The Languedoc Area

The Occitanie is the southernmost region of France, bordered on the south by the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees mountains on the Spanish border. It incorporates the areas that historically spoke the Occitan language, and the Province of Languedoc (literally 'Language of Oc') is contained within this region.

Location and History

The Languedoc area includes the cities of Montpellier, Perpignan, Narbonne, Nîmes and the ancient fortress of Carcassonne.

Montpellier is the closest major city to Marseillan. It is serviced by an international airport and is a major connection point for the TGV, a branch of which then continues on down the coast past Marseillan.

The major city of Toulouse (capital of the Occitanie region) is only two hours' drive to the west and Marseille is around two hours eastward. Further afield, the Spanish border can be reached in around three hours, making lunch in Barcelona a realistic possibility.

Historically, the Languedoc is one of the oldest and best preserved regions of France and still bears much evidence of its past. Remnants of the Roman occupation exist everywhere, including sections of the famous Via Domitia (the Roman highway stretching from Italy to Spain), aqueducts and amphitheatres.

In the Middle Ages, religious groups such as the Cathars and Knights Templar were based in the area and their castles, fortresses and churches still dominate many of the hilltops and create the central hub of most local towns and villages.

Essential sights in the Languedoc

Carcassonne

About an hour and a half’s drive from Marseillan. Over a thousand years old and still a fully functioning fortified city, Carcassonne is a spectacular and well preserved stronghold originally owned by the Counts of Toulouse.

Its citadel, known as the Cité de Carcassonne, is a medieval fortress dating back to the Gallo-Roman period. It was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1997 because of its exceptional preservation and restoration. It is the largest medieval fortress in Europe.

Pont du Gard and the Roman Arena at Nîmes

The Pont du Gard is 1.5 hours’ drive. A breathtaking example of Roman engineering brilliance, the three tiered aqueduct spans the beautiful Gardon river valley ideal for picnics and swimming. A photographer’s dream.

In nearby Nîmes, the enchanting city is centred around a Roman amphitheatre not unlike the Colosseum, still in use as a concert venue and a treat to explore by day.

The Cathar Fortress of Montsegur

3 hours’ drive. The story of the final seige of Montsegur and the martyrdom of the Cathars is a turning point in French history. The haunting remains of the mountaintop stronghold provide a spectacular outlook tinged with a chilling echo of remembrance of past events.

The Languedoc is peppered with the remains of Cathar strongholds, from Beziers to Montsegur, making this area a virtual pilgrimage for historians and grail-hunters alike.

The Locks at Béziers on the Canal du Midi

The Canal du Midi was completed in the late 1600s and is considered one of the greatest construction works of the 17th century with 36 locks navigating the landscape between Garonne and the Bassin de Thau.

On the outskirts of Béziers, the canal passes through the Fonserannes Locks, a fascinating feat of hydro-engineering built in 1660 by Paul Ricquet. Every day, canal boaters pilot their vessels through the locks, dropping them 135 metres to continue their journey onwards.

Vineyards and Wine Tasting

The countryside of the Languedoc is covered with vineyards and small specialised domaines. Usually family run plots, many make their own wines and provide tasting and cellar sales. Others bring their fruit to the local ‘cave’ where they are blended to create a range of local wines. Village caves sell their wines by the litre and locals bring their own flagons to fill for a cheap and cheerful table wine which can be surprisingly good.

One highlight of the local area is the Abbey de Valmagne, a beautifully restored abbey and grounds now converted to a winery with a tasting tour and cellar shop.

Mediterranean Beaches

The Med Coast a major tourist destination, particularly during summer, with huge seaside resorts such as Cap d'Agde, Palavas-les-Flots, and Le Grau-du-Roi.

The coastline immediately adjacent to the Bassin de Thau is a stunning, unbroken sandy beach that runs from the port of Sète to Cap d'Agde, including Marseillan Plage, Robinson Plage and Castillas, all within a 10 minute drive from Marseillan.