Summer holidays are here, so many of us are thinking about southern France. We all know about Cannes, Nice and of course Saint Tropez. So we’ve decided to go the other side and discover the Languedoc-Roussillon region.
The Languedoc-Roussillon sweeps to the south-west and borders with Spain. Divided into 5 departments (Pyrénées Orientales, Lozère, Hérault, Gard, Aude) all except the Lozère are on the Mediterranean coast.
Travel to the South of France
With autoroutes, high-speed trains and airports, travelling here is easy. If you’re driving avoid the Friday and Sunday rushes, check the traffic alerts before.
The climate is very agreeable, this region has more sunlight hours than any other part of France. Along the coast line you’ll find palm trees, colourful oleanders, olive plantations, rice fields (yes rice and miles of sandy beaches.
The sea is warm and very blue, there are all kinds of aquatic activities to match all tastes.
There are many tourist here, but the prices are so much lower than the classic destinations towards Italy.
La Grande-Motte
A modern and popular sea-side resort. There is nothing traditional in the architecture as the town was basically built in the 1970s. However access is easy for all (especially friendly to wheel-chairs). Parking is plentiful, the promenade isfun and easy. The street layout is simple and shops plentiful but also afordable.
At La Grande-Motte the beaches have soft sand and the sea is a clear blue. The weak tide gives you safe swimming and most beaches have life guards.
There is a large choice of stared hotels within easy walking distance of the sea . The promenade offers a large choice of restaurants, bars & snack bars with a vast choice of menus.
The Camargue
This is like being in a contrasting country landscape and this massive natural park is well protected. Marshes, salt water canals, rice fields, white Camargue horses, black Bulls. The strong traditions and life style are fascinating, waiting for you to discover.
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Aigues-Mortes
The walled town of Aigues-Mortes stands high in the salty plains. Surrounded by impressive stone walls and sturdy gates, you walk through centuries of history on cobbled streets.
Aigues-Mortes has inlandwater ways with canal acces. It is a great place for self-drive boating or hotel barge cruises in France.
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Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
A extraordinary Camargue town to visit is Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. A sacred destination for the Gitanes, who come to worship the the black virgin “Saint Sarah” and the two Marys, Marie Jacobé andMarie Salomé. The town is lively and friendly, aires of guitars , fourtune tellers and sandy beaches.
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