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Languedoc Tourist Attractions
"The Languedoc is what Provence was 70 years ago; the
British ideal of the South
of France" (The Daily
Telegraph)
Unspoilt nature, sumptuous scenery,
wine and medieval history...
Languedoc-Roussillon is a large region in the
South of France, which makes up much of France's Mediterranean coastline, as
well as part of it's Pyrenean border with Spain. Along with its better-known
neighbour Provence to the east, this region is the hottest part of France, and
one of the least explored. It is a vast, wild area with enormous tracts of
untouched countryside stretching from the Pyrenees to the Massif Central, to
include undulating vineyards, a glittering coastline and the major cities of
Toulouse and Montpellier. The diversity of terrain offers the visitor scenic
grandeur on an epic scale, and yields a wealth of plant and animal species. Added
to which, Languedoc-Roussillon is rich in medieval history and home to some of
Europe's most dramatically-sited castles.
It is the biggest wine-producing area in France and signs of wine-production are
everywhere, with seemingly endless vineyards and hundreds of independent
domaines and Cave Cooperatives, most offering wine-tasting
opportunities.
Wine-Making Lifestyle
Winemaking is the main rural industry, and the local culture and lifestyle is
dictated by the winemaking cycle. In winter, the vignerons doggedly
undertake the hard work of pruning the vines. In early summer, the tractors pull
sprayers of garish blue 'Bordeaux Mix' through the villages and the vignerons
engulf their vines in a blue mist to protect against disease. In high
summer, the villages slumber as the grapes ripen and finally, at le bon moment
picking commences. The vendage is the culmination of the year's hard
work, a festive occasion of camaraderie and hard physical labour amongst the
pickers, and a nerve-wracking, exhausting time for the wine-makers who must make
critical decisions in the cave: how best to harness the flavour of the grapes.
Early morning in the vineyards, a clutch of pickers make there rapid progress
through the vines, tipping bucket-loads into the backpack of one big fellow who
acts as a 'mule' and eventually trudges to a waiting trailer where he unloads
his pannier. Driving through the villages one is met with 'Ralentir - Vendage'
signs, hastily scrawled on boards, and often a slick of red grape juice over the
road.
Autumn follows, and whilst the wine-makers are busy in their caves, the vines
become a patchwork of bronze and burnished brass, ruby and claret. Many of the
vine-growers hunt the wild boar (sanglier) that can decimate a crop of
tasty grapes. Unsurprisingly, sanglier casseroled in a local red wine is
a favourite dish at the vendage party that marks the end of picking. The
first new vintages are released in November, when everybody can enjoy the fruits
of their labour, and splash it about at local wine fairs such as the Fete du
Vin, at Carcassonne.
Thus, vine-growing and wine-making are an integral part of rural life and are
key to the Languedoc-Roussillon identity.
Brief History
With a population of independent thinkers, Languedoc-Roussillon became the hub
of the Cathar religion in the Middle Ages. The Cathars, or Albigensians, upheld
beliefs that were thought of as heretical by the Catholic Church; the church's
popularity was precarious in a poor region where the clergy enjoyed wealth and
were largely corrupt. As the new religion gained popularity, it undermined the
Church's authority.
In the early 1200s, Languedoc-Roussillon was not part of the Kingdom of France,
but a wild, mountainous region ruled by local lords who were vassals of the King of
Aragon in Spain. The region's isolation, and its peoples' growing spirit of
independence was perceived as a threat by the King of France in the North, who
consorted with the Church to send a crusade to crush the rebellious spirit of
the South. Greed was the motivation, as much as religious zeal, for the
conquering knights of the North stood to gain the confiscated fiefdoms and
castles of the South.
The Cathars retreated to far-flung outposts, taking refuge in the castles of
lords that stood in defensive positions upon craggy mountaintops. The crusading
army crushed the culture with heartbreaking ruthlessness, flushing out Cathars
and their sympathisers, village after village, burning thousands of people at
the stake, and confiscating the feudal lands.
Today, sprawling under the hot sun, the Languedoc enjoys a sense of independence
and freedom from the trappings of the North, and nurtures its proud heritage.
Traces of the Albigensians remain, for scattered about the country are numerous
castle ruins, paying testament to the courage and endurance of the Cathars and
their noble hosts.
Nature and Scenery
Languedoc-Roussillon is big, beautiful and atmospheric country, with sweeping
views that encompass thousands of square kilometres reaching from the central
Pyrenees to the Mediterranean. Lying at a geographical and climate crossroads,
it yields a vast range of plant and animal species in a relatively small area.
Animals are shy - all the more rewarding when spotted - but there is a myriad of
insect life and wonderful butterflies. For plants, it is a botanist's paradise,
the countryside supporting a wealth of orchids, shrubs and herbaceous plants
from the Mediterranean to the Alpine.
In particular, the Montagne Noire marks this climate boundary and is home to a
plethora of orchids and wildflowers, thanks in part to its unspoilt condition -
a mountain wilderness far from the harmful influence of pesticides or
herbicides.
The Pyrenees support alpine species such as gentians and Dianthus spp, whilst
cowslips can be found in the foothills. Buzzards and boar are frequent in these
parts.
Lower-lying regions have a dense covering of garrigue - the local term used to
describe Mediterranean scrubland - made up of tough, evergreen shrubs such as
juniper and holly oak, interspersed with gloriously fragrant flowering shrubs
such as cistus, lavender and thyme.
South of France Hotel is located in the Minervois region of
Languedoc-Roussillon, 20km from Carcassonne. Adjacent to the Minervois are the
Corbieres hills, the Montagne Noire and a little way off lie the Pyrenees.
There is a lot to do in this region and we can
only give a small flavour here:
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Visit the medieval walled Cité at
Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sieged in 1209 in the Cathar
suppression.
-
Take a boat cruise along the stunning
Canal du Midi, (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
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We can arrange mountain river fly fishing (wild trout) or ocean fishing with
an experienced qualified guide;
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Spend a day on the beach: the coastal
towns of Narbonne, Agde and Sete can be easily reached by car. Lunch on
spanking fresh local mussels and oysters, farmed nearby, washed down with
Picpoul de Pinet, the region’s seafood wine.
-
We can arrange guided expeditions to one of the largest cave systems in
Europe (Gouffre de Cabrespine, 20 mins away). Includes a 200m climb up and
down and 3km walking through an underground river so it's not for the faint
hearted!
-
You can also try kayaking, white water
rafting or canyoning along the river Aude.
If you’re here on a Monday visit the bustling Mirepoix market and stock up
on fantastic cheeses from the Pyrenees.
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The village of Rieux-Minervois has one of
only 3 heptagonal churches in the world; well worth a visit.
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Rent a bike, which we can arrange, and
explore the country lanes leading out from Rieux.
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Head up into Minerve one of France’s most
beautiful bastide towns.
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take a short trip to one of the nearby
(excellent) wine Domaines for a tasting, or take a day tour with a
professional wine taster to favourite estates.
We list below some further information on the principal attractions in the
area; we keep a large stock of literature and are happy to advise on
other options, of which the ones selected are only a few.
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