The Languedoc is a region of southern France, historic and beautiful. It has beautiful landscapes and cities and it is a good idea to plan a trip through them during the summer months. That is our proposal today: a summer in the south of France with history, culture, beaches, exquisite wines, cities, mountains and medieval villages.
Languedoc is the land of Montpellier and Nimes and the resorts of Narbonne, Palavas or Cap d'Agde. Do you like the idea? Write down this information and tips.
Languedoc
The name derives precisely from the name. Let me explain: Languedoc is the name of the version of French that is spoken in the south of France, the lands of Oc, derived from ac, Latin, which means yes. Many centuries ago the south of France said oc to say yes while the north already said oeuil, predecessor of the modern oui.
Since last year the region known as Languedoc-Russillon has been called Occitanie. How do you get here? Well, you can take the TGV from Paris or from Lille or arriving by ordinary train from many other cities. There are many cities in the region that also have an airport.
More interesting sightseeing tours in Languedoc
Arles. It is a city with Roman origins so it preserves the ruins of a forum, a theater and an amphitheater to which are added elegant mansions of the XNUMXth century. If you like the impressionist current of painting Arles was the base of Paul Gauguin and Van Gogh in those years when they formed the South Study.
Here in Arles Van Gogh started using greens, yellows and blues and here he ended up cutting his ear, for more information. That is why there is a lot related to the painter that you can do in the city such as walking through the Place du Forum, the beautiful Jardin d'Ete, visiting the hospital where he was interned and that he also painted, Saint-Remy and Le Pont.
Nimes. It is the capital city of the Gard department, very famous for roman ruins that decorate it. Among them the fantastic Arena de Nîmes, an amphitheater still in operation. There is also the so-called Torre Magna, the Maison Carrée, the Roman wall of which two doors and fragments are preserved, although the original was about nine meters high and rested on the side of the Via Domitia, and the Gard Bridge built by Agrippa.
To the north of the city is the Pont du Gard, ancient Roman aqueduct that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is beautiful and you can go, walk and have a picnic. Nîmes is about 700 kilometers from Paris and you can connect both cities by train, in a trip that lasts about three and a half hours.
Carcassonne. You like the medieval times? This city is especially medieval and also it is World Heritage. What a castle! There are plenty of gift shops and restaurants. There is the Citadel, the Condal castle, the Canal du Midi, the beautiful cathedral and the equally beautiful Saint-Nazaire Basilica. The city is halfway between Toulouse and the coast.
Aigues Mortes. Is another medieval city that rests between meadows and dunes of the Camargue. Narrow streets, fortifications and many tourists walking when it is summer season. Maybe eating inside the historic center is not the cheapest so you can buy something and climb a ramp or old fortification and having the best view enjoy a meal outdoors.
Collioure. It is a very picturesque seaside town that barely it is 26 kilometers from the border with Spain. It is so beautiful and apparently has such a good "light" that many painters chose it (Picasso, Matisse). Today you can follow the Collioure Art Route and also enjoy how the Pyrenees are reaching the sea in a dream encounter.
Avignon. It is the city of song. It is on the banks of the Rhone River and still carries the religious past that lived briefly in the XNUMXth century when the Vatican decided to move there. Obvious, you have to visit the Avignon Bridge and the Papal Palace.
Montpellier. Is the Languedoc capital so we must not forget it. There are museums, a beautiful old town, a tram network that allows you to move from here to there and if you go at certain times of the year you can enjoy cultural festivals ... and its beach!
The beaches of Languedoc
Summer is coming and the south of France is always a great destination. If you have already decided to walk around the Languedoc region then write down these beaches in the area:
- Espiguette Beach, near Montepllier. It is the best beach near the capital, although perhaps not the best on the regional coast. It is east of the city of Le Grau de Roi and has white sands and dunes. There are no cafes or bars nearby.
- Leucate: it has two beaches and one is nudist. There are little houses, trees and it's great for walking. It is between Port Nouvelle and Le Barcarès, it is extensive and with calm waters although there is wind and that is why it is a good place for windsurfing.
- St. Cyprien Beach: there are three beaches around here, the south, the central and the north. They are very popular and the best ones are those of the extreme, north and south since they are quieter and larger. You can see the Pyrenees so it's a great postcard.
- Argelès sur Mer: It is a Blue Flag beach that sleeps on a bay and has warm waters. Nearby is a very popular resort, Canet.
- Rochelongue Beach: It is in the center of the Cap d'Adge and is one of the three on the cape with beautiful restaurants and bars.
- Collioure beaches: There are three beaches and although they are not the best in Languedoc if you are in the city you can visit it.
As you can see, the south of France has a lot to offer in summer. You can choose a couple of medieval cities, a couple of beaches and thus have a dream vacation.