This most southerly region of French Catalonia nestling on the Spanish border is one that continues to delight and charm. The coast of Languedoc Roussillon has long flat sandy beaches with a full range of watersports and golf at St Cyprien, the hinterland is surprisingly green, composed of gently sloping vineyards, Cotes de Roussillon, Banyuls and Rivesaltes and a whole host of fruit trees peaches, cherries, plums, pears, oranges and lemons. Further inland the Pyrenees rise, remarkably green and covered with trees and shrubs. To the north is the mediaeval town of Carcassonne, which rises like a mirage between vineyards and hills. Languedoc Roussillon also offers the fascinating land of the Cathars.
Local highlights
Cultural Highlights
Sample the earliest cherries in France and other seasonal fruit. Take a visit to see the local ceramics and paintings, travel on the narrow gauge railway from Villefranche de Conflent to Font Romeu. There are Folklore and music festivals in August.
Gastronomy
Sample anchovies, macaroons, Rousquilles aniseed biscuits. Local wines include Banyuls and Rivesaltes wines and Cotes de Roussillon wine. This is one of the most highly-regarded new wine regions of France. Click here for more travel details.
Climate
Month Average air temperatures in Centigrade: Jan 12.4, Feb 11.5, Mar 12.5, Apr 17.6, May 20.1, Jun 26.5, Jul 28.4, Aug 28.1, Sep 26.1, Oct 21.1, Nov 15.8, Dec 13.5. Source: Direction de la Meteorologique de France
Travel arrangements
How you get there
Self-drive: You can cover the distance from Calais to the region with just one overnight stop in each direction. However, an easier journey would be with two overnight stops in each direction, perhaps Burgundy, the Ardeche or at Les Frenes out and the Rhone Valley and Champagne on the way back. By Air: Toulouse is only about two and a half hours' drive away from Ceret and about an hour from Carcassonne and has several flights a day from Gatwick (BA). It is also possible to fly to Montpellier from Gatwick (BA operated by GB Airways). Motorail. By Train: Take the train with your car from Calais to Toulouse or Narbonne.