Most tourists start their journey in Paris, but there is definitely much more and now that I have discovered the Languedoc. Last month I had the opportunity to visit one of the most exciting parts of France known as the Languedoc-Roussillon. The region is an undiscovered gem filled with breathtaking coastline, some of France's best cuisine, rich medieval history and amazing architecture like chateaux (castles) and cathedrals. Bordering Provence, the Languedoc Roussillon is just as charming and beautiful, also touches the Mediterranean, but is less tourist-ridden and less expensive. France's most upcoming wines are from this region. It is also a far cry from the Provence or the Cote dAzur vacation spots many tourists flock to.
For me what made it special was the fact that it was bordering the Mediterranean Sea to the east and the Pyrenees Mountains to the south. Today, access has been greatly facilitated by the opening of the Millau Viaduct, which has become the centre point of a giant human merry-go-round linking the Clermont plain to the Mediterranean via the A75. Situated just three hours from Paris by TGV (high speed train), with services to Montpellier International Airport, the region boasts a wealth of different landscapes, traditions and talents waiting to be discovered.
With its colour full local markets, its 300 days a year of sunshine warming its rich coastline, 220 Km of fine sandy beaches, its charming villages and welcoming towns- all make the visitors experience a harmonious combination architectural sites and life in a regional prefecture and cultural capital of the south. Youll know after this trip what makes south of France so unique, which includes its small-scale wine growers, its cuisine inspired by southern France traditions, its popular culture, village festivals and local traditions.
It is the world's largest wine-producing region. Languedoc's wine production exceeds that of Bordeaux, of Australia, and that of South Africa and Chile combined. Languedoc-Roussillon's wine represents a third of the volume of all French output. I even spent a day out with a local wine producer. He took us out to his vineyards to show us the wines, soil and newly formed grapes soon ready for harvest coming September. Of course the days out in the wine country could not have been complete without a private tasting with a selection of white, ros and reds from his vineyard. A visit to the Languedoc would not be complete without a stop at the famous town of Carcassonne known for its stunning medieval city and delicious regional specialty, Cassoulet. Bon Voyage.
For me what made it special was the fact that it was bordering the Mediterranean Sea to the east and the Pyrenees Mountains to the south. Today, access has been greatly facilitated by the opening of the Millau Viaduct, which has become the centre point of a giant human merry-go-round linking the Clermont plain to the Mediterranean via the A75. Situated just three hours from Paris by TGV (high speed train), with services to Montpellier International Airport, the region boasts a wealth of different landscapes, traditions and talents waiting to be discovered.
With its colour full local markets, its 300 days a year of sunshine warming its rich coastline, 220 Km of fine sandy beaches, its charming villages and welcoming towns- all make the visitors experience a harmonious combination architectural sites and life in a regional prefecture and cultural capital of the south. Youll know after this trip what makes south of France so unique, which includes its small-scale wine growers, its cuisine inspired by southern France traditions, its popular culture, village festivals and local traditions.
It is the world's largest wine-producing region. Languedoc's wine production exceeds that of Bordeaux, of Australia, and that of South Africa and Chile combined. Languedoc-Roussillon's wine represents a third of the volume of all French output. I even spent a day out with a local wine producer. He took us out to his vineyards to show us the wines, soil and newly formed grapes soon ready for harvest coming September. Of course the days out in the wine country could not have been complete without a private tasting with a selection of white, ros and reds from his vineyard. A visit to the Languedoc would not be complete without a stop at the famous town of Carcassonne known for its stunning medieval city and delicious regional specialty, Cassoulet. Bon Voyage.
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