Languedoc-Roussillon

Languedoc-Roussillon is one of the Mediterranean regions of France, along with Provence, Cote d’Azur and Corsica.

This area has long been famous for its history, picturesque natural diversity, the bright rays of the Mediterranean sun, as well as culinary masterpieces of French cuisine and fine wines.

Montpellier

Montpellier is the capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region in southwestern France. The city is located on the hills 10 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea. In Montpellier, you can feel the relaxation and bliss of the south — palm trees grow on the streets, and locals spend evenings at the tables of street cafes. Montpellier will impress you with its ancient architecture, cozy squares with shady alleys and numerous fountains. Here you can visit the city’s museums, visit the library, opened hundreds of years ago, and sit on the square in front of the majestic St. Peter’s Cathedral. The Botanical Garden of Montpellier is the oldest botanical garden in France, founded in 1593. It is located on the territory in the Old Town and is surrounded by medieval buildings. 

The main city of the region is Toulouse, the capital of the medieval Languedoc. Now it is one of the largest cultural, scientific and industrial centers of France. In Toulouse, there is the headquarters of the Aerospasial corporation, which produces famous airbuses, as well as leading aviation schools. You should definitely take a stroll through the old town, here you can see some real architectural treasures, such as the Basilica of Saint-Sernin and the Dominican Church (Les Jacobins), as well as the magnificent Renaissance mansions of the city, which were built by local merchants.

Perpignan

Perpignan is a quiet French town imbued with Spanish charm. Many ancient fortresses and cathedrals have been preserved here, and in their vicinity there are villages where you can see wooden fortress houses built in the 17th century.

Languedoc is also the largest vineyard in the world. Approximately a quarter of all vines that produce grapes for French wine are located in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Many varieties of grapes grow here, and this and the corresponding climate allow winemakers to produce different styles of wines. From red, white and rosé wines to exceptional sparkling and sweet wines.

The cuisine of this region is dominated by Mediterranean fish and seafood. The freshest fish is caught in coastal cities. It is worth trying such dishes as brandade — baked cod puree with olive oil and milk, or tielle sétoise — a pie stuffed with small octopuses and tomatoes. Ratatouille is prepared from local vegetables, with pepper sauce based on bell pepper, tomato, garlic and herbs. Meat dishes are also popular in the region, such as Cassoulet de Toulouse. The dish is made from various types of beans, meat (usually pork and sausages) and vegetables, which are slowly simmered in a saucepan.

The resorts of Gruissan and Cap d’Adge arose at the very foot of a dormant volcano. Here, small villas are comfortably located on the slopes of the mountains, and there are many comfortable modern hotels near the coastline. Here you can engage in all kinds of beach sports, go to the open sea under sail or on a luxury yacht, dive with scuba gear and admire the diversity of underwater life.
The town of La Grande Motte is a seaside garden city, a real piece of paradise. It has a wide coastline, which is strewn with the finest sand, and immediately after it begins an incredibly beautiful hilly area, where every now and then there are lakes with crystal clear water, for example, Lake Etang de Tho.