The third in the series of shore excursions for travelers on Mediterrean cruises, Nancy McGee of Absolutely Southern France is sharing ideas we all can use. Let’s see what she suggests for those who want to experience Languedoc-Roussillon.
Languedoc-Roussillon is coming to be known by many as the “other French Riviera.”
The best Mediterranean beaches and 300 days of sunshine to match? The best seafood, world-class wines and historic fortress towns? Must be the French Riviera. Wrong! It’s Languedoc-Roussillon – now known as “Occitanie.” Understated and authentic it is often overlooked in favour of its glitzy neighbour, the Cote d’Azur. But word’s getting around. Curious visitors are discovering ancient fortress towns built by the Knights Templar, Cathar Castles and the ancient windy streets of Montpellier. And believe it or not – unlike the Riviera – there is actually space to park a car or spread out a towel along vast stretches of sandy beaches!
Nancy McGee, Absolutely Southern France
Visit Languedoc-Roussillon: Sete
“The Venice of the South of France”
Canal view in Sete
Oysters, Wine and the Art of French Cooking
Afterwards, while some visitors relax and explore the town others head further afield, often to nearby Bouziques – a pretty photogenic town on the lagoon and southern France’s oyster capital. A fascinating visit to an authentic oyster farm to learn about the TLC required to raise a single oyster as well as the “art of eating an oyster” will be a truly memorable experience.
Since Occitanie is the single biggest wine-producing region in the world, being responsible for more than a third of France’s total wine production, tastings opportunities abound in prestigious domains, within easy reach of most towns. What many people don’t know for instance is that the local sparkling Blanquette de Limoux was the inspiration for the monks who first produced Dom Perignon Champagne!
Inspired by food and wine tastings, many visitors want to learn to cook it! No problem, cooking workshops are easily arranged with a stop being made to shop for the seasonal local ingredients including seafood at the Sète market.
Visit Languedoc-Roussillon: Montpellier
A Modern and Medieval Marvel
With the narrow Medieval streets of the old town to the neo-classique Antigone quarter, Montpellier is where ancient and modern coexist in perfect harmony. It’s a buzzy, trendy, university town, the fastest-growing in France, full of culture, history and life. Foodies love it for its variety restaurants and our gourmet walking tours are extremely popular. Step back in history and visit Europe’s oldest surviving medical school, the Triumphal Arch, historic gardens, enjoy wine and music festivals. – and infinitely more.
Visit Languedoc-Roussillon: Carcassonne
Cathars and Castles
A day in ‘La Cité’ – the medieval walled city of Carcassonne is a day well spent. A fairy tale city from afar, Carcassonne is a town within a castle, built to deter the most determined invader. It has earned designation as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cathars were Medieval ‘Kings of the Castles’, impressive examples of which are scattered around the region.
Visit Languedoc-Roussillon: The Camargue
White Horses, Pink Flamingoes – Must be France!
Situated close to the Mediterranean, the Camargue is an outdoor lover’s dream for bird-watching, horse riding, hiking, cycling, riverboat trips, to name a few activities. Parts of the Camargue National Park are designated a UNESCO biosphere where the pink flamingos and white horses thrive particularly near the vast salt marshes.
More shore excursion posts by Absolutely Southern France
Mediterranean Cruise Shore Excursions: The Riviera
A Travel Pro’s Favorite Places in Provence
Shore excursions by Absolutely Southern France are fully private 7 or 8 hour customized experiences with English-speaking local and professional driver/guides with a van or sedan.
Languedoc/Occitanie Ports of Call : Sète, Port Vendres.
Riviera Ports of Call : Monaco, Monte Carlo, Villefranche, Antibes, Nice, Cannes, St Tropez, Provence ports of call : Toulon, La Seyne, Marseille,
Contact: nancy@absolutelysouthernfrance.com
Website : http://absolutelysouthernfrance.com/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/absolutelysouthernfrance/
Twitter @AbsoluteSouthFr
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Barefoot Blogger Posts:
Camargue
7 Reasons You Should Go To The Camargue
Back to the Camargue: The White Horses
A Most Unusual Place for a French Vineyard
Carcassone
Trip Ideas You Can Steal From a 10-Year-Old’s Visit to France
A Visit to Carcassonne Through the Eyes of a Child
Sete
7 Reasons To Visit Sete This Year
Sete or Marseille? Which Has the Best Fish Soup?
A Day at the Beach in Sete: That’s Life!
Categories: Around France
Your pictures are very inviting and beautiful that i I just wanna pack and leave tomorrow:) I went to Marseillan last year but it was too crowded that i couldn’t really enjoy as I wished!
Yes! Pack and head this way! May is a great time to visit, as well as the Fall—fewer tourists. Come back!
Deborah once again your blog is very inviting and the pictures really highlight the special things existing in this area. I love the market pictures and the information you give for travelers is just perfect and lets them see the entire area and gives them ways to explore with professional help!! We miss being there already!!
Nancy is such a gem for travelers. It’s exciting that people are discovering Languedoc-Rossillion –although it means a lot more tourists! I guess that’s what we get for choosing such a special place to live.
Perfect timing – I’ve forwarded to my friend who is visiting end of Feb.
Great! She should definitely get your with Nancy if she wants destination planning. Thanks, Paula!
I’ve visited both regions extensively – in my opinion, Provence wins for coastal scenery, beautiful villages and city culture… Having said that, I’m going to Marseillan and the Pyrénées-Orientales next summer!
I’m so galas to have such great choices so close by. I haven’t been to Marseillan but I hear it’s very interesting. Let me know what you think after you visit. That for the note, keep traveling and please stay in touch.