Languedoc-Roussillon

This region has only been part of France in relatively recent times. Languedoc’s people once spoke a different language - Occitan, hence langue d’oc - and came under the control of France in the 16th century. Roussillon was Spanish until the mid 17th century, and its Catalan heritage is still evident.

Languedoc-Roussillon has 150 miles of Mediterranean coast with many of the best beaches in France to choose from. The capital, Montpellier, has the relaxed feel of a Mediterranean town with an interesting mix of historic and very modern architecture.

Take a trip to Carcassonne - a medieval hilltop walled city - to eat the regional speciality cassoulet (or more properly Cassoulet de Castelnaudry), which is a delicious rich bean and pork stew.

In the Camargue region, ancient crafts are still in evidence, with sauniers producing salt and sagneurs cutting reeds for thatching.

Languedoc-Roussillon is the largest wine region in the world and home to Corbières, Coteaux du Languedoc, Côtes du Roussillon, Saint Chinian and Costières de Nimes wines.