Having reinvented itself in recent decades by shifting its production focus to wines of truly high quality, the region has become one of the most dynamic in the country.
Their efforts have led the Languedoc AOC to become one of the fastest-growing categories from France. The region has also become a welcoming area for foreigners, attracting producers not only from other regions of France but from the world over. Languedoc is now flying high on the reputation of its rich history, culture, and revolutionary spirit. Located in Southern France, the Languedoc is part of the large Mediterranean coastal area now known as the Occitanie region, reaching from the Spanish border on the southeast to the region of Provence in the east.
The Languedoc makes up approximately 90 percent of the territory; Roussillon occupies the other 10 percent. The greater Languedoc-Roussillon region is also the largest vineyard area in the world with a geographic identity.
Viticulture is one of the main drivers of the local economy, and many of the wineries are small family holdings that date back generations. The Languedoc is known for being quite distinct from Roussillon as far as culture, civil administration, and wine styles are concerned. Languedoc AOCs represent about 16 percent of Occitanie wines. The region is home to multiple climate and soil types, which affect its wines in different ways.
Documents dating to support this claim. There are also four Languedoc sweet wine appellations, which produce vins doux naturels from the Muscat variety. For the most part, the region has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild springs, autumns, and winters. There are, however, varying microclimates throughout.
They can be broken down into five groups. Overall, the region receives little rainfall, and in some areas the amount of rain is the lowest in France.
But the Languedoc has reserves of water in most of its calcareous soils. Soil types vary, with clay and limestone being the most dominant, though there are areas where schist, shale, granite, pebbles, and sandstone are common. And, as occurred in many other French vineyard regions, winemaking expanded under the Romans. Viticulture has continued to play a crucial role in the regional economy since that time. It is the fastest growing city in France, with many new bio-tech and medical industries growing up around the two universities in the City.
Located just 10 kms from the Mediterranean coast, Montpellier combines dramatic new architecture with its old centre full of narrow winding streets. Nimes : the old Roman town of Nimes, is the capital of the Gard department. Carcassonne : situated in the Aude department, the town of Carcassonne is famous throughout France on account of its splendid castle. The scale of the Castle, with a full town located within its walls, is amazing.
Narbonne : this former Roman city was once the regional capital of the Languedoc province. At the centre of Narbonne, there is an impressive cathedral, underground Roman grain-store, and canal-side quays. Narbonne is situated in the Aude department. Agde : was first settled by the Greeks and this small city has an attractive riverside, old streets, and a nice daily market. Beziers is starting a bit of a renaissance, with the centre of the town undergoing many refurbishments.
The cathdral at Beziers provides some amazing views over the Orb valley. Beziers is also home to perhaps the biggest and certainly the liveliest festivals in the South of France. The Old town is bisected by canals and here you will experience the unique sport of water-jousting, held in the summer months, beaches, boat trips.
Uzes : the beautiful town of Uzes, situated in the Gard department is a delightful town to spend time in. The old Mansions that are dotted about the town, are witness to Uzes former wealth. Sommeries : this picturesque town located in between Montpellier and Nimes, has a wide river running through it and a fantastic Saturday market that takes over the town see Sommieres tourist information for more details. Pezenas : Walk the old streets of Languedoc's former capital.
Once the stomping ground of Molliere and now a haven for antiques and a fabulous Saturday market. Pezenas is probably the prettiest large town in the South of France although Uzes and Sommiers may have something to say about that!
We just love wandering around the market on a Saturday and taking a detour off into the old Jewish quarter with the jewellers, cafes and boutiques. It is no wonder that Pezenas is such a draw for people all year around. Collioure : The picturesque beach town of Collioure is an idyllic place. It is situated in the very south of France, 26 km approx. It has always attracted a host of artists because of its 'special light' and you can follow the unique art trail through the town see Collioure Art Trail for more information.
Its small Catalan harbour is sheltered by a quiet bay where the Pyrenees meets the Sea. You can count on having a splendid swim at one of the small coves. Aigues-Mortes : this medieval walled town romantically set among the dunes and plain of the Camargue. A tour of Aigues-Mortes' fortifications and grid pattern streets is a must on any visit to Languedoc-Roussillon. Surprisingly for such a tourist haven, the restaurants around the main square are actually quite decent.
Our preference though is to buy sandwiches and have a picnic on the grassy slopes of the ramparts. One of the best times to visit Aigues-Mortes is during the bull festivals held in late May and in early September. The summer Thursday night 'spectaculars' are also worth attending.
Perpignan : is the capital of Roussillon. Its Spanish influence predominantly comes from the thousands of refugees that fled Catalonia at the end of the Spanish Civil War. But it has also been part of the Catalan-Aragonese Crown, before it was brought under French control in The most important building here though is the Palais des Rois.
The Kings of Mallorca made Perpignan their mainland capital and brought with it propsperity from cloth-making. The cuisine in the Languedoc is as diverse as the geography. Collioure remains a major producer of anchovies, despite the intensive nature of its processing. As the largest walled city in Europe, Roman kings and emperors took advantage of its infrastructure, utilizing the fortress for hoarding in times of siege.
The concentric design of two outers walls provided extra protection by allowing defenders to drop projectiles on attackers at the wall beneath.
Opt for a meal on the outdoor terrace for prime views of the citadel. Take advantage of the summer and early fall to visit this southern region of France for its unspoiled natural beauty and resources — salt and wine.
Trains via Rail Europe are also available from Narbonne to Carcassone. Book Your Trip. Narbonne Traditionally seen as a jumping-off point for hikes through Cathar castles and explorations to the nearby Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park , Narbonne reveals another shining jewel every July.
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