Languedoc region
Use the links below to find out more about the Languedoc region of France:
Other regions
An introduction to the Langeudoc region
Languedoc-Roussillon is a land full of character and unspoilt beauty, stretched out under almost permanent sunshine with miles of fine sandy beaches, tiny villages clinging to rugged cliffs, and canals flowing through a countryside of olive groves and vineyards...
Profoundly influenced by the Mediterranean, Languedoc-Roussillon shares a border with Spain as far as the Rhône delta. Its long beaches alternate with wild lagoons – a paradise for flamingos. Its annual 300 days of sunshine draw large numbers of holidaymakers, who take away unforgettable memories of the beautiful natural surroundings, monuments, villages, and towns with cultural, prehistoric, Roman and Cathar themes such as Montpellier, Nîmes, Carcassonne, Uzès and the Pont du Gard, the last four of which are Unesco World Heritage sites. Inland the charm and authenticity of the region have been extensively preserved. The Haut Languedoc and Cévennes nature reserves and the wooded slopes of Cerdagne are always popular with hikers. This countryside is full of character and also produces fine wines, which every year earn the respect of greater numbers of wine lovers.
Enjoy robust dishes with delicious Mediterranean flavours generous in olive oil, garlic and southern herbs. Along the coast you'll find oysters, mussels, anchovies and 'violet' urchins, and steaming plates of fruits de mer. The mountains provide wild boar, cêpes mushrooms, chestnuts and goat and sheep cheeses. These regions lie on the Spanish border and, using an abundance of tomatoes, peppers and spicy sausage, their food shares many similarities with that of Spain. Cassoulet (a casserole with meat and beans) is Languedoc's signature dish; Roussillon has a similar dish called ouillade. There are strong Spanish and Catalan influences in Roussillon too, with tapas-style dishes served in many wine bars.
Wines include Banyuls, Collioure, St Chinian, Faugères, Minervois and Fitou. Sample the 'Vin de Pays' with some excellent claret-style wines, and the sweet 'muscat' apéritif.