Languedoc-Roussillon

Travel Guide

Languedoc-Roussillon
Montpellier Cathedral showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Languedoc-Roussillon
Comedy Square showing a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture
Languedoc-Roussillon

Explore the beaches, vineyards and undulating green hills of this traditional coastal department known as the “Real South of France.”

Languedoc-Roussillon is a picturesque region on the Mediterranean Coast that runs at a slower pace than the adjacent Cote d’Azur. Quaint villages full of friendly locals replace the glitz and glamor of its eastern neighbor. There are plenty of historic towns with pretty buildings and castles alongside the cosmopolitan city of MontpellierOpens in a new window. Enjoy the relaxed local feel, as you sip on a glass of locally produced wine in this region’s picturesque environs.

It has a warm Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The locals speak French, although some also understand Catalan and Occitan.

The area’s largest city, Montpellier, sits near the southern coast and draws visitors with its blend of old city vestiges and modern infrastructure. Use the network of trams around the city to find a lake and other scenic features around the edges. Meet friends at the spacious Place de la Comédie, which leads to small alleyways packed with shops and cafés.

In the outskirts of the city, inspect the tiny village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, which is built into the valley of mountains. Take a trip to the Pont du Gard, where a Roman aqueduct crosses the Gardon River.

Rent a car and drive west to the medieval towns of BéziersOpens in a new window and Carcassone. Stop off on the way at Lac du Salagou and swim in the warm water. Capture photos of the extraordinary red and orange hills.

Continue southwest down the coast to reach the stunning Château de Quéribus, a ruined castle that stands at the top of a mountain. About 7 miles (11 kilometers) farther inland, you will find another mountaintop fortress, Peyrepertuse.

Discover the vineyards where they make the region’s famous wine. Book a day tour with one of the companies online in Carcassone or Pezenas. Make sure to try the department’s famous alcoholic beverage of Pastis, which tastes a little like licorice.

The region covers a large section of southwestern France, along the Mediterranean Sea and the nation’s border with Spain and Andorra. Fly to the airports of NimesOpens in a new window or Montpellier and drive to the various towns and villages.

Languedoc-Rousillon is one of France’s best-kept secrets, and a quieter alternative to the French Riviera.

Where to stay in Languedoc-Roussillon

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Naturist Village

You'll enjoy the bars and seaside views in Naturist Village. You might want to make time for a stop at Plage Naturiste Cap d'Agde or Occitanie Beaches.

Naturist Village
Montpellier which includes street scenes

Montpellier City-Centre

Noted for its historic sites and river views, there's plenty to explore in Montpellier City-Centre. Top attractions like Comedy Square and Fabre Museum are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Comedie Tram Station or Hotel de Ville Tram Station to see more of the city.

Montpellier City-Centre
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Port Leucate

While visiting Port Leucate, you might make a stop by sights like Port Leucate Beach and Gulf of Lion.

Port Leucate
This is one of the entryways to the medieval city at Carcassonne. When I visited, it had this art installation - those circles are physically there!

City of Carcassonne

Travelers come to City of Carcassonne for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne and Basilica of St. Nazaire and St. Celse while you're in town.

City of Carcassonne
Nimes featuring a pond and a square or plaza

Nimes City Centre

Nimes City Centre is noteworthy for its historic sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Maison Carree and Nimes Cathedral.

Nimes City Centre
Babotte\'s Tower featuring heritage elements

Montpellier-Centre

Noted for its historic sites and river views, there's plenty to explore in Montpellier-Centre. Top attractions like Montpellier Cathedral and Canourgue Square are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Louis Blanc Tram Station or Place Albert 1er Tram Station to see more of the city.

Montpellier-Centre
Novotel Suites Montpellier
Novotel Suites Montpellier
4 out of 5
45 avenue du Pirée, Montpellier, Herault
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,395 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P6,395
P7,513 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Montpellier. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Comedy Square and Esplanade de l'Europe ...
8/10 Very Good! (671 reviews)
Fun, comfy but desperately needs AC improvements
"We stayed here after an Airbnb apartment issue before heading to another place. We kind of envisioned it as a vacation from our vacation. Great little kitchen option. Nice bathroom, comfy bed. Pool was so fun for our kiddo and great but expensive breakfast. Biggest issue was AC was hardly functional ..."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Novotel Suites Montpellier
Mercure Carcassonne la Cite Hotel
Mercure Carcassonne la Cite Hotel
4 out of 5
18, Rue Camille Saint-Saens, Carcassonne, Aude
The price is P10,085 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
P10,085
P11,478 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Carcassonne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (228 reviews)
"Wonderful location. Walking distance to Carcassonne with parking. There is a second lot if the main one by the hotel is full. WiFi is not good unless to are a Mercure Loyalty or are paying. On vacation but had some unexpected work. Had to sit in the hotel lobby to get a decent signal. Have stayed ..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Mercure Carcassonne la Cite Hotel
JOST Hotel Montpellier Centre St Roch
JOST Hotel Montpellier Centre St Roch
50 Rue Isabelle Eberhardt, Montpellier, Hérault
Stay at this hotel in Montpellier. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (246 reviews)
"Quite a walk from the station."

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

JOST Hotel Montpellier Centre St Roch
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bikube Montpellier
Bikube Montpellier
4 out of 5
46 Bd de Strasbourg, Montpellier, Hérault
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Montpellier. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Comedy Square and Polygone ...
10/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
"Pleasant experience. Clean and optimized facility. Walkable to downtown."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Bikube Montpellier
Appart'City Collection Nîmes Arènes
Appart'City Collection Nîmes Arènes
4 out of 5
1, boulevard de Bruxelles, Nîmes
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Nîmes. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (925 reviews)
"Awesome place to stay with wonderful staff!!!"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Appart'City Collection Nîmes Arènes
Citadines Antigone Montpellier
Citadines Antigone Montpellier
3 out of 5
588 Boulevard d'Antigone, Montpellier, Herault
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Montpellier. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,187 reviews)
"Overall is good stay for 2 nights."

Reviewed on Nov 28, 2024

Citadines Antigone Montpellier
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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