Places to visit in Languedoc

Canal du Midi

Listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1996, the Canal du Midi has come alive, thanks to waterways tourism. Book an excursion by boat from Portiragnes, Agde or Vias to Béziers. It is also a paradise for joggers, cyclists and walkers, so take advantage of the shade and coolness of the towpaths.

Roque Haute - Botanical Reserve

Roque Haute, on the outskirts of Portiragnes, is a superb Botanical Reserve. Explore this very unusual scenery, strongly influenced by the local basaltic soil. The Reserve covers 17 private estates.

Bassin de Thau

The Bassin de Thau is a colourful, lively place which comes alive between dawn and flaming sunset. Thau is a calm inland sea teeming with fish. It is also a breeding place for oysters and shellfish. It produces over half of the oysters consumed in France and the villages and little ports have many restaurants serving sumptuous platters of fresh shellfish.

Béziers

A 20 minute drive from Portiragnes, Béziers is L'Hérault's second largest town, with its 12th century cathedral. This historic town is the birthplace of Pierre Paul Riquet (creator of the Canal du Midi) and capital of wine and rugby. It is especially vibrant in August during its famous feria. Flower market every Friday. Golf course (18 hole).

Cap d'Agde

This leading French seaside resort is also one of the largest naturist areas in Europe. Marina, - with sandy beaches - plenty to do for children, with Aqualand water park and Toon's Land park. Cap D'Agde has good sailing facilities. Golf course (9 and 18 hole) - pictured below.

Pezenas

"Ville d'Art" in the heart of the vineyards in the Languedoc hills. City of Molière with an exceptional architectural heritage. Pezenas is also home to numerous arts and crafts artists whose workshops are open to the public. There is a large market every Saturday.

Montpellier

Capital of the Languedoc-Rousillon region, a town with an old university tradition. Ancient architectural heritage stands alongside decidely modern developments.

Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park

The Haut-Languedoc regional nature park, the gorges d'Heric, le Lac de Salagou, Lamalou les Bains (spa and climatic resort), Bedarieux (with its markets and fairs in the valley of the Orb)and Roquebrun (called "little Nice", the village has a Mediterranean garden with 400 species).

The river Orb at Roquebrun

Other places to visit:

Narbonne - its museums house many rare treasures. The shaded boulevards and banks of the Canal de la Robine are pleasant places for walking. One of the most beautiful markets (Les Halles) in France.

Carcassonne - a medieval fortified town

Spain - approximately an hour's drive to the border from Portiragnes.

Barcelona - approximately 3 hour's drive

Find out more about the Languedoc region