Also known as France’s “Australia”, Languedoc-Roussillon is not only the largest wine-growing region in France, but also in the world. This zone starts in the western part of the town of Nîmes, in Perpignan (Languedoc), and ends between Perpignan and the Spanish border (Roussillon). Its vineyards located between the Mediterranean Sea and the wine slopes provide so-called 'Country Wines' as well as Natural Sweet Wines.
The steps of our Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Route :
If you start your road near the city of Montpellier, you will find country wines such as Côteaux du Languedoc as well as natural sweet wines made from Muscat. Around the town of Béziers, you will find huge vineyards providing fresh, fatty and easy to drink white wines (they belong to appellations such as Picpoul de Pinet and Clairette du Languedoc) as well as sturdy reds found along Faugères, Saint-Chinian and Minervois.
Near the town of Narbonne, you will find appellations such as Fitou, Corbières, Côtes Malepère and Limoux (sparkling wine) as well as the famous Muscat de Rivesaltes. Once you arrive in the Eastern Pyrénées, around the town of Perpignan, you will find wines that stand out clearly from those of Languedoc, especially by their fiery reds.
It is therefore not by chance that the vineyards of Languedoc-Roussillon are often compared to patchwork; it is precisely because there are so many grape varieties growing together, but not only! Most producers in the region make blends instead of just delivering us single-grape wines. The red wine mixtures of Languedoc-Roussillon tend to be more full-bodied and fruity.
Don’t miss out on this road that will dazzle you with its landscapes that can be seen from the vineyards or even from the Pic Saint Loup!
Among the main cities in Languedoc-Roussillon that you can visit there is: Montpellier, Nîmes, Perpignan and Narbonne.
The “languages of oc” were a name given to a whole family of French dialects spoken in a part of southern France. In medieval times, France was divided into two linguistic regions: the northern part, where people spoke languages that had evolved to give birth to modern French, and the southern part, where languages that ranged between northern French and Spanish, also known as Occitan French or Oceanic languages, were spoken.
One could say that the fair boundary between these two regions has never really blurred since the Languedoc region, firm in its attachment to its Southern roots, has succeeded in distinguishing itself from other regions by its typical red wine; a wine that’s exceptionally fruity and medium-bodied. The most beautiful examples are slightly more full-bodied and have darker aromas, are more salty, with notes of spices, undergrowth and leather. The grape varieties used to make them are classic varieties from the south of France, including Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, often with notes of Carignan or Cinsault.
Languedoc is one of the main wine-growing regions in France. Lower Languedoc is home to some of the largest beaches and captivating towns of Montpellier and Nîmes. Those who do not want to spend their holidays being grilled on a beach may want to discover the old Languedoc, a beautiful region located far from the cities and the coastal strip. You will find a fascinating mix of hills, caves, canyons, forests and sunny plateaus. Languedoc is a unique blend between Catalonia, the Grand Canyon and Miami...!
Learn moreUnlike many southern cities, Montpellier has no Roman heritage. It was founded in the 10th century by the counts of Toulouse and became a thriving commercial port as well as a university centre - it is there that the first medical school was built in Europe during the 12th century.
Montpellier saw its population increase in the 1960s, when many French settlers left independent Algeria to settle here, and it is now a city that is experiencing the fastest multicultural growth in France. The students there represent more than a third of its population, which gives it a lively atmosphere that is not found anywhere else!
In addition to this, Montpellier enjoys a very old wine image and produces award-winning wines from its vineyards marked by the Mediterranean (so-called 'seaside' vineyards).
Montpellier is a very pleasant city that will remind you of Greece!
Learn moreIt is in the Cathar Land that you will perceive castles like you have never seen before! Yet, 40 years ago, no one had heard of the Cathar Land; not surprising, since the term had not yet been invented. The term "Pays Cathare" was first used by the tourist service of the Aude department in the south of France, in order to create coherence between many remarkable local historical monuments, who witnessed heresy and crusades that marked the region’s tumultuous history in the 12th and 13th centuries.
Today, the Cathar Land has become one of the most fascinating areas to visit in the south of France, with an incredible heritage, despite its turbulent history. The Cathar Land is a collection of medieval castles, villages and Roman abbeys linked to the Cathars. These places witnessed the conflict and are marked by a huge history between the Cathars and the Catholic Church…
Don’t forget to pass through the beautiful villages of Corbiéres; you can start with Talairan, an atypical village of Corbiéres with a beautiful view of the Nielle Valley.
Just as the name implies, the Cathar Land is the ideal place for catharsis!
Learn moreBeing one of the oldest cities in Europe, Béziers is nestled in the Languedoc-Roussillon, in the south of France. A relatively peaceful city that sees very few tourists during the year, but remains a small gem for all those looking for tourist attractions that are often underrated…
Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic walk along the shores at sunset or an adventurous boat ride, all you need to do is follow the tree-lined path of the Midday Canal and it will take you to several quiet villages and beautiful medieval bridges, animated by a unique gentle lifestyle…
The Mediterranean port city of Sète is also a real gem hidden in the south of France. Often eclipsed by the coastal towns of the French Riviera to the east, Sète, with its evenings on the beach and its Languedocian cuisine, has managed to preserve its charm and its traditions while remaining enchanting for its tourists.
Two cities with a strong identity, to discover and absolutely rediscover…!
Learn moreRoussillon is one of the most beautiful regions of France, a region that pays tribute to some villages that are part of the best rural villages in France, mostly because of their rich heritage.This cultural richness is clearly manifested in the pastel shuttered houses, the pretty squares and the winding streets that you will cross. Not to forget the surrounding countryside, which will also offer spectacular views and scenic walks…
It is often forgotten that Roussillon was a source of creative atmosphere; it was here that Samuel Beckett took refuge for three years between 1942 and 1945, during the Second World War. You may find his source of inspiration as you stroll along an open road, or as you simply wander through the old streets of the villages…
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