The 17 things to do in Languedoc-Roussillon

Visit the Languedoc-Roussillon: what are the best things to do and see in this sublime region of South-East France?

Visiting the region of Languedoc-Roussillon will take you several days as it covers five departments: l’Aude , The Gard , l’Hérault , La Lozère , and the Pyrenees-Orientales . Today, this region no longer exists in itself. During the territorial reform of 2014, it was coupled to the Midi-Pyrénées region, giving rise to the new Occitania region. But its emblematic name, and the territories that compose it, remains well present in the spirits.

The region has an incredible diversity of landscape (and culture) thanks to its privileged location, located between Cévennes, Pyrenees, Camargue and the Mediterranean Sea. And this is what makes it a very popular destination of tourists, curious to be able to observe such contrasts.

Incontournable from the summer period, Languedoc-Roussillon is nevertheless more pleasant to visit in the spring. This allows you to enjoy less stifling temperatures, and a much more green and flowery nature than it is in the summer!

Despite an innumerable amount of things to do in Languedoc-Roussillon, we tried to draw up a list (non-exhaustive) of the must-sees to visit in the region. Follow us!

1. Nimes and its Roman vestiges

If you are visiting the Languedoc-Roussillon, discover this ancient city bathed in sun. The one surnamed “French Rome”, possesses the most preserved Roman remains of the country, thanks to which it was classified “city of art and history”.

The Arenas , the Maison Carré, the Tour Magne and the Jardins de la Fontaine are of course unmissable. But Nîmes is also lively pedestrian alleys, full of fabulous museums, and a recognized musical scene. Not to mention a strong taurine culture, and gourmet culinary specialties!

2. Bambouseraie in Anduze Cevennes

Let yourself be transported to this exceptional garden of 12 hectares, which accommodates more than 240 varieties of Bamboo, Erables of Japan, Camélias, Ginkgos biloba or Sequoias centenaries...

Bambouseraie in Cevennes is a place of escape, conducive to calm and relaxation, to be done in Languedoc-Roussillon. It is located close to the pretty little village of Anduze, known for the manufacture of its potato vases.

3. La Petite Camargue

What are you looking for in Languedoc-Roussillon? Don’t miss one of the most beautiful natural regions in the Mediterranean basin! The Little Camargue is actually the cube of the Camargue .

Here, the horses and bulls cohabit in semi-freeness in the manades, with the rice fields in the backdrop. Not to mention flamingos. The sunset on the Ponant pond is probably one of the most beautiful things that will give you to see in the area.

4. The Pont du Gard

A true antique masterpiece, it is an unmissable UNESCO World Heritage site, to be made in Languedoc-Roussillon. The view of the aqueduct, with its three rows of arcades, which spans the Gardon majesticly, is breathtaking.

5. The yellow train of the Pyrenees

Immediate boating aboard the "Canari"! This is the nickname given to the yellow train in Cerdagne, Europe’s highest metric railway. Located in the Pyrenees-Orientales, it is truly the emblem of the region.

It allows you to travel 63 km, between Villefranche-de-Conflent and Latour-de-Carol, in the middle of an exceptional environment, between mountains and Catalan valleys.

6. Montpellier, the Overdue

It is impossible to visit the Languedoc-Roussillon without passing through its capital: Montpellier! This lively student city, filled with museums, historic buildings and monuments to be discovered without moderation.

7. The Wine Route of the Languedoc-Roussillon

If there is a region that will delight wine lovers, it is the Languedoc-Roussillon! The wine route runs between the vineyards of the Rhone Valley and the Mediterranean coasts, the foothills of the Cevennes and the Pyrenees.

You will then cross landscapes as varied as magnificent, to discover the most famous appellations, such as the Coteaux du Languedoc, Saint-Chinian, or Pic Saint-Loup, among so many others.

8. The park of wolves of the Gévaudan in Lozère

What do you ask in Languedoc-Roussillon? We recommend the incredible park of the Gévaudan wolves. Located in Saint Lucia, near Marvejols, in Lozère, this 20-hectare animal park welcomes a hundred wolves, living in semi-freedom. Come and learn more about this majestic animal in the heart of the legendary Gévaudan lands.

9. "The coast that descends" in Lauriole

If you come to visit the Languedoc-Roussillon, do not miss this curiosity, as fun as it is troubling: "The road that goes up and descends". It is in Lauriole, in the Gard, that you will find this road which seems to climb as it descends.

Have fun experimenting: leave your car to the dead point in the middle of the slope, and you will see it go up! Several hypotheses, from the most rational to the most incongruous, try to explain this mysterious phenomenon not to miss!

10. The Citadels of Vertigo in the Study

One, or more unmistakable to do in Languedoc-Roussillon, are the citadels of Vertigo. History enthusiasts and old stones will love! It is in fact seven castles, located in the Cathar country, all around the city of Carcassonne , with whom they are historically linked.

They must have their nickname as "dizzle citadels" in their steep position. Quéribus, Montségur, Puilaurens, Aguilar, Lastours, Termes, Peyrepertuse as well as the city of Carcassonne, are in line to appear on the list of Unesco.

11. The hurried hinterland

The hurried hinterland is absolutely to be done in Languedoc-Roussillon. Indeed, this territory is full of sites, more incredible than others. Among them are the majestic Pic Saint-Loup , the gorges of the Hérault and the Devil Bridge , the archaeological site of Ambrussum or the sublime valley of the Buèges. Not to mention the charming villages of Pézenas, Olargues or Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert .

Don't miss a day on the red land of Lake Salagou, located near the fascinating Mourèze circus. La Grotte des Demoiselles, in Saint Bauzile de Putois, will give you a magical moment in the heart of the earth.

I mean, go to the house. Cirque de Navacelles , then descend to the sources of the Vis a little lower, for a moment out of time.

12. Stevenson's path in the Cevennes

Are you a sportsman, hiking and nature enthusiast, and what are you looking for in Languedoc-Roussillon? So, go on the mythical tracks of Robert Louis Stevenson In the Cevennes. Stevenson’s path, which has now become GR 70, connects the Central Massif to the Cevenole valleys on 272 km.

And for even more authenticity, take a donkey as a travel companion. It will help you carry your belongings along this mythical path through the Cevennes.

13. The Mediterranean coastline

One of the unmistakable activities to do in Languedoc-Roussillon is to come and sunbath on one of the beaches of the Mediterranean coast. 215 km of coastline are available to you, spread over 4 departments. Discover the must-see beaches of the Cap d’Agde or La Grande-Motte in the Hérault, or the city of Grau-du-Roi in the Gard, gateway to the Camargue.

In the Pyrenees-Orientales, the Cerbère seabed will not leave you indifferent. And for sports enthusiasts, go for a ride to Gruissan or Port Leucate in the Aude, for a memorable kite session.

You can also choose to rent a boat if you want to discover the coast from a new angle. With or without a permit, with the help of a skipper or not, you will undoubtedly spend one of the best afternoons of your stay!

14. Lerab Temple Ling in Larzac

Visiting the Languedoc-Roussillon can also take a very exotic turn... By going to the Lerab Ling temple, you will be powered in Tibet, Buddhist culture.

Located a few minutes from Lodève, in the Hérault, discover this site built in 2006, in the traditional style of the temples of the Himalayas. It is a high place of practice of Tibetan Buddhism in Europe, not to be missed.

15. The Côte Vermeille in the Pyrenees-Orientales

Nothing but her name makes you want to go! Formerly called Côte du Roussillon, the Côte Vermeille owes its name to the reflections that the rock of shale takes to the upsides and sunsets.

extending from Perpignan on the Spanish border, it is full of natural treasures and character villages to visit. Among them, Collioure , Banyuls, or Port-Vendres, are not to be missed.

Don't hesitate if you're going to visit Languedoc-Roussillon!

16. The Canal du Midi

When visiting the Languedoc-Roussillon, don’t miss the oldest canal in Europe, still in operation. Bike, foot or aboard a péniche , go up the channel that connects Sète to Toulouse , in a peaceful atmosphere, in the shade of the plane trees.

The opportunity for you to discover a wide variety of landscapes, during a unique moment.

17. Gastronomic specialties

Visiting the Languedoc-Roussillon is taking its eyes full of incredible landscape, rich heritage and amazing typical villages. But it is also an opportunity to delight the region’s delicious gastronomic specialties.

Between the cassoulet of Castelnaudary, the cod brandade of Nîmes, the wine of the Corbières, the blanquette of Limoux, the roquefort or the petlardon and the honey of the Cevennes, your taste buds will waltze!

How to go to Languedoc-Roussillon?

By plane

To visit the Languedoc-Roussillon, the plane can be a convenient and fast way. Montpellier Méditerranée is the largest airport in the region.

It is also possible to land in Perpignan, Béziers, Nimes or Millau. Whatever your choice, do not hesitate to use a comparison of flights as Skyscanner to find a flight at the best price.

By train

The train remains a very convenient way to visit Languedoc-Roussillon, as many cities have a TGV train station. This is the case of Montpellier and Nîmes, which are less than 3h from Paris. But also Avignon, Agde, rent a car in one of these numerous stations.

By car

It is quite possible to reach the Languedoc-Roussillon by car or by bus, thanks in particular to the motorway A9 Say La Languedocienne. There are coach connections from many major cities in France.

Where to stay in Languedoc-Roussillon?

Are you conquered and would like to visit the Languedoc-Roussillon? As you have seen, there is a lot to do and to see about the entire region, which covers 5 departments. It will be important to target an area to optimize your visits.

Cities of Nimes and Montpellier are the "capitals" of two departments, and are located in the center of the region, which can be convenient to radiate.

Otherwise, villages by the sea as Sète , Agde , La Grande-Motte can be quite pleasant, and they too, placed in the center of the region. It will depend mainly on your desires and your itinerary...

One thing is certain, you will have the embarrassment of choice in the type of accommodation: hotels, guest houses, lodgings, Airbnb , campsites, unusual accommodation... To help you, feel free to use a hotel comparison !

Unless you're tempted by a van or camper road trip?

Here we go, direction the Languedoc-Roussillon!