The Top 9 Things to Do in Languedoc-Roussillon
What is Languedoc-Roussillon Most Famous For?
The Languedoc-Roussillon is an incredible region that’s filled with architecture, nature and attractions. The mild climate of Languedoc-Roussillon covers the Cévennes, the Pyrenées, the Camargue and the Mediterranean Sea. Yes, it has lots of buildings to admire but it’s also full of wonderful natural scenery, making it a great destination if you’re looking for different things to do on your holiday.
Nature reserves, mountains, botanical gardens, steam trains and Cathar castles, whether you are looking for sport or adventure, love wildlife or exotic plants, or are passionate about history, you can find it in Languedoc-Roussillon. So much to explore alone, with friends or with your family.
What are the top things to do in Languedoc-Roussillon?
1. Carcassonne
Historic town home to possibly the world’s best-preserved medieval fortress
Categoría: Historia, Ir de compras
The hilltop town of Carcassonne cuts an imposing figure on southern France’s landscape with its grand medieval citadel. Its numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications have seen many a battle over the years, and standing on the rampart walls and gazing at the city below is something you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Within the city, wander the cobbled streets to discover quaint restaurants and unique boutiques selling Carcassonne-branded souvenirs and local delicacies. Art exhibitions are often dotted throughout the city, and kids will love events like treasure hunting and gaming festivals. Visit one of the tourist offices around for heritage activities and local information.
Carcassonne
2. The Odeillo solar furnace at Font-Romeu
An almost magical natural site
Categoría: Parejas, Familias, Económico
The Odeillo solar furnace (le Grand Four Solaire d’Odeillo) at Font-Romeu is an amazing thing to see, with useful explanatory signs that tell the fascinating story behind the project, as well as how it functions. The CNRS still uses the site to research how materials react under extreme conditions and further research on energy use.
Because of the amount of sun it receives, this furnace is capable of melting steel blocks 40 cm thick. Once you’ve finished looking at the outside of this amazing furnace you can walk up one of the surrounding paths to admire it from on high, surrounded by the equally amazing countryside.
Ubicación: 7 Rue du Four Solaire, 66120 Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via, France
Teléfono: +33 (0)4 68 30 77 86
The Odeillo solar furnace at Font-Romeu
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3. Coastal path
Incredible walks to suit everyone
Categoría: Parejas, Familias, Económico
The coastal path from Argelès sur Mer to Cerbère is a great way of discovering the area’s natural and architectural treasures. Thirty-two km long in total, it is split into 16 easy stages that you can combine to suit yourself, depending on what interests you and how fit you feel. As you walk you can enjoy the creeks and coves alongside the picturesque countryside, but also pretty towns and villages and heritage sites.
Between the beginning and the end you’ll walk through Collioure and Banyuls-sur-Mer as well as a marine reserve. If you don’t want to walk back as well you can hop on the, very cheap, bus provided by the Conseil Général to get back to where you started.
Ubicación: Argelès-sur-Mer / Cerbère, France
Coastal path
4. Sète creeks
A different way to explore this town and its hidden corners
Categoría: Parejas, Familias, De aventura
Exploring Sète’s hidden creeks and caves by kayak is a great activity for nature lovers and adventurers. After a brief explanation of how to handle the kayak, your guide will take you to spend 3 hours exploring the unexpected beaches and scenery of this wonderful Mediterranean town, so dear to the French singer-songwriter and poet, Georges Brassens.
This is a great day out for families especially, learning more about the history and culture of Sète while enjoying some exercise. Note: You must be able to swim, make up a group of 6 and be at least 6 years old. If the weather isn’t on your side, the trip may be postponed or you will be given your money back.
Ubicación: KayakMed, Le Môle Saint-Louis, 34200 Sète, France
Teléfono: +33 (0)4 67 74 49 23
Sète creeks
5. Montségur Castle
In the footsteps of the Cathars
Categoría: Parejas, Familias
The Cathar castle of Montségur, perched on a limestone peak (or pog in the local dialect), is a relic of a fascinating part of French history. Find out more in the museum in the village below. Once you’ve climbed up to this well-preserved ruin you’ll understand why a military fortress 1,207 m above sea level was the last refuge of the Cathars in the 12th century.
The King of France decided to rid himself of these religious rebels after some of his inquisitors were killed. He besieged Montségur in late 1243, and the castle fell 10 months later. There is a 360° view over the Aude plains as far as the Pyrenees. Afterwards, explore the other wonders of ‘Cathar Country’.
Ubicación: 09300 Montségur, France
Horarios: November–December and February: Daily from 11 am to 4 pm, April–June and September–October: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm, July–August: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm (Closed January)
Teléfono: +33 (0)5 61 01 06 94
Montségur Castle
6. The steam train of the Cévennes
One beautiful view after another
Categoría: Parejas, Familias
The steam train of the Cévennes (le train à vapeur des Cévennes) is a spectacular way to explore the beauty of the Gardons valley from Anduze to Saint Jean-du-Gard. The 13-km trip takes 45 minutes, giving you lots of time to appreciate the magnificent views from your open carriage. Both Anduze and Saint Jean du Gard are worth a visit, as is Bamboo Cevennes (La Bambouseraie) which has its own station along the line.
Even the stream train itself is interesting. Aspiring steam enthusiasts will love helping fill it with water or greasing the rods. Hungry? La Guinguette at Saint-Jean-du-Gard is the perfect place for a snack in an unusual setting.
Ubicación: Place de la Gare, 30270 Saint-Jean-du-Gard, France
Horarios: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +33 (0)4 66 85 13 17
The steam train of the Cévennes
7. The bamboo gardens of the Cévennes
An amazing walk through some unusual plants
Categoría: Parejas, Familias
Bamboo Cevennes (La Bambouseraie), in the heart of the Cévennes, is one of the most interesting botanical gardens in France and a great place to relax with nature. This unique botanic garden has over a thousand varieties of plants and trees, including more than 200 varieties of bamboo of all sizes and colours.
As well as the bamboo, you can admire Japanese acers, ginkgo biloba trees and centuries old sequoias. Every season there’s something new to see as the impressive landscaped areas show you rare species from different continents to make your trip a fascinating exploration.
Ubicación: 552 Montsauve, 30140 Générargues, France
Horarios: Daily from 9.30 am to 8 pm.
Teléfono: +33 (0)4 66 61 70 47
The bamboo gardens of the Cévennes
8. Mount Canigou
The sacred moutain of the Catalan people
Categoría: Parejas, Familias, De aventura
Mount Canigou (le Canigó), dominates the Pyrénées-Orientales. It’s ideal for outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking and riding and of course, climbing to its peak, 2,784 m above sea level, if you really want to challenge yourself. Don’t forget, a challenge like that requires proper preparation, both physical and mental, as well as good equipment.
But it’s definitely worth the effort to climb to the top of this once sacred mountain and discover the fabulous scenery. Allow 1 to 2 days, according to your walking speed and the weather conditions, to reach the summit. There are several staffed refuges and bivouacking is allowed close to them. To stay in a refuge you must reserve your place before starting your climb.
Ubicación: 66500 Vernet-les-Bains, France
Mount Canigou
9. Sunset Beach, La Grande-Motte
Palm-lined promenades and paddleboarding
Categoría: De aventura, Familias
Sunset Beach, also known as Couchant Beach, is part of La Grande-Motte; a 4.5-mile (7-km) stretch of golden sand on the Mediterranean coast. Known for its wide, clean shoreline and calm, shallow waters, it’s great for families, swimmers and sunbathers. And as its name suggests, it’s one of the best in the region to watch a breathtaking sunset.
Enjoy a variety of activities, including paddleboarding, beach volleyball and parasailing, or take a scenic boat tour from the nearby marina. Numerous beach clubs and restaurants offer fresh seafood and cocktails, and the town centre is just a short walk away. Arrive early in the summer months to secure a good spot, and don’t forget your camera for those golden hour views.
Ubicación: 12 Esp. Jean Baumel, 34280 La Grande-Motte, France
Sunset Beach, La Grande-Motte
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