Languedoc-Roussillon

After the French revolution the regions of Languedoc and Roussillon were merged using more or less the borders of the former Septimania. A few years ago it was planned to re-introduce the old name to the region but the locals were against this. The Languedoc-Roussillon stretches from the Spanish border to th Rhône estuary.

Up until the 17th century the southern part of the Roussillon region was ruled by the Spanish kings of Aragòn, and the Catalan language can still be heard today. Nowadays people make a living producing good quality wines and of course from the tourists, who are very important to the region.

For young families the stretched sandy beaches with their long shallow waters are perfect for lazy days by the sea. There is plenty of culture to be found, such as the walled city of Carcassonne and Béziers, which is situated close to the Canal du Midi, the oldest canal in Europe.

The Pont du Gard aqueduct is an impressive remnant of the old Roman water supply system. Nîmes is another Roman city with one of the best preserved Roman arenas.

Facts about Languedoc-Roussillon

The name Languedoc originates from the 'langue d'Oc', a form of the Latin language. This is still used in a large part of southern Europe such as northern Spain, north west Italy and the region of France between Bordeaux and Lyon. In Mediaeval times the Occitan dialect was the official language for the whole of the area and Toulouse was its cultural centre. Today, two million people can still speak this language and many cities and villages have bilingual names on their border signs.

Languedoc-Roussillon in short

Size: 27,376km2
Population: 2,500,000
Capital: Montpellier
Currency and Language: Euro, French and, in some areas, Catalan
July August Average temperature 27 26 Hours of sun 10 9
Distances: Lyon - Montpellier: 304km; Béziers - Perpignan: 95km; Marseille (airport) - Béziers: 232km
Recommend (low cost) airport: Carcassonne, Perpignan, Toulous, Montpellier.

Close to the Spanish border are charming towns as Collioure and Port-Vendres. Much further north-east is Aigues-Mortes. In between these great beaches can be found. The Pont du Gard is close to Nîmes with its Roman arena. Visit Carcassonne, the walled city which cast out the Cathars in the Mediaeval times. Don't miss out on a family bicyle ride along Canal du Midi.