “Threshki” will be a little cheaper, two-star hotels are not far behind them.

Perpignan and its surroundings

The south of Languedoc is already the mountainous regions of the Pyrenees. The largest city here is Perpignan - it has many ancient buildings, and in the surrounding area there are still wooden fortresses from the seventeenth century. The towns of Prat de Molo, Elna, Nimes are also very picturesque. And in the latter they invented the famous jeans - they are called de-nim, that is, “from Nîmes.”

There are magnificent natural parks here - marshy areas, juniper groves, volcanic mountains, river deltas with many birds.

Languedoc-Roussillon on the map of France

Why go to Languedoc?

Languedoc is truly an amazing, distinctive region. Intellectuals who will enjoy exploring architectural sights and museums will feel good here, and reckless young people who are ready to drink wine and walk around naked all day, gourmets who will be delighted with the local cuisine and wines, and extreme sports enthusiasts who will be offered mountain hikes in Pyrenees. The region is not as popular as the Cote d'Azur, it is quieter and cheaper here.

A trip to Languedoc is a great way to enjoy French cuisine and fine wines, sunbathe on the beach and experience cultural monuments. You won’t spend astronomical sums like on the Riviera, but you will experience all the delights of a holiday in romantic, freedom-loving, sophisticated France.

Being a kind of socio-cultural core from which the development of the country proceeded. This is a fertile region that extends from the Rhone River delta to the border with the sultry region. 300 sunny days a year, gorgeous beaches, secluded lagoons and ancient cities protected by UNESCO as a valuable cultural heritage, made Languedoc-Roussillon in France a wonderful holiday destination and provided an almost continuous flow of tourists from different countries.

Resorts of Languedoc

Favorable climatic and natural conditions of the coast served as the starting point for the formation of a network of comfortable resorts with developed infrastructure.

Sights of Languedoc-Roussillon

A region with such a rich historical past is remarkable in itself. Thus, in its capital, Montpellier, the historical center has been perfectly preserved to this day, the architecture and cultural traditions of which deserve unconditional attention. But the most popular sites among tourists were and remain the castles of Languedoc, which are worth describing in more detail.

Peyrepertuse Castle is the ruins of a Qatari fortress located on an 800-meter steep cliff of the Pyrenees mountain system. It consists of two citadels - upper and lower, connected by a staircase. Construction of the castle began in the 11th century and since then it has become a reliable strategic site, losing its importance only in the 17th century. In 1820 it was transferred to the state and later included in the list of historical monuments. Nowadays it is an object actively visited by tourists.

Aguilar Castle is the center of the fortification concept of the Middle Ages. The castle was surrounded by two monumental walls with loopholes, which ensured the security of the fortress. It was first mentioned in historical documents in 1021. It lost its relevance as a defensive structure in 1659 with the signing of the truce between France and Spain.

The Chateau de Lunéville is a palace and park ensemble representing a “little Versailles”, which appeared in 1706 by order of Duke Leopold of Lorraine.

Castle De Florac - built in the 13th century and has had many owners throughout its existence. After the end of the religious wars, it was rebuilt and during the revolution it was used for storing and selling salt. In 1976 it was restored and became part of the Cevena National Park.