Languedoc-Roussillon Between Coast, Mountains and Heritage

Languedoc-Roussillon brings together coastline, mountains, lively cities and the landscapes of the Causses. This diversity appeals to different travel interests: medieval architecture and Roman remains sit alongside water-based activities, routes through the countryside and regional cuisine. The landscapes, sights and activities offer specific points of reference.

Coast and Bassin de Thau

The Languedoc coast stretches for 220 kilometres and also includes seaside resorts. The Bassin de Thau is the largest lagoon in Languedoc-Roussillon. Sailing, sea kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing and diving are practised on the lagoon; these activities may be seasonal. Coastal towns and water sports on the Bassin de Thau represent different focuses: the coast offers a general coastal experience, while the Bassin de Thau is the specific point of reference for the water sports mentioned. If water sports are essential to your trip, take possible seasonality into account when planning.

Architectural history and heritage

Saint-Nazaire Cathedral retains the appearance it had in the Middle Ages, including its 14th-century stained-glass windows. Ancient Roman structures can be found along the Via Domitia. In Carcassonne, the old fortified city is part of the region’s heritage. These three features represent different historical points of reference: religious architecture, Roman remains along a route and a fortified city. If you are interested in cultural history, you can follow these different periods and forms when putting together your itinerary.

Travelling between gorge, canal and mountains

You can explore the foothills of the Cévennes on foot, by donkey or on a steam train. Kayaking is possible in the Tarn Gorges; cycling along the canal is one of the regional activities on the Canal du Midi. These options differ both in landscape and in mode of transport: you can compare exploring the foothills of the Cévennes with kayaking in the gorges or cycling along the canal. As an alternative to more active pursuits, the Observatoire du Mont-Aigoual offers a viewpoint over the landscapes of Languedoc-Roussillon. The ski area in Pyrénées-Orientales and Aude offers around 200 kilometres of pistes.

Cuisine and wine

Olive oil, garlic, basil and herbs from the garrigue shape the regional cuisine. Oysters from the Bassin de Thau are considered a regional speciality. Pélardon is also associated with the cuisine of Languedoc-Roussillon. Corbières is one of the Languedoc wine appellations. The culinary experience therefore ranges from cooking ingredients to a specific oyster speciality, a cheese and a wine appellation.

If your trip depends on water sports on the Bassin de Thau, check seasonal availability for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Aude, Gard, Hérault, Lozère, Pyrénées-Orientales, Provence-Alpes-Côte D'azur, Champagne-Ardenne, Alsace

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