The joyful and welcoming Languedoc-Roussillon region is located in the south of France, from the north it is bounded by the Central Massif, 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 cities of the region, the historical heritage has been carefully preserved: castles, cathedrals, palaces and mansions of the French aristocracy. This is one of the largest wine-growing regions in the world. Wine production here began in the III century BC. Vineyards cover an area of approximately 400 thousand hectares.
By the double name it is easy to guess that earlier these were two different regions: Languedoc and Roussillon. And although politics and commerce weaved them together, they remained different in terms of geography and culture.
The region is only three hours from Paris by TGV train.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is able to surprise a tourist with its lively fairy-tale paintings. Numerous defensive towers and battlements of ancient defensive walls amaze with their grandeur. This medieval city fortification is incredibly well preserved and worth a look. The castle was built on a wide hill 148 meters high, for the Middle Ages it was a profitable strategic place. Carcassonne is elliptical in shape, surrounded by a double chain of thick defensive walls with 54 towers. The fortifications, partially related to the period of French Gothic, were erected 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. Located near the river Lez, in its valley. The city is 10 kilometers from the Gulf of Lyon in the Mediterranean Sea. 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 busy city. In the XIII century it belonged to the kings of Aragon, and in the XVI century it was the capital of the Huguenots, today it is the center of French culture. There are art galleries and museums. The main museum of the city of Fabre has 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 medieval houses. The area most suitable for leisurely walking is the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle in the east of the Old Town.
Céret
Sere is a 32 km drive southwest of Perpignan amidst the delightful countryside of the foothills of the Pyrenees. This is a city of artists. At 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, in the Museum of Modern Art, a surprisingly rich collection of works by contemporary masters is kept for a small city: Matisse, Chagall, Majol, Dali, Manolo, Picasso and Tapies.
Narbonne
This is the former important port of the Roman Empire, and now a small seaside town. A special attraction of Narbonne is the central square surrounded by magnificent buildings. A magnificent collection of paintings, enamel, furniture and ceramic products is exhibited at the Museum of Arts and History, the premises of which are the palace of the Archbishop of the XIII-XIV centuries. The Museum of Archeology is also located there, where classical, prehistoric and medieval exhibits are stored. You should visit the Old and New palaces of the XII and XIV centuries, the impressive structure of the Cathedral of Saint-Just, erected in 1272-1332, which represents North French Gothic architecture. Tourists will hear the magnificent singing of the choir under its arches and see the 14th century stained glass window. The building of the church of Sen-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 city, which lies in a picturesque valley, owes its name to the wife of King Louis Philippe. Even the ancient Romans noted the value of mineral water from a local natural source. Among the attractions you should visit the ruins of the ancient Roman baths and the church of the X century. Every year in August there is an international folklore festival of music and dance of the peoples of the world.
Arles-sur-Tech (Arles-sur-Tech)
This is a small picturesque old town near the peak of Puig de l'Estelle, in the territory of which is located the Benedictine Abbey of Sainte Marie, founded in the 8th century. Over time, a city appeared around him. In the abbey church, you can find 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 is impressive with its tower and rich interior decoration. It is worth taking a walk to the gorge De la Fu and enjoy the stunning natural beauty.
Abbey of 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 a precipice at an altitude of 2785 meters - at the top of a sheer cliff. The stunning local landscapes and the historic church of the monastery enthrall 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 Languedoc-Roussillon province.
Prades
This small but picturesque town is located in the Tét Valley, near the foot of Le Canigou Mountain. It is only 44 km from Perpignan. Prades is located in the Catalan Pyrenees Mountains Regional Natural Park . This city is culturally connected with neighboring Catalonia. The border with Spain is guarded by a fortress on Mount Mont Louis, its author is the great architect Vauban. With its Romanesque tower and paintings by the artist from Catalonia of the 17th century, Leo Polge, among other attractions, stands the Gothic Cathedral of St. Pierre. The well-known cellist Pablo Casals (1876-1973) lived here in exile. In his honor, from July to August, an annual chamber music festival is held in Prada.
Aigues-Mortes
The historic city is known for its fortifications, which were erected back in the Middle Ages. The territory of the Camargue Nature Reserve adjoins it. It is surrounded by a rectangle of huge city walls, in which there are 15 towers and 10 gates. Aigues-Mortes architectural feature - wide streets, which contributed to the repulsion of offensives. 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 Languedoc-Roussillon province.