The joyful and friendly region of Languedoc-Roussillon is located in the south of France, bounded from the north by the Massif Central, from the south by the Pyrenees. Its shores are washed by the Mediterranean Sea, there are many resorts with wonderful sandy beaches. In the small towns of the region, historical heritage has been carefully preserved: castles, cathedrals, palaces and mansions of the French aristocracy. This is one of the largest wine regions in the world. Wine production here began in the 3rd century BC. Vineyards cover an area of approximately 400,000 hectares.
It is easy to guess from the double name that earlier these were two different regions: Languedoc and Roussillon. Although politics and commerce have woven them together, in terms of geography and culture they have remained different.
The region is only three hours away from Paris by high-speed TGV train.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is able to surprise the tourist with its living fabulous paintings. Numerous defensive towers and jagged ancient defensive walls amaze with their grandeur. This medieval city fortification is incredibly well preserved and worth seeing. Lockbuilt on a wide hill with a height of 148 meters, for the Middle Ages it was an advantageous strategic place. Carcassonne has an elliptical shape, it is surrounded by a double chain of thick defensive walls with 54 towers. The fortifications, partly from the French Gothic period, were built during the reign of Louis IX, in 1250, and under Philippe Bold, in 1280. Every year in July, Carcassonne invites tourists to an unforgettable fireworks festival.
Montpellier
Montpellier is the main tourist center of the region. It is located near the river Lez, in its valley. From the Gulf of Lion of the Mediterranean Sea, the city is separated by 10 kilometers. This is the administrative center of Occitania. Here, nature has created ideal conditions for growing grapes. Travelers are attracted by elegant buildings, grandiose squares and a mild Mediterranean climate. There are many universities in this lively 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 culture in France. There are art galleries and museums here. The main museum of the city of Fabre houses an exceptional collection of works by Italian, Dutch and French painters from the Renaissance to the present. A walk through the narrow streets of Montpellier will allow you to admire the medieval houses. The most suitable area for a leisurely walking tour is Esplanade Charles de Gaulle in the east of the Old City.
Céret
The city of Sere is located in32 km southwest of Perpignan, in the beautiful countryside of the foothills of the Pyrenees. This is the city of artists. As early as the beginning of the 20th century, at the invitation of the sculptor from Catalonia Manolo and the composer Deodat de Severac, many famous painters moved to Sere, which has since turned into a creative settlement. Here, the Museum of Modern Art houses an amazingly rich collection of works by contemporary masters for a small city: Matisse, Chagall, Maillol, Dali, Manolo, Picasso and Tapies.
Narbonne
Formerly an important port of the Roman Empire, now a small seaside town. A special attraction of Narbo is the central square, surrounded by majestic buildings. A magnificent collection of paintings, enamels, furniture and ceramics is exhibited in the Museum of Arts and History, which is housed in the palace of the archbishop of the 13th-14th centuries. The Museum of Archeology is also located there, where classical, prehistoric and medieval exhibits are kept. You should visit the Old and New Palaces of the 12th and 14th centuries, the impressive structure of the Cathedral of Saint-Just, erected in 1272-1332, which represents northern French Gothic architecture. Tourists will hear the magnificent singing of the choir under its vaults and see the stained-glass window of the 14th century. The building of the church of Saint-Paul-Serge of the XII century, erected in the early Gothic style, is located in the southwestern part of the city.
Amelie les Bains
The resort town, which is spread out in a picturesque valley, mustby its name to the wife of King Louis-Philippe. Even the ancient Romans noted the value of mineral water from a local natural source. Of the sights, you should visit the ruins of ancient Roman baths and the church of the 10th century. Every year in August, the international folklore festival of music and dance of the peoples of the world is held here.
Arles-sur-Tech
This is a small picturesque old town near the peak of Puig de l'Estelle, on the territory of which is located the Benedictine abbey of 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. The early Gothic monastery of the 13th century looks beautiful and elegant. The building of the parish church near the abbey impresses with its tower and rich interior decoration. It is worth taking a walk to the De la Fu Gorge and enjoying the stunning beauty of natural views.
Abbey Saint-Martin-du-Canigou
The picturesque location and the 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 here and the historic church of the monastery 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 beauties of the province of Languedoc-Roussillon.
Prades
This small but picturesque town is located in the Tet valley,near the foot of Le Canigou mountain. It is only 44 km from Perpignan. Prades is located on the territory of the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees. This city is culturally linked to neighboring Catalonia. The border with Spain is guarded by a fortress on Mount Louis, its author is the great architect Vauban. With its Romanesque tower and paintings by the 17th-century Catalan artist Leo Polge, the Gothic St. Pierre Cathedral stands out among other attractions. 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 historic city is famous for its fortifications, which were built in the Middle Ages. Adjacent to it is the Camargue Nature Reserve. Surrounded by a rectangle of huge city walls, in which there are 15 towers and 10 gates. The architectural feature of Aigues-Mortes is the wide streets that helped to 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 province of Languedoc-Roussillon.
