French Holiday Ideas | Holiday in Languedoc: Between land and sea

In the sun-kissed southern region of Languedoc-Roousillon, there is so much appeal for those looking for a special holiday to France that it's hard to know where to begin.

Perhaps an obvious place is with the weather. Anyone who has seen the incredibly popular 1986 film Betty Blue – an edgy drama set in the small beach resort of Gruissan, with its trademark beach huts on stilts – will attest to the sultry heat of the summer as captured on celluloid.

It really is blessed with a fabulous climate, one that turns to scorching heat in high summer. One way of considering the Languedoc's appeal is to imagine the lovely sunshine and plages of the Riviera but without the enormous crowds and often over-inflated prices.




What's more, it's easier than ever to get to, what with the strikingly arresting Millau viaduct now carrying traffic on the last link of the A75 autoroute, which joins Clermont-Ferrand to Béziers. More and more low cost airlines are flying into the region, too, with airports at Montpellier, Nîmes and Béziers now receiving regular flights from the UK.

Of the beach resorts to enjoy in the south of the region some are hugely popular, such as the picturesque Catalan port of Collioure, where the anchovy fisherman still head out daily, and where many a photographer has captured the view. A short distance along the pretty coastal road (the N114) is Banyuls-sur-Mer in the heart of sweet wine producing territory. Meanwhile family-friendly expanses of sandy beach draw visitors to Canet-en-Roussillon and camping-centric Argèles-Plage.

Further north is Cap D'Agde with 11 beaches and a wealth of activities to enjoy, not to mention France's most famous naturist destination. Further north along the coast is the pretty port of Sète, famous for its water jousting festivals, fabulous seafood and party atmosphere. And then there is Montpellier, transport hub and major cultural centre. A huge, popular stretch of beach near here is Espiguette, which stretches up to Aigues-Mortes.

Cultural speaking, Languedoc-Roussillon has plenty to offer those for whom a beach holiday is not quite enough. In addition to the vibrant modern art and architecture found in the bustling university city of Montpellier, equally unmissable is the medieval majesty of the walled city of Carcassonne in the Aude department. On the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 1997 it really is a spectacular sight to behold, both from a distance and up-close during a wander within its fortified walls.


Languedoc-Roussillon is also home to Cathar country (the Aude is known in France as 'Pays Cathare'), which had its roots as a Christian movement from the 11th to 13th centuries. Deemed heretics by the ruling Catholic church, the Cathars were massacred or hounded out of the region by the 14th century. Today, strategic Cathar outposts such as the castles at Montségur, Peyrepeteuse, Queribus and Carcassonne itself form a tourist trail that draws heavily on the region's Cathar history.

Also inland you will find huge swathes of vineyards that make the region France’s most prolific wine producing area. Vin de Pays d’Oc is one of the most common labels to look out for, along with the more prestigious Coteaux de Languedoc, Corbières AOC, Faugères, Minervois AOC, and Saint-Chinian AOCs. And did you know that the Languedoc supplied the daily ration of wine to soldiers during both World Wars?

As you can see, from beach fans to culture vultures and wine lovers, the Languedoc-Roussillon region has much to offer.

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More information available, from places to visit to familly activities on our Languedoc-Roussillon Travel guide