Insider Guide to Languedoc Roussillon
Terri April 15th, 2007
The two provinces of Languedoc and Roussillon hug the Mediterranean from the mouth of the Rhone River to the east bordering on Provence, to the foothills of the Pyrenees and the Spanish border to the west. This region encompasses the departments of the Aude, Gard, Herault, Lozere and Pyrenees Orientales. Flat, sunny beaches and many historical towns make this a wonderful vacation spot that is far less crowded than its neighbor, Provence.
Historically, Languedoc was an independent state with its own language: Occitan. It still takes pride in its own traditions and heritage. Roussillon was a Spanish possession until 1659 and it too is proud of its Catalan heritage and traditions. You will notice the Spanish influence in its food and architecture.
The area, now known as Languedoc-Roussillon is a charming mix of Ancient and modern, brilliantly exemplified in Montpellier, capital of the Region. Some other cities of note are Nimes, home to the Pont du Gard and bullfights, Carcassonne, one of the best preserved medieval cities in the world, and Collioure, a quaint fishing village, favored by painters Matisse and Derain.
The Cote Vermeille (meaning vermillion Coast because of the abundant reddish
rocks of the headlands) offers spectacular views on its twisting drive to the Costa Brava of Spain. Towns worth visits along the Cote Vermeille are Argeles-Plage with its long sandy beach and the largest camping center in Europe, Collioure, and Cerbere, which still flies the Catalan flag.
For nearly 300 kilometers, the Canal du Midi and Canal de la Robine, the “Canal du Rhône à Sète” and the Petit Rhône offer many opportunities for discovering the region and its inhabitants. They go past wonderful places of interest, the pink flamingos and bulls of the Camargue, lagoons and small fishing ports.
The Canal du Midi, built in the 17th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and flows through the Aude hinterland, close to historic cities such as Carcassonne and Narbonne. After leaving Béziers, it flows into the Etang de Thau, then on through the Camargue, alongside towns such as Aigues Mortes, Saint Gilles and Beaucaire.
Languedoc-Roussillon Tourist Board
Acropole – 954/960 avenue Jean Mermoz CS 79507
34960 MONTPELLIER Cedex 2
Tel +33 467 200 220
contact.crtlr@sunfrance.com
In the next few paragraphs, I will give you a taste of the wonders of each department, including the food specialties that make up the cuisine of Languedoc Roussillon.
Wines of Languedoc Roussillon
The vineyards of Languedoc-Roussillon are some of the oldest and most extensive in the world. Wines of this region enjoy a varied landscape and very mild climate. They go well with Mediterranean regional produce and enhance the gastronomic riches of the area. Enjoy the rich and varied palette of red, rose, white wines, together with sparkling, natural sweet wines and dry wines.You are invited to visit the “Degustation caves” (wine-tasting facilities or visit many Languedoc Roussillon wine producers
Sparkling Limoux wines are dry, ideal to accompany the whole meal, or demi-sec, to go with the dessert. Blanquette and Crémant are made by a process comparable to the Champagne method and are the oldest sparkling wines in the world.
Corbières is the largest appellation of Languedoc. The reds are intense, full-bodied and rounded, with peppery and spicy notes. They go well with game. The rosés are fresh and fruity on the palate, bright and pleasant. The whites, dry and fruity, or delicately flowery, make an ideal accompaniment for seafood.
The Banyuls wine producing area produces a natural sweet wine, dark and red. With a fine mix of subtle flavours it is wonderful with chocolate gateau. Banyuls wines are also very pleasant as an aperitif with tapenade and muted with foie gras.
Costières de Nîmes wines are rounded aromatic reds, which are drunk chilled with grilled meats or roast fowl. The more mature Costières should be served at room temperature with meats in sauce, game or cheese. The rosés are full of the sun; the whites delicious as an aperitif or with seafood, grilled fish or goat’s cheese.
Golf in Languedoc-Roussillon
There are numerous opportunities to Golf in this rich and picturesque area. With its Californian-style seaside courses, countryside courses in Lozère and Pyrenean mountain courses, Languedoc-Roussillon has already attracted large numbers of golfing fanatics. Every year, more and more golfers arrive from abroad, particularly from northern Europe. This region has 21 courses, many of which have high-quality reception facilities and lovely golf-hotels.
I hope I have persuaded you to visit this less-touristed part of France. It has all the beauty of and charm of Provence with half the crowds…think about it!
