About Languedoc-Rousillon
Languedoc-Roussillon, now part of the larger Occitanie region, is a sun-drenched paradise in southern France where Mediterranean allure meets rugged hinterland. This historic area is famed for its endless vineyards producing robust wines like Corbières and Minervois, its dramatic coastline with expansive sandy beaches like those near Montpellier and the wild Camargue, and its fortified medieval cities such as Carcassonne—a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels plucked from a fairy tale. The region boasts a unique cultural blend, with a strong Catalan influence in Perpignan and a vibrant Occitan heritage evident in its language and festivals. Nature lovers can explore the dramatic gorges of the Tarn River, the limestone plateaus of the Causses, and the pink flamingo-filled lagoons of the Camargue. From the Roman ruins of Nîmes and the Pont du Gard aqueduct to the lively student energy of Montpellier and the serene beauty of the Canal du Midi, Languedoc-Roussillon offers an authentic, less-crowded alternative to the French Riviera, rich in history, flavor, and natural splendor.
Major Hub
Things to do in Languedoc-Rousillon
Private Commented Excursion in Argelès-sur-Mer by 2 CV Citroën
From €45
5.0 (31)
Languedoc Vineyard Tour
From €150
5.0 (30)
Wine Tour in Roussillon: Picnic & Tasting Day
From €175
5.0 (18)
Excursion circus of Navacelles from Montpellier
Nimes Food Tour
From €90
5.0 (16)
Nausicaa. Discover Collioure and the Côte Vermeille from the sea.
From €270
5.0 (15)
Arles Small groupe tour : Private Day Trip to Luberon Villages
From €1,000
5.0 (15)
Walking guided tour Carcassonne
From €160
5.0 (14)
Best of Montpellier with a local (private guided tour)
Organic Cosmetics Manufacturing Workshop around Nîmes & Arles
Guided Tour of Montpellier City Centre by Electric Bike
From €69
5.0 (11)
Galamus Canyon Nature Most Stunning Playground
From €49
5.0 (9)
Montpellier guided tour, wine and delicacies
From €99
5.0 (8)
Via Ferrata Panoramic in the East Pyrenees
From €65
5.0 (7)
CityTour with local and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier
From €35
5.0 (7)Places to visit in Languedoc-Rousillon
Mont Angelis Cottages
Mont Angelis Cottages, Upper Blaauwklippen Road, Stellenbosch Ward 21, Stellenbosch Local Municipality, 7600, South Africa
Rosenview Guest House
Rosenview Guest House, Broadway Boulevard, Raithby, Stellenbosch Local Municipality, 7613, South Africa
Vrede en Lust Tasting Room
Vrede en Lust Tasting Room, Huguenot Road, Drakenstein Ward 1, Drakenstein Local Municipality, 7464, South Africa
Natte Valleij
Natte Valleij, R44, Stellenbosch Ward 6, Stellenbosch Local Municipality, 7625, South Africa
Little Ben
Little Ben, Val De Vie Boulevard, Drakenstein Ward 28, Paarl, 7464, South Africa
House Bachus
House Bachus, Delvera Mountain Bike Trail, Stellenbosch Ward 6, Stellenbosch Local Municipality, 7607, South Africa
Klapmuts Hotel
Klapmuts Hotel, Old Main Road, Stellenbosch Ward 18, Stellenbosch Local Municipality, 7625, South Africa
Allée Bleue Estate
Allée Bleue Estate, Allée Bleue Avenue, Stellenbosch Ward 3, Stellenbosch Local Municipality, 7680, South Africa
De Zalze Lodge
De Zalze Lodge, Caledon, Technopark, Stellenbosch Local Municipality, 7613, South Africa
de Oude Meul Guest House
de Oude Meul Guest House, Dorp Street, StellenboschCentral, Stellenbosch Local Municipality, 7599, South Africa
Oude Werf
Oude Werf, 30 Church Street, StellenboschCentral, Stellenbosch Local Municipality, 7600, South Africa
A Beginner's Mind
A Beginner's Mind, Church Street, StellenboschCentral, Stellenbosch Local Municipality, 7599, South Africa
Villa Grande
Villa Grande, Keerom, StellenboschCentral, Stellenbosch Local Municipality, 7599, South Africa
Protea Hotel Dorpshuis & Spa
Protea Hotel Dorpshuis & Spa, 22 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch Ward 11, Stellenbosch Local Municipality, 7599, South Africa
Zarose
Zarose, Yellow 09 Fish Eagle, Stellenbosch Ward 11, Stellenbosch Local Municipality, 7784, South Africa
Travel Tips for Languedoc-Rousillon
Getting Around
The region is best explored by car, especially for visiting vineyards, hilltop villages, and natural sites. Major rental agencies are available at airports and cities. Trains (SNCF) connect main cities like Montpellier, Nîmes, Perpignan, and Carcassonne efficiently. Regional TER trains and buses serve smaller towns but can be infrequent. In cities, trams and buses are reliable (e.g., Montpellier's extensive tram network). Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber operate in urban areas. Biking is popular along the Canal du Midi and coastal paths.
Best Time To Visit
Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) are ideal, with pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and perfect conditions for exploring cities, hiking, and wine tasting. July and August are hot and crowded, especially on the coast, but vibrant with festivals. Winter is mild, good for cultural visits, though some rural attractions may have reduced hours.
Local Customs
The pace is relaxed, especially in rural areas. Greet shopkeepers with 'Bonjour' upon entering. Occitan and Catalan cultural pride is strong, particularly during festivals like the Feria de Nîmes or Sant Jordi in Perpignan. Dress is casual but neat; cover up when visiting churches. Tipping is not obligatory as service is included, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated for good service. Meals are social and lengthy; try local specialties like cassoulet, oysters from Bouzigues, and Catalan crème brûlée (crema catalana).
Safety Information
Languedoc-Roussillon is generally safe for travelers. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas, markets, and train stations, especially in Montpellier, Perpignan, and around Carcassonne. Be vigilant with belongings. Avoid poorly lit areas at night in city centers. Driving is safe, but be cautious on narrow, winding rural roads. Occasional wildfires (feux de forêt) occur in summer, particularly in dry, forested areas; heed local warnings and bans. Scams are rare but be wary of unsolicited help at ATMs or with petitions.
Health Information
Medical facilities are excellent in cities like Montpellier, Nîmes, and Perpignan, with well-equipped hospitals and clinics. EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its replacement, the GHIC. Non-EU travelers should have comprehensive travel insurance. Common health concerns include sunburn and dehydration in summer; use high-SPF sunscreen and stay hydrated. Tick-borne encephalitis is a minimal risk in rural forested areas; consider vaccination if hiking extensively. Pharmacies are widely available for minor ailments. Tap water is safe to drink.
Languages Spoken
FrenchOccitanCatalan
Quick Facts
Currency
Euro (EUR)
€
€
Timezone
Europe/Paris +01:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+33
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
2.7 million
Area
27376 km²
Government
Regional council (now part of the Occitanie region)
ISO Code
76
Emergency Contacts
Also known as: Berceau-de-la-Liberte, Berceau-de-la-Liberté, Bersallies, Versailles, Versaj, Versajlo, Versal', Versalhes, Versalia, Versaliae, Versalis, Versalles, Wersal, XVE, beleusayu, vuerusaiyu, Βερσαλλίες, Версай, Версаль, ורסאי, ヴェルサイユ, 베르사유