Activities in Languedoc A superb climate and easy access to mountains, rivers and the sea make Languedoc an outdoor paradise.
Golf is the fastest growing activity in France, and Languedoc is probably the best region for playing with twenty excellent golf courses, which are open to residents and tourists at reasonable cost – and fine weather at no extra charge!
Canoeing in the gorges of the Herault and Gard is a major attraction for visitors to this area, and there are courses for all ages and ability levels. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you pass under the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct or the wilderness beauty of the Ardèche valley.
Visit the bullring. Pretty much, every village has one, and in Nîmes it is their passion. It is frequently the scene of young daredevils grabbing combs and ribbons from the bull’s horns before dashing to safety. The good thing is that this is typically bloodless bullfighting so bulls go home to nice food and shelter. A visit during Feria de Penticote is amazing. The feria last for 5 days on the Whitsun weekend and here in France you have your very own miniture Pamplona!
Ski year round! In winter in the Herault region, and in summer, for the hard core skiers, take a trip to the Pyrenees. | Languedoc Dining Languedoc has the highest wine production in France, offering mostly reds, but also refreshing roses and whites. The reds to sample are the “vins de pays”, which you will find to be excellent with the region’s cuisine, especially with the recent efforts to improve quality. Names to look for: Corbieres, Coteaux de Languedoc, Fitou, Grenach and Syrah.
The cuisine displays influences of Provence, Spain and North Africa, all added to its own broad personality. In the hilly regions, sausage, pates, lamb and duck prevail. Pork and duck fat are used extensively. Famous dishes are cassoulet, poularde à la Toulouse, daube languedocienne and pâté de fois gras made with truffles.
The Mediterranean provides seafood in the south. Specialties are: Bourride (fish with aïoli), Morue Catalane (cod with tomatoes and pepper) and Anchoïade (anchovies with garlic and olive oil).
Olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, onions and aromatic herbs are staples – “pink” garlic is a specialty – and eggplant is a frequent addition.
To finish a meal, there is an excellent selection of local cheeses, especially Roquefort. And for the sweet tooth, try the Crème Catalane (cream with lemon, vanilla and fennel seed). |
 Touring LanguedocLanguedoc-Roussillon is where the Pyrénées plunge into the Mediterranean. Hillside villages, sandy beaches and new yacht-port resorts coexist with mountain gorges, rivers, farmland and vineyards. Decidedly French in many ways, the Catalan heritage is nevertheless displayed everywhere from the road signs to the Sardana dance. The Spanish influence extends to bullfights, paella, and brightly painted façades.
History has left its stamp, especially Nîmes, the French Rome. Here you will find an incredible example of a Roman Coliseum. Built out of a particularly durable stone at the end of the first century AD, it stands virtually intact. “La Maison Carrée” is a Roman temple, built by the residents of Nîmes to honor the grandson and adopted son of the emperor Augustus Caesar.
There are the many squares, old narrow lanes, cafés and boutiques to explore. Or you may like to visit the indoor market at Les Halles. The Féria de Nîmes is one of Europe’s best festivals, and the September Féria celebrates the grape harvest.
The lively city of Montpellier is the region's centre; its Place de la Comédie features architectural designs by the famous Hausseman. During the summer months the city plays host to highly reputed dance and music festivals. A pleasant university town, it has a relaxed lifestyle with open terraced cafés and bars.
Montpellier and Nimes certainly have it all. See a Bullfight in Nimes, explore the Roman remains in Nimes that have dubbed it France's Rome. The Montpellier Esplanade is a lovely tree lined promenade, ideal for a stroll. France's fastest growing sport is golf, and golfing in Languedoc is brilliant! The area touts a grand 20 courses! The many rivers create fabulous rafting and canoeing in Herault. Your villa in Languedoc can give you the holiday of your dreams and our Languedoc Tourist Information Guide can help get you there! |
