Our guide to...

Languedoc Roussillon

One of the southern regions of France, Languedoc-Roussillon is a carpet of vineyards and the place where some of the world’s best wines are produced. Food enthusiasts will also find that it’s one of the best regions for cheeses, pies and olive oils which are all produced locally. Gites in the Languedoc-Roussillon region give you an authentic and cultured experience, where you can sample the flavours of the region and view architectural gems. Landmarks include the Nîmes Amphitheatre, which is the world’s best preserved Roman amphitheatre and was originally used for gladiator fights in the 1st century. This unforgettable attraction is now a theatre and bullfighting venue.

Languedoc-Roussillon is often described as a microcosm; with a little bit of everything that France has to offer. Medieval cities, castles and caves give way to beaches, ski resorts and little fishing villages, which ensures that everyone can find something to do. There are also calm flowing canals where boat trips offer a different view of the landscape.

You’ll see plenty of different environments throughout the department of Aude. It’s very dry, full of scrubland, but also features beautiful saltwater lakes and a few forests over in Black Mountain Country. The soils are perfect for growing grapevines, and Aude plays host to one of the world’s longest carnivals – the Carnival of Limoux. If you’re feeling adventurous then why not don a hard hat and go underground? Aude has one of the highest concentrations of underground caves in France, and so it’s not just the space above ground that’s particularly beautiful. Attractions for families include treetop adventure courses, and the Réserve Africaine de Sigean – an African safari park with drive-through enclosures.

Named after the River Gardron, the department of Gard is the home of the Nîmes Amphitheatre, built around 70AD. It’s one of France’s best landmarks, and it’s still in use today. Thankfully, not for the gladiator fights that once took place within its walls. Be prepared for action and adventure, whether you’re kayaking through white water or slowing the pace for a game of adventure golf.

Gard’s underground caverns include the awe-inspiring Grotte La Cocalière, which is one of the best show caves in France. It features a walking tour and a small train that takes you back up to the surface. At the Seaquarium you’ll see sea turtles, sea lions, seals and a whole host of other marine creatures, and for a sugar-fuelled day out you can take a trip to the Haribo Museum. Kids will love Gard’s attractions, and might even learn a thing or two at the interactive science museum Le Visiatome.

Hérault is a great place to relax, with plenty of Mediterranean beaches and with the part of the Canal Du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on which you can enjoy an afternoon of boating. Some of the best beaches in the South of France can be found around Montpellier, along with the Aquarium Mare Nostrum which is a favourite family attraction complete with its breathtaking hurricane simulator. Step into mysterious underground caves, or stay above ground and enjoy the rides at France’s biggest fixed fairground – Europark Vias Plage. Montpellier’s zoo is one last place that you won’t want to miss, and a visit is a great way to finish your holiday in style.

If you’re staying in a gîte in Lozère, then you’ll want to make sure that you’ve sampled some of the department’s fresh cheese. It’s what the area is best known for, though you can’t go wrong planning a holiday full of outdoor activities either. Have a go at fishing in the rivers, walking in the Cévennes National Park or testing your talents on skis or in a kayak. Though there are plenty of caves to explore, Lozère itself is free from major commercial attractions. Of course, that’s not to say that you’ll be short of things to do. See Les Loups du Gévaudan (the Wolves of Gévaudan) or les Bisons d’Europe (the European bisons) in their respective park attractions and you’ll end up with more than enough photographs to take home and show your friends.

A Pyrénées-Orientales holiday is one that you’ll never forget. It’s a place of contrast, with the city of Perpignan on the eastern coast and the natural beauty of the Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Catalanes inland and to the west. Nature reserves, hot sulphur springs and snow-capped mountains make ideal places to relax, or to enjoy some winter skiing, and there are dozens of treetop activity courses for particularly brave travellers. This department is a great one for kids with animal parks and sanctuaries, adventure golf courses and theme parks. Horse riders won’t be disappointed, either!

To see GiteSearch’s fantastic range of self catering cottages and gites in this region, click the link below.

Areas of Languedoc Roussillon

Aude
You'll see plenty of different environments throughout the department of Aude. It's very dry, full of scrubland, but also features beautiful saltwater lakes and a few forests over in Black Mountain Country. The soils are perfect for growing grapevines, and Aude plays host to one of the world's longest carnivals

Gard
Named after the River Gardron, the department of Gard is the home of the Nîmes Amphitheatre, built around 70AD. It's one of France's best landmarks, and it's still in use today. Thankfully, not for the gladiator fights that once took place within its walls. Be prepared for action and adventure, whether you're kayaking through white water or slowing the pace for a game of adventure golf.

Herault
Hérault is a great place to relax, with plenty of Mediterranean beaches and with the part of the Canal Du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on which you can enjoy an afternoon of boating. Some of the best beaches in the South of France can be found around Montpellier.

Pyrenees Orientales
A Pyrénées-Orientales holiday is one that you'll never forget. It's a place of contrast, with the city of Perpignan on the eastern coast and the natural beauty of the Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Catalanes inland and to the west. Nature reserves, hot sulphur springs and snow-capped mountains make ideal places to relax, or to enjoy some winter skiing.

Lozere
If you're staying in a gîte in Lozère, then you'll want to make sure that you've sampled some of the department's fresh cheese. It's what the area is best known for, though you can't go wrong planning a holiday full of outdoor activities either. Have a go at fishing in the rivers, walking in the Cévennes National Park or testing your talents on skis or in a kayak.