Lovely Languedoc

One of my favorite books is Kate Moss’s Citadel which is set in the Languedoc-Rousilliion Region of France. It is the third in a trilogy which also includes Labyrinth and Sepulchre. Once I had read these books I was drawn to learn more about Carcasonne, its medieval fortress and this particular part of France. Fortified by the Romans in 100 BC, this particular town has origins that date back to 3500 BC.  There is also a fascinating history here that deals with the Cathars religious group that dates back to the 11th century.

Reader’s Insight of the Languedoc

So far our travels have not taken us to this area of France but someone who follows this blog has been and she offers a lovely insight into the area:

Having been born and brought up in Geneva (right on the border with France) and laterally over the French side of the border, I have always felt at home in France. I was also lucky enough to have lots of family holidays in many different parts of France.

However last summer I had one of my best holidays in France. My husband and I went to the Herault region of the Languedoc. We stayed in a little house in a hamlet called Le Barry, just a few minutes walk from the town of Montpeyroux. There are many wineries in the area and we loved sitting on our terrace at breakfast and in the evenings, enjoying the view out over the vines – and figs from the neighbours tree that grew over the wall!

We did lots of activities, but also found time (and great places) to relax.

Walk from St Guilhem le Desert

We did a great walk from St Guilhem Le Desert, which is a lovely historic (World Heritage) village. Quite busy with tourists in the height of summer but still well worth a visit. Little pedestrian streets to wander along, a nice church and a pretty square with tables under the trees to cool off after a walk up the surrounding hills.

The Herault river runs past St Guilhem, and we hired canoes and paddled down it one day. A very peaceful way to view the scenery, and just near the end there was a canoe-bar, with sun loungers and tables in the knee-deep water – very refreshing!

Just down from St Guilhem in the Languedoc there is a great swimming spot in the river, where it widens out into a huge pool. Again busy in summer but early mornings and evenings was quieter.

Walk from Cirque de Navacelle

We also did a long walk at the Cirque de Navacelle – France’s answer to the Grand Canyon – not quite as vast but still very scenic, and again great walking and a nice river to cool off in after.

Lac de Salagou was nearby as well, so we visited it on a few occasions – to walk, swim, sunbath and canoe. You can hire canoes, windsurfers, sailing boats etc at various points round the lake. An interesting place if you’re into geology – red earth and different rock formations!

Montpellier

Montpellier in the Languedoc was only 45 minutes away from where we were staying so we spent out last night there. I was sad to leave our little house in the peaceful countryside, but very pleasantly surprised by how lovely Montpellier was. Lots of pedestrian streets, and every one seemed to lead to a little leafy square with cafes!

All in all I would highly recommend a visit to the Languedoc, and the Herault in particular. There are lots of historic sites such as the Cathar castles to visit as well, if all that walking seems too tiring!

I can’t wait to go back!
Rhona,
UK