Languedoc |
Endless miles of sandy beaches line the sunny Languedoc-Roussillon coastline in the south of France, lying at the foothills of the Massif Central and the Pyrénées.
There's a beach to suit everyone, with Sète amongst the most popular, Espiguette offering a wilder setting with endless sand dunes, and a nudist beach at Cap D'Agde.
Montpellier, the region's capital, is a few miles inland on the River Lez, with most action centred around its impressive Place de la Comédie. It is also home to France's oldest botanical garden, Jardin des plantes de Montpellier, founded in 1593. Just outside Montpellier you can stumble upon a number of grand châteaux built by wealthy merchants as 'follies'.
There are many other interesting towns in Languedoc-Roussillon, and the historic fortified city of Carcassonne tops the list - receiving some three million visitors each year. The town boasts one of France's most impressive sets of fortifications, completely restored in 1853 with a double ring of ramparts and 53 towers – earning it a place on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.
In and around Nîmes there are Roman remains to explore, including the best-preserved Roman amphitheatre in France, dating from 1st or 2nd century AD, and the nearby Pont du Gard, a well-preserved aqueduct that transported water across the Gardon river valley.
Inland, the landscape is covered with vineyards and interspersed with rivers, lakes and old fortified towns. For a day away from the towns and coast you can find great swimming spots in many of the lakes and rivers, or take a boat ride up the historic Canal du midi.