Exquisite France beckons Russian tourists like a magnet. What could be better country, where residents are full of self-respect, but at the same time charmingly playful, where modern quarters coexist with buildings from the time of the Roman Empire?

For most Russians, France is Paris and the Cote d'Azur. The first one has a lot of interesting things, but you won’t be able to sunbathe and enjoy the sea, the second one is a recognized abode of rich people. However, there are places in it where the sun and beaches are available not only to the powerful of this world. For example, Languedoc is a province on the coast of a warm mediterranean sea. Here you will find nudist villages, ancient monasteries, extensive vineyards, and steep mountains - everything a tourist can dream of.

Where is Languedoc located?

Languedoc is a wonderful region in the south of France, on the very border with Spain. Mountains in the south, the Mediterranean in the east, mild climate and magnificent landscapes - that's what this region is all about. True, now the historical province is divided into two - Languedoc-Roussillon and the Southern Pyrenees, and the capital of the region, Toulouse, has moved to the second. But when a Frenchman says "Languedoc", he certainly has in mind this wonderful city. Although the official administrative center is Montpellier.

In terms of size, the province ranks eighth in France - more than 27 thousand square kilometers. It is quite densely populated - almost 2.7 million people live in cities and wine-growing villages, of which there are a great many. The vineyards are irrigated with water from the Rhone and Herault flowing here.

Ages of Prosperity

Ancient France was divided into regions more obviously. Languedoc was part of Occitania - a vast area where even the language was its own, Occitan. It came under the authority of the French crown only in the XIII century, in the era of the glorious Sun King Louis XIV. A long period of independence, its own language, customs and a developed agrarian economy (from time immemorial, excellent wine has been produced here) have led to the fact that this region has always been, as it were, a “state within a state”. Perhaps that is why, despite the proximity of the sea and the wonderful climate, they began to turn it into a resort only in the nineteenth century - at a time when the Cote d'Azur had already managed to take all the tourist glory for itself.

That is why there are fewer vacationers here, prices are lower than on the Riviera, and you can spend a vacation just as well. Resorts here still managed to grow.

Now the linguistic differences have disappeared, practically no one speaks Occitan, but the residents of the region still have a keen sense of their own exclusivity. Traditionally, people here are freedom-loving. Far left and far right political movements originate from here, artists with open-minded thinking are born here.

Resorts of Languedoc

Although resort areas began to develop only a century and a half ago, coastal cities can boast of solid size, good infrastructure and summer period receive thousands of tourists.

If you are most interested in beaches, you should definitely go to the most old resort region - La Grande Motte. The coastline with the finest sand, beyond which the picturesque hills spread - the place looks truly idyllic. In winter, the town seems to die out, but in summer it is very crowded.

Do you want a lot of rides, cozy gatherings in restaurants and races in souvenir shops? Lekath-Barkare will provide you with all this. Do you want something unusual? Gruissan and Cap d'Agde, located at the foot of a dormant volcano, will satisfy your thirst.

Cap d'Agde - the capital of nudism

By the way, the latter is known for its very free morals: there is a very large nudist beach (2 kilometers coastline), where you can expose not only the chest - no one will pay attention if you bathe and sunbathe without a piece of cloth at all. You can also come to the restaurant in what your mother gave birth to. For conservatives, there is also a traditional beach with swimsuits and decorum. Getting here is easy high-speed train from Paris - the road from the Gare de Lyon takes about 4 hours.

This place is clearly divided into three parts - the old Agde on the banks of the Hérault, where you can admire architectural monuments; the fishing port of Grau d'Agde, very colorful; and Cap d'Agde itself - a cheerful resort on the cape. It is best to walk here, admiring the houses made of volcanic rock. From cultural impressions - the Agatua Museum, Fort Brescu, the 240-kilometer Canal du Midi.

There are a great many hotels here - about 30, but almost all of them are two or three stars. There are two fours, and one in the nudist area (Résidence Hôtelière Natureva-Spa from 5.5 thousand per night). "Dressed" more expensive - Oz "inn Hôtel from 11 thousand per night, there is for 4.5 thousand - Résidence Thalacap. A room in a "kopeck piece" will cost 2.5-3 thousand rubles (Alhambra, Hôtel Azur), in a "three-ruble note" - from three thousand.

Main cities of Languedoc

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is another face of the Languedoc. This small town, covering both banks of the Ode River, has no access to the sea, but it did not grow for the last century and a half, but has been mentioned for 2000 years, even before our era. Ancient stone castles, harsh fortresses - it is good to come for a couple of days of excursions.

You can get here by train from the capital of the Montpellier region. Here you will see the Gallic fortress preserved from ancient times, defensive walls - they are called the Upper Town and are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Museum of the Inquisition on the territory of the citadel is also very interesting - where else can you see a real guillotine and a chastity belt? And "for dessert" - a house with ghosts in the neighborhood.

However, you can go here not only to familiarize yourself with the historical past - there are very decent five-star Hotels Hotel de la Cite Carcassonne - MGallery Collection (from 11.4 thousand rubles per night) and Domaine d'Auriac (from 8.7 thousand). A room in the "four" will cost 5.5-8 thousand, 2.8-4 - in the "three", and good "twos" can be found for two thousand rubles (ibis budget Carcassonne La Cité, for example).

And here they are well fed - the dish "kasule" visiting old wine cellars should certainly be included in the program of any tourist.

Montpellier

Montpellier, the capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon, rises on the hills ten kilometers from the Mediterranean coast. Palm trees on the streets, many cafes with relaxed townspeople - this is a typical southern town filled with bliss and sybaritism. Flights from Paris regularly fly here, and in season from other European countries.

A beach holiday is possible here - the 28th bus runs to the coast, the fare will cost about three euros, but from there you will have to walk for about 20 minutes. The location is not the most convenient, if you are only interested in tanning and gentle waves, it is better to choose another place.

But here you can arrange excellent shopping. Behind expensive things- to the boutiques on Rue Fochy near the Place de la Comédie. For non-branded European clothes and shoes - in shopping centers Inno and FNAK. On Sunday, you should take the tram and take the blue line to the Mosson stop - there under open sky flea market unfolds. You can buy branded items much cheaper, and how much vintage and cute souvenirs there are can not be conveyed at all.

It is good to walk along the narrow streets of the Aragonese quarter - the buildings of the twelfth century will seem unknown to the modern city dweller. And in the Antigone quarter you can see the experiments of the modernists. City of contrasts, not otherwise. A good place for walking is the botanical garden, the zoo.

Every summer there is a jazz festival, at the end of July - an international dance festival.

Here you can also arrange a feast of the stomach. Best Restaurants- near main square, Comedy. But pay attention to the many ethnic restaurants and eateries with kebabs, sandwiches, Chinese cuisine, etc. Typically French coffee houses are concentrated on Louis Blanc street.

The most luxurious hotel in the local area is the five-star Domaine de Verchant Relais & Châteaux, a night costs from 14.5 thousand rubles. Four-star hotels are more economical - 4.5-5 thousand per room (Crowne Plaza Montpellier Corum, Suite Novotel Montpellier, Hôtel Oceania Le Métropole). Three-ruble notes will be a little cheaper, two-star hotels are not far behind them.

Perpignan and surroundings

The south of Languedoc is already mountainous regions of the Pyrenees. The largest city here Perpignan - it has many old buildings, and in the vicinity there are still wooden fortresses of the seventeenth century. The towns of Prat de Molo, Elna, Nimes are also very picturesque. And in the latter they invented the famous denim - it is called de-nim, that is, “from Nim”.

Here are magnificent natural parks - marshland, juniper groves, volcanic mountains, river deltas with many birds.

Languedoc-Roussillon on the map of France

Why go to Languedoc?

Languedoc is a truly amazing, distinctive region. Intellectuals will feel good here, who will enjoy visiting architectural sights and museums, and reckless young people who are ready to drink wine and walk around naked all day, and gourmets, who will be delighted with local cuisine and wines, and extreme sportsmen who will be offered mountain hiking in the Pyrenees. The region is not as popular as the Cote d'Azur, it is calmer and cheaper here.

A trip to Languedoc is a great way to enjoy French cuisine and fine wines, sunbathe on the beach and join cultural monuments. You will not spend astronomical amounts, as on the Riviera, but you will experience all the charms of a holiday in romantic, freedom-loving, sophisticated France.

The historical region of Languedoc (Languedoc, Lengadoс) occupies southern part ancient Occitania (the common name for the areas of modern Provence, Drome, Auvergne, Limousin, Gascony and Languedoc, where Occitan is spoken). For the French, the Languedoc is more than just a geographical region - it is one of the historical "cores" of the formation modern France, which still retains many characteristic national features, and therefore has a certain degree of conservatism and a clear sense of national identity. Although the Occitan language is almost out of use these days and has no literary support, the locals emphasize their “independence from Paris” in every possible way, and the Languedoc itself is traditionally a stronghold of the radical left (and, more surprisingly, the far right too) parties.

Around Montpellier

A characteristic feature of the Languedoc is the rather large distance of its most interesting objects from the coast. The reason for this is simple - the local shores bear little resemblance to the many kilometers of beaches that begin to the northeast Cote d'Azur. The harsh and almost treeless coastline blown by the winds from the Camargue to Narbonne is almost entirely framed by marshy lagoons (etangs) and is not suitable for the construction of resorts. However, quiet fishing towns, the complete absence of crowds of tourists, many well-preserved traditions and unique natural objects attract here many connoisseurs of "ordinary France".

The main decoration of the coast is, of course, the regional natural park Camargue(Camargue), occupying the entire western part of the vast delta of the Rhone River. These ancient regions of salt marshes, reed marshes, sea lagoons, hundreds of channels and sand islands are considered the last site in Europe where you can see relic semi-steppe natural complexes, which have completely disappeared in other areas. Here, on an area of ​​almost one and a half thousand square kilometers, pink flamingos, egrets and many waterfowl still nest, and in total up to 300 species of birds have been recorded here. In the unique juniper forest (local juniper reaches a height of up to 7 meters with a trunk diameter of up to 50 cm!) and in endless reed beds of numerous channels and brackish estuaries, more than a hundred species of mammals are found. But " calling card"The Camargue, along with pink flamingos and small (about 1.35 meters at the withers) black bulls, are wild white horses that are also not found anywhere else in Europe.

Around the protected lands you can find many small resorts and boarding houses (part of the swamp area is still privately owned and used for grazing and partly for hunting). The oldest resort here - La Grande Mote, in the summer filled with tourists (there is a good beach), and in winter it is almost dying out. Slightly to the east is Port Camargue with its modern marina and small fishing town Le Grau du Roi(Le Grau-du-Roi) with its famous drawbridge.

An unusual town is located 3 km from the coast Aigues Mortes, or Egmort (Aigues-Mortes - " dead waters"), built as a fortress and base port for the Seventh crusade(XIII century). Its massive walls and towers are virtually untouched by time, and the numerous salt fields around give this place a rather unusual look. 12 km to the south lies a rather boring resort town Palavas(Palavas-les-Flots, Palavas). And the best place to relax by the sea is the area between Palavas and the border of the swamps, where you can see thousands of birds just lying on the beach. Very close, above a wall of reeds, rises the beautiful Cathedral de Magelon (XII century, open daily from 9.00 to 18.00) - all that remains of a prosperous city that was almost destroyed by Louis XIII because of the Protestant religion of its inhabitants. Every year in the second half of June, under the vaults of the cathedral, the Festival of Church Music is held, which brings together the best bands from all over Europe.

28 km southeast of Montpellier, on a narrow strip of land separating the Tho lagoon from the sea, there is a large medieval port city Set(Set). Lively and quite colorful, the town is considered one of the centers of shellfish breeding, and therefore is famous for its restaurants. sea ​​food, the most picturesque panoramas opening from the hilltop of Mont Saint-Clair overgrown with pines, Fort Saint-Pierre (XVII century, now there is an open theater), International Museum contemporary art and the Paul Valery Museum (20th-century French writer, native of Sète).

And at the southwestern end of the long lagoon of Basen de Tho is one of the most interesting coastal cities of the Camargue - Agde(Agde). Founded by the Phoenicians and expanded under the Romans, it flourished for many centuries, and only the development of the port of Set turned it into a sleepy fishing harbor. Today it is the main tourist centre region, famous for its Mediterranean charm, easily seen in the narrow winding lanes between rue de l "Amour and the embankment, in the characteristic fortified cathedral (XII-XVII centuries), as well as in the color of its houses built from the black volcanic stone of the Mont Saint quarries -Loop And if you move from Montpellier to the interior of Languedoc, you can get acquainted with such famous historical sites as the picturesque town Saint-Martin-de-Londres(St-Martin-de-Londres), Cambous Castle and the adjoining prehistoric village of the same name, the Demoiselles caves www.demoiselles.com, the spectacular Herault Gorge (l "Herault) and the Abbey of Saint-Guillem-les-Desaires (St -Guilhem-le-Desert, IX-XII centuries) near the famous medieval Devil's Bridge (Pont du Diable), as well as ancient dolmens near the village of Le Pouget.

South of Languedoc

The southern regions of Languedoc stretch from the mouth of the River Aude to the coastal city. These regions of low rocky hills and rivers running down from the Pyrenees are little visited by foreign tourists. However, the fortified city founded by the Celts, lying right on the railway line from Toulouse to Montpellier, is known as one of the most picturesque cities in France and certainly the most amazing city Languedoc.

36 km west of Carcassonne, on the road to Toulouse, lies the city Castelnaudary(Castelnaudary) is one of those innumerable French provincial cities that do not have any special attractions, but, nevertheless, are visited by thousands of tourists only because of their vibrant national charm. Considerable popularity of this city is given by the Midi Canal flowing through its territory, connecting the Garonne Valley with the Mediterranean Sea, as well as many beautiful old mansions, carefully restored windmill XVIII century, a semaphore tower from the same period and ... the famous local cold cuts with beans, which is the most popular dish in the south of the country. And to the north of the channel, the spurs of the low uplands of Montagne Noire begin, which forms the western tip of the regional natural park Haut Languedoc with its superb landscapes, many beautiful gorges and picturesque mountain villages, many of which are almost older than the same Carcassonne.

Nearby you can take a cruise on an "environmentally friendly barge". The ship is called Soleil d "Oc and is the first solar-powered cruise barge. A unique ecological journey takes place along the Languedoc, or South Canal (Canal du Midi), which is included in the List world heritage UNESCO. The cruise route starts in Carcassonne and ends in Beziers, one of the most ancient cities in France. The Languedoc Canal was built in the second half of the 17th century. It stretches across southern France for 240 kilometers - from Toulouse to the Mediterranean port of Sète. The channel is part waterways connecting Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. There are 91 locks along the court channel; and the total elevation difference is 190 meters.

Beziers and around

The main city of the part of East Languedoc adjacent to the Mediterranean coast is the city beziers(Beziers), which, among other things, also has the status of the wine capital of Languedoc. It is interesting that local wines cannot boast of exquisite bouquet or richness of taste, but due to some features of local farming, they have a loyal clientele not only in France. Local historical monuments are also good - the old Pont Neuf bridge, the Saint-Nazaire Cathedral (XIII-XVII centuries) crowning a steep hill with its fortress-like towers, the ancient monastery adjacent to it and the garden of the episcopal palace, the Museum fine arts in the old mansion of the Hotel Fabregat and its branch in the Hotel Fayet, the historical museum of Biterua in the old barracks of Saint-Jacques, as well as the most picturesque alley Paul-Riquet, completely built up with cafes, restaurants, banks and shops, and leading to the magnificent small park of Plateau des Poet in the English style.

Just 18 km east of Beziers is the old market center Pozenas- the place of formation of the first parliament of Languedoc and the residence of its governors until 1465. At the end of the 17th century, Prince Armand de Bourbon decided to turn the town into a "second Versailles", and although he did not fully succeed, a large number of stately mansions of the 14th-17th centuries have survived to this day.

25 km southwest of Beziers lies the city Narbon(Narbonne), once the capital of the first Roman colony in Gaul. Plague and war with the British put an end to the former greatness of this city in the XIV century, but at the end of the XIX century it became known as a center of winemaking. The main monuments of the city are Horreum (Horreum) at the northern end of rue Rouget-de-l "Isle - an unusual underground Roman warehouse in the form of a gallery, a small early Christian crypt of the Saint-Paul church, a huge Gothic cathedral of Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur, The Archbishop's Palace with its forty-meter tower, which overlooks all the surroundings, the Marchand bridge, art and archaeological museums, as well as the Notre Dame de Lamourgue church, which now houses a collection of Roman sculptures and epigraphs.

15 km southwest of the city is the beautiful Fontfroide Abbey (Fontfroide, XII-XVII centuries), and a little to the south - the large Bage lagoon and the African Reserve, which almost naturally contains more than 150 species of animals, and not only from Africa. You can visit a little old fashioned seaside resort Valra(Valras-Plage) and more modern beach areas Saint Pierre and Narbonne-Plage, an islet of Montagne-de-la-Clap with a picturesque village Gruissan and the Chapelle-Notre-Dame-de-Ozil church, as well as the nearby lands of the Hauts-Languedoc Regional Natural Park.

Roussillon

The region, which includes the eastern edge of the Pyrenees, as well as the lowlands around Perpignan and along the Mediterranean coast, has been known since antiquity as Roussillon (Roussillon, in honor of the main city of the Sardone tribe - Ruscino, destroyed by the Normans in 859), or "French Catalonia". The Catalans arrived here in the 10th century, and in the 13th-14th centuries, the Franco-Catalan border passed through the Corbière hills north of Perpignan. Under Jaume II, Roussillon became part of the Kingdom of Mallorca, vassal of Aragon, which led to a whole series of wars and uprisings (most of them were either provoked or suppressed by the French), ending only in 1659 with the signing of the Iberian Peace, according to which the region finally went to France. The successful strategic position by that time turned the city of Perpignan into a large shopping center Pyrenees, so the plains of Roussillon were subjected to intensive "Frenchization", but the mountainous regions retained their age-old way of life, "involved" in the fusion and interweaving of the traditions and customs of many peoples who inhabited these lands since antiquity. To this day, the local language carries many Spanish and Occitan forms, which can be clearly seen in the usually bilingual road signs, and the national red and yellow flag is often more common than French.

The main city of Roussillon and the administrative center of the Eastern Pyrenees department - the city of Perpignan (Perpignan, Perpinya) lies on the river Tet, 13 km from the Mediterranean coast and 31 km north of the Franco-Spanish border.

Around Perpignan interesting town Canet-Plage(Canete-Plage, 12 km east) with its wide sandy beach, fort Forteres de Sals (XV century, 15 km north of Perpignan), village of winemakers Totavel(Tautavel), in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bwhich in 1971 the remains of the ancient man in Europe (dated approximately 450 thousand years BC, now they are the main exhibit of the local Prehistoric Museum), the old capital of Roussillon is the town Eln(Elne) with its cathedral-fortress Sante Elalle and a beautiful monastery (both - XII-XVI centuries), town Sere(Ceret) with colorful old quarters, the Romanesque abbey of Saint-Marie (XIV century) near Arles-sur-Tech(Arles-sur-Tech), picturesque mountain town Prat de Mollo(Prats-de-Mollo) with its carefully restored ancient walls, steep cobbled streets and a modest gray church, Lagar Fort (XV-XVII centuries), a lush botanical garden and a beautiful church (1151) in the village Bull d'Amon(Boule d "Amont), Canigou's majestic peak mountainous areas the southern part of the region, full of small mountain resorts, as well as the long coast of Vermeil (Cote Vermeille) with its small cozy towns and good beaches.

As in many other French regions, Roussillon has its own preferential card for tourists - Pass Roussillon, which provides a lot of discounts. About 38 participating sites, including the abbeys of Saint-Martin-du-Canigou and Saint-Michel de Cuija, the Palace of the Kings of Mallorca, Art Museum in Sera and the monastery in Elne, can be visited free of charge.

Languedoc-Roussillon is an old region in the south of France. Its entire territory is divided into three zones. Where the terrain is hilly, vineyards lined up: in the foothills of the Pyrenees and the Central Massif of Minervois, Saint-Chignan and Faugères, as well as Bagyul, Corbières, part of the Coteaux-du-Languedoc and the western part of Fitou. In the south and southwest of the region large areas takes mountain system, forming the natural border of the French region with Spain and Andorra. In the flat area are located most of the Coteaux-du-Languedoc, part of the Corbières and the coastal region of Fitou. Finally, the area of ​​Cabardes, Malper and Limou belongs to the "Atlantic Corridor", which is under tangible impact.
In the Languedoc-Roussillon region, there are about two dozen relatively large rivers, seemingly peaceful and quiet, but after heavy rain they form swift streams, and completely dry up during the drought period. River deposits formed the relief of the entire flat part of the Languedoc-Roussillon.
Here is the warmest region of France, with hot and dry summers and warm, wet winters. It rains infrequently, but in the form of showers, and it is almost impossible to predict them. There is a wide variety of winds here: arid mistral and tramontane blow from the coast, sea breezes reduce the air temperature.
In these climatic conditions The most common agricultural crops were grapes and olives.
The remains of the Tota-Velsky man, a subspecies of Homo erectus, found here, allow us to assert that the first people lived in this area no later than 450 thousand years ago. The found subspecies is one of the oldest in Europe.
8 period 7500-1500 BC e. here lived the Ligurian and Iberian tribes, later driven out by the Celts. In the ancient period - 600-500 years BC. e. - Phoenician colonies appeared on the coast, followed by Greek colonies. In the 60s BC. e. the era of Ancient Rome began in Languedoc, large trading and port cities, the Roman province of Gallia Narbonne was created. From that time, roads, canals and aqueducts have been preserved here to this day. This territory differs markedly from other Roman provinces in that it managed to survive the first waves of the invasion of the Germanic tribes and even retained its administration and culture. But in 300-500 years, tribes of Vandals and Visigoths invaded here, destroying many cities.
Around 720, the lands of Languedoc were occupied by the Saracens, until 865, when this region was completely under the rule of Catalonia. Wars followed one after another, and Languedoc turned into a theater of operations for a fertile stretch of the Mediterranean coast.
In the second half of the ninth century On the territory of Languedoc, the County of Toulouse arose. In the X-XI centuries. it was the largest feudal state of southern France, distinguished from other parts of France by a high level economic development, caused by the early formation of crafts and trade, as well as the prosperity of the independent cities of Nimes, Beziers, Narbonne, Montpellier, which retained the republican structure almost from ancient times.
The development of sciences and arts caused the emergence of several Christian heretical movements, followed by religious wars, as a result of which in the XIII century. most of these territories were annexed to France.
Then the current name of the region appears. To distinguish this land from the northern French Languedoile, it was called "Languedoc". It literally means "language ok", where "ok" is the southern French version of the particle "yes", as opposed to the northern French "oil" (later "wee").
Because of this linguistic phenomenon, it is customary to refer to Languedoc as the entire region of the distribution of Occitan (Provencal) dialects, or the entire southern part of present-day France.
Part of the region was originally called Ruscino: this name was given to it by the Romans, and it came from the center of the settlement of the Sardone tribe who once lived here. Later - in the language of the Franks - the name was transformed into Roussillon.
Languedoc-Roussillon is the main viticulture and winemaking region, producing more than 40% of all French wines and a third of all grapes. Because of this, this region is called in France "vin-du-lac", or "lake of wine". The province has been making wine for more than 2,000 years, offering a high-quality and expensive product, and collectible drinks even reach exorbitant prices.
Olives are still grown here, as in the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Languedoc-Roussillon is famous for its lavender and rare varieties of sheep and goat cheese. Lagoon Etang-de-To - the second largest lake in France is not only a well-known tourist attraction, but also a breeding ground for oysters and mussels. The city of Sète is the main fishing port of the region, where the fishing industry has always been one of the most important. And one more ancient branch of the economy, since Roman times, is the extraction of salt from sea water in coastal lagoons.
The unique complex of agriculture in the region would not have been possible without the du-Midi of the Languedoc, or South, 240 km long canal, which merges with the Garonne Canal, going to. The canal was dug under King Louis XIV in the 17th century. and in 1996 was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was through this channel that wheat from Languedoc-Roussillon got to the north of France, from where it was traded with all of Europe.
Modern Languedoc-Roussillon is also an aerospace, electronics and biotech industry, with businesses centered in Montpellier.
Languedoc-Roussillon is the historical district of the Provencals, or Occitans. In the ninth century this ethnic group was a whole nationality, and until the 16th century. Provencals were called the inhabitants of all of southern France. Today, the Provençal language is spoken only in villages, and even then not in many, but the “Provencal spirit” is love of freedom and pride in ancient history native land are alive everywhere.
Periodically, the social movement for the revival of the Provencal language and literature makes itself felt.
Languedoc-Roussillon is the land of countless monuments of the past. Its small towns are known for buildings of pre-Roman and Roman culture: amphitheaters, triumphal arches, aqueducts.
Most famous cities Languedoc - Montpellier and Nimes.
The historical sights of Carcassonne are concentrated in the Upper and Lower Towns. AT Upper city there are Narbonne gates with buttresses of the 13th century leading to the fortress; the Cathedral of St. Nazarius - a Romanesque building of the 11th century, standing on a foundation whose age has been lost for centuries; and castle of the XII-XIII centuries. noble family Trancavel - the former owners of Carcassonne. Preserved in the Lower City old bridge 14th century
Beziers is one of the oldest cities in France: it was founded in the 7th century BC. e. The main attraction of Beziers is the Cathedral of St. Nazarius in the Romanesque style, built in the 13th century. The peculiarity of this city is also in the fact that every year the Feria festival is held here, reminiscent of the Spanish bullfight.
Perpignan occupies a special place, if only because it was once the capital of an entire state - Catalonia, until in 1659 it was ceded to France under the Treaty of the Pyrenees. Perpignan is the capital of the Eastern Pyrenees department, which remains a kind of Spanish enclave in France. Many Spaniards and Catalans live here, who have preserved their original culture.
The Languedoc cities of Montpellier are no less famous - with the first botanical garden in France, the Jardin des Plantes, founded in 1593, and Nimes, where the Pont du Gard stands, or the Gar bridge (I century), the highest surviving ancient Roman three-tiered aqueduct : length 275 m, height 47 m.
Languedoc-Roussillon is also one of the most popular resort areas throughout Europe. Cap d "Ag, Palava-le-Flot, La Grau-du-Roi - all these exotic names are the names of tiny fishing villages, at the beginning of the 20th century. turned into luxury resorts.

general information

Location: Western Europe.
Administrative division: departments of Aude, Hérault, Gard, Lozère, Eastern Pyrenees.
Administrative center: Montpellier. 253 998 people (2008).
Languages: French - up to 90%, Catalan, Provencal.
Ethnic composition: French - ok. 90%, others - 10% (including Algerians, Moroccans, Portuguese, Catalans, Spaniards).
Religions: Catholicism (majority), Protestantism, Islam, atheism.
Currency unit: Euro.
Large settlements: Montpellier - 253,998 people (2008), Nimes - 140,267 people. (2008), Perpignan - 120,100 people. (2009), Beziers - 71,672 people. (2008).
Major rivers: Rhone, Gar, Ero, Od, Orb, Tarn.
Major Port: Set.
The most important airports: international airports Montpellier-Mediteran, Nimes-Ales-Camargues-Cevennes (Nim-Taron).
External borders: French regions Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur - in the east and southeast, Rhone-Alpes - in the east, Auvergne - in the north, Southern Pyrenees - in the west, Andorra - in the west, Spain - in the south, Mediterranean Sea - in the east.

Numbers

Area: 27,376 km2.
Population: 2,610,890 (2009).
Population density: 95.4 people/km2 (150-300 people/km2 in cities and on the Mediterranean coast, 7.4 people/km2 in mountainous areas).
The most high point: Carlit peak, 2921 m (Oriental Pyrenees department).

Economy

Minerals: coal, bauxite.
Industry: engineering, metalworking, oil refining, high technology, pharmaceutical, chemical, light (textile), food.
Agriculture: viticulture, fruits, vegetables, animal husbandry (cattle breeding).
Winemaking.
Fishing.
Service sector: tourism, trade.

Climate and weather

Mediterranean.
January average temperature:+8°C
July average temperature:+25°С.
Average annual rainfall: 750 mm - in the east, 450 mm - in the west, 400 mm - in mediterranean coast, in the south, 1200 mm - in the foothills, in the north.

Attractions

■ City of Montpellier: Aragon Palace (XIII century), Jardin des Plantes Botanical Garden (XVI century), Promenade du Peyrou gardens, Montpellier Cathedral (XIV-XIX centuries), La Comedie Square;
■ City of Perpignan: Fort La Castilet (XIV century), Saint-Gene Cathedral (XIV-XVI centuries), St. Mary's Church (XVI century), building railway station, Rigaud Museum, Collioure Castle (XIII century), La Miranda Park;
■ City of Nimes: Pont du Gard, or Garsky bridge-aqueduct (1st century), Les Arenes amphitheater (1st century AD), Temple of Diana (2nd century AD), Notre Dame Cathedral - Saint-Castor (XVI century). public garden Jardin de la Fontaine (XVIII century);
■ City of Beziers: Pont Neuf bridge, Saint-Nazaire Cathedral (XIII-XVII centuries);
■ City of Narbon: the Roman ruins of Orreum, the Gothic cathedral of Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur, the Archbishop's Palace, the Marchand bridge, the Church of Notre-Dame-de-Lamourgui;
■ City of Carcassonne: Cathedral of St. Nazarius (XI century), Trancavel castle (XII-XIII centuries), Bastide-Saint-Louis fortress (XIII century), Narbonne gates (XIII century), Old bridge (XIV century), embankment river Od (XVII century). Fountain "Neptune" (XVIII century), Palace of Justice (XIX century);
■ City of Set: Fort Saint-Pierre (XVII century);
■ City of Albi: Museum of the artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, La Berbier castle (XIII century), gothic cathedral Saint-Cecile (XIII century);
■ City of Kord: underground tunnels Albigensians wooden mansions(XII-XIV centuries);
■ City of Aigues-Mortes: fortress (XIII century), salt fields;
■ City of Agde: houses made of black volcanic stone.
■ Hauts-Languedoc Regional Natural Park.
■ national park Seven.
■ Reserve (Rhone Delta): relic semi-steppe natural complexes.
■ Lagoon Etang de Tho: oyster gardens.
■ Canal du Midi (Languedoc, or South Canal).
■ The resorts of Cap d "Ag, Palava-le-Flot, La Gros-du-Roi, La Grande-Mot, Valra, Saint-Pierre, Narbon-Plage;
■ Gorge of the river Tarn.

Curious facts

■ Languedoc-Roussillon - in fact, two very different areas, united in one region. Provencal traditions are still alive in Languedoc today, while in Roussillon, which was under Spanish rule for a long time, Catalan culture has been preserved. For example, in Roussillon it is customary to paint houses in different bright colors.
■ The symbol of the city of Nimes is the ancient Roman amphitheater Les Arenes (1st century AD), considered one of the best preserved Roman arenas in the world. Built for gladiator fights, it could accommodate more than 20,000 spectators. This building is still used for arena fights: Nimes is considered the main European center for bullfighting outside of Spain.

Having been in Languedoc, tourists note its attractive power. This is the oldest region of viticulture, and the natural conditions are favorable for growing sunny bunches. The mild climate contributes to the increase in the sugar content of the berries.

Languedoc wine is admired by people all over the world. The unique properties of the soil give the drink a special taste. He won universal recognition, they don’t drink it - they eat it, experiencing great pleasure. The city and its environs best places for hiking during the high summer season.

Road from Paris

Languedoc-Roussillon (France) enjoys great attention of residents and guests of the city. It is located in the south of the country, surrounded by mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Acquaintance with the historical region begins with the study of 2 provinces that are easy to find on the map of France - the Southern Pyrenees and Languedoc.

Interest among vacationers is also caused by Mandelieu. The Paris-Languedoc route is especially popular with tourists. Getting to the capital is easy: flights are operated by a liner airlines Air France. The aircraft departs daily from Charles de Gaulle Airport. Then the tourists continue their journey by tram or taxi.

The Languedoc Canal is a waterway connecting the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. For residents and guests of the French land, the most convenient route starts near the city of Beziers and ends near unique waterfalls.

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During the journey, dams, poplars, bridges and dams float by. From a height of 190 m, a magnificent view opens up. Tourists have long chosen the South Canal in Languedoc-Roussillon for recreation - sights are found at every step, and locals introduce guests to folk traditions.

Canal du Midi (South) is a real work of art, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Peninsula Brittany (bretagne) in France

In the Cevennes and on the coast

The plateaus near the Alps belong to a region dominated by medium-high uplands and developed sports tourism. French villages are located along the massive ridge. The eastern outskirts of the Massif Central (Cevennes) is the center of gliding.

The highest peak of the mountains is Finel Peak, located at an altitude of 1699 m above sea level.. The Roussillon region (France, Languedoc) is interesting tourist route, laid between the industrial city of Andyuz and the mountain range. At its foot is a Japanese-style garden. Travelers are fascinated by the magnificent landscapes that can be seen in the photo in the guidebook.

The coastal area is one of the most scenic spots. Tourists are pleased with the appearance of the resort. Guests of the city combine many hours of walking with swimming in the sea and sightseeing, enjoying fine wines. Comfortable hotels are at guests' disposal.

The Tarn Gorge is located in the Koss Mountains. From here you have a magnificent view of the turbulent river. Fresh wind blows in numerous caves. Their inspection allows you to get an indelible impression associated with the grandeur and impregnability of the harsh bulks. In the ruins of Castelbu Castle there is an exposition dedicated to the Templars. Tourists can capture the most beautiful gorge in the photo.

Presence of antiquity

Man Tower (Tour Magne)

The pride of Languedoc is the Tour de Magne tower, towering on an octagonal plinth. The second tier is decorated in the best traditions of architecture. After reconstruction, various exhibitions are held here. The interior of the room combines the ratio of secular and spiritual in the Gothic culture.

Chenonceau castle

Lake Airol attracts the attention of travelers. Near the shore you can find small crabs, shrimps, clams, mussels. Stay near the reservoir ends with traditional fishing. Most of the lake has been turned into a kind of nature reserve, and in the north there are salt marshes.

If you look at the photo Cathedral Saint Nazarius, then you can see an impressive and massive building, made in the Gothic style. The square tower 48 m high looks unusually impressive. The largest bell testifies to the cult purpose of the building.

Lake Airol

Cathedral of St. Nazarius

Visiting Dionysus

The ancient region of French winemaking is located along the Mediterranean coast. natural conditions favorable for growing amber clusters. Wine series "Coteaux du Languedoc" are produced in the territory, which includes 260 communities. To create first-class drinks, Syrah, Mourvedre, Grepach varieties are used.

Dry red wine has high quality and unique aroma. Guests of the city get acquainted with the areas where the best grape varieties are grown: Fitou, Minervois, Côtes du Roussillon. Winemaking is developed in the Corbière region of the Aude department. Excursions are organized for guests of the city, allowing them to get acquainted with the plantations of amber berries.

Red dry wine has a deep pink color and is stored for a long time. It is in demand among residents of France and tourists who come to rest. White wine contains valuable trace elements and antioxidants, so it is beneficial to health.

The cellars of the town of Frontignan are filled with a magnificent sunny drink. The ancient grape variety was brought to France in 1204. Specialists are expanding the area under crops, and Languedoc is the best wine-growing region in France. The pride of the creators of the aromatic drink is Muscat, which is tasted from special wine glasses. Tourists get acquainted with the technology of growing crops, the rules for serving a drink to the table. Red dry wine has an amazing aroma and unique taste.

amiens cathedral

Favorite vacation spots for tourists

The joyful and friendly region of Languedoc-Roussillon is located in the south of France, bounded from the north by the Massif Central, from the south by the Pyrenees. Its shores are washed by the Mediterranean Sea, there are many resorts with wonderful sandy beaches. In small towns of the region, carefully preserved historical heritage: castles, cathedrals, palaces and mansions of the French aristocracy. This is one of the largest wine regions in the world. Wine production here began in the 3rd century BC. The vineyards cover an area of ​​approximately 400,000 hectares.

By the double name, it is easy to guess that earlier these were two different regions: Languedoc and Roussillon. And although politics and commerce have woven them together, in terms of geography and culture, they have remained different.

The region is only three hours away from Paris by high-speed TGV train.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is able to surprise the tourist with its living fabulous paintings. Numerous defensive towers and jagged ancient defensive walls amaze with their grandeur. This medieval city fortification is incredibly well preserved and worth seeing. The castle was built on a wide hill with a height of 148 meters; for the Middle Ages, it was an advantageous strategic place. Carcassonne has an elliptical shape, it is surrounded by a double chain of thick defensive walls with 54 towers. The fortifications, partly from the French Gothic period, were built during the reign of Louis IX, in 1250, and under Philippe Bold, in 1280. Every year in July, Carcassonne invites tourists to an unforgettable

Montpellier

Montpellier is the main tourist center of the region. It is located near the river Lez, in its valley. The city is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by 10 kilometers. This is the administrative center of Occitania. Here, nature has created ideal conditions for growing grapes. Travelers are attracted by elegant buildings, grandiose squares and a mild Mediterranean climate. In that busy city many universities. In the 13th century it belonged to the kings of Aragon, and in the 16th century it was the capital of the Huguenots, today it is the center of culture in France. There are art galleries and museums here. The main museum of the city of Fabre houses an exceptional collection of works by Italian, Dutch and French painters from the Renaissance to the present. A walk through the narrow streets of Montpellier will allow you to admire the medieval houses. The most suitable area for a leisurely walking tour is the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle in the east of the Old Town.

Ceret

Seret is located 32 km southwest of Perpignan in the beautiful countryside of the foothills of the Pyrenees. This is the city of artists. As early as the beginning of the 20th century, at the invitation of the sculptor from Catalonia Manolo and the composer Deodat de Severac, many famous painters moved to Sere, which has since turned into a creative settlement. Here, in the Museum of Modern Art, an amazingly rich collection of small town a magnificent collection of works by contemporary masters: Matisse, Chagall, Maillol, Dali, Manolo, Picasso and Tapies.

Narbonne

This is a former important port of the Roman Empire, and now a small seaside town. A special attraction of Narbonne is the central square surrounded by majestic buildings. A magnificent collection of paintings, enamels, furniture and ceramics is exhibited in the Museum of Arts and History, which is housed in the palace of the archbishop of the 13th-14th centuries. The Museum of Archeology is also located there, where classical, prehistoric and medieval exhibits are kept. You should visit the Old and New Palaces of the 12th and 14th centuries, the impressive structure of the Cathedral of Saint-Just, erected in 1272-1332, which represents the northern French gothic architecture. Tourists will hear the magnificent singing of the choir under its vaults and see the stained-glass window of the 14th century. The building of the church of Saint-Paul-Serge of the XII century, erected in the early Gothic style, is located in the southwestern part of the city.

Amelie les Bains

The resort town, which is spread out in a picturesque valley, owes its name to the wife of King Louis-Philippe. Even the ancient Romans noted the value mineral water from a local natural source. Of the sights, you should visit the ruins of ancient Roman baths and the church of the 10th century. Every year in August, the international folklore festival of music and dance of the peoples of the world is held here.

Arles-sur-Tech

This is a small scenic old town near the peak of Puig de l "Estelle, on the territory of which Sainte-Marie is located, founded in the 8th century. Over time, a city appeared around it. In the abbey church, you can get acquainted with ancient sarcophagi, the oldest of which dates back to the 4th century. Beautiful and elegant It looks like an early Gothic monastery of the 13th century.The building of the parish church near the abbey impresses with its tower and rich interior decoration.It is worth taking a walk to the De la Fou Gorge and enjoying the stunning natural views.

Abbey of Saint-Martin-du-Canigou

The picturesque location and long history of St. Martin's monastery attract tourists here. It looks like a fortress and was built over an abyss at an altitude of 2785 meters - at the top sheer cliff. The stunning landscapes here and the historic church of the monastery delight visitors. This Romanesque abbey is famous for its 11th century monastery. The view from the top of the hill allows you to calmly contemplate the beauties of the province of Languedoc-Roussillon.

Prades

This small but picturesque town is located in the Tete Valley, near the foot of Le Canigou. It is only 44 km from Perpignan. Prades is located on the territory of the Catalan Regional Natural Park. This city is culturally connected with neighboring Catalonia. The border with Spain is guarded by a fortress on Mount Louis, its author is the great architect Vauban. With its Romanesque tower and paintings by the 17th-century Catalan artist Leo Polge, the Gothic St. Pierre Cathedral stands out among other attractions. The famous cellist Pablo Casals (1876-1973) lived here in exile. In his honor, a chamber music festival is held annually in Prada from July to August.

Aigues-Mortes

The historic city is known for its fortifications, which were built in the Middle Ages. Adjacent to it is the Camargue Nature Reserve. Surrounded by a rectangle of huge city walls, in which there are 15 towers and 10 gates. The architectural feature of Aigues-Mortes is the wide streets that contributed to the repulse of offensives. best view the city opens from its walls, and the narrow streets of the old city will help you plunge into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Aigues-Mortes is one of the most impressive cities in the province of Languedoc-Roussillon.