Location & Surrounding
Area.
The Languedoc-Roussillon
region is in the heart of the South of France.

Along the Mediterranean
coast to the east, lie the roman towns of Nîmes, Arles, Orange and
Avignon, and beyond, Provence.
To the south-west past Narbonne and Perpignan, the Pyrenees straddle
the border with the Spanish province of Catalonia with its famous
capital, Barcelona.
Heading west alongside the Canal du Midi, finds Carcassonne, the Cathar
Castles and Toulouse, while to the north are the mountains of the
Massif Central and natural wonders such as the Tarn Gorges.
This is mainland France's most southerly and warmest region.
Historical Beziers is only 15 minutes away, and is a vibrant town
bustling with traditional Mediterranean shops and its magnificent
Cathedral that looks out from its great height over oceans of
vineyards. The Canal du Midi cuts through town, ideal for boat hire, or
cycling along the tow path. Each summer the ‘Feria’ Carnival brings
tourists from around the world. Make sure to take lunch at ‘Le Canard
Bleu’ for traditional Mediterranean cuisine, it’s the best value in
town.
Renaissance Pezenas is just 20 minutes away, with its winding cobbled
stone streets housing Antique Shops and Art
Galleries. The Saturday Market is a must for holiday makers, and there
are many pavement cafes plus a huge choice of restaurants. Indeed,
expect to find no better coffee in the whole of France than at
‘Cardamone Café’.
The
famous town of St.Chinian is a mere 15 minute drive away – be sure to
include the fantastic Sunday market in your vacation.
The
coastal plain provides literally hundreds of Domaines for superb
wine-tasting – its obligatory! Samples will be generous, and in many
cases (like ‘La Croix Belle’ in nearby Puissalicon) guided tours are
provided.
The
award-winning Restaurant ‘La Boucherie’ can be found in close by
Magalas, but be sure to book in advance for Evening Dinner
A little
north, the stunningly pretty’ Gorge D’Heric’ (once described as a
‘sabre slash’ between the Mountains Espinouse and Caroux. The gorge is
a must for walkers, abseillers and swimmers, the micro-climate
providing beaches and rock pools. Spend a day here, take a picnic, and
take a hike up to the plateau. Horse riding, Golf and Kayaking are also
available in the Orb valley. Nearby Olargues has been described as ‘one
of the prettiest villages in the whole of France, and Roquebrun (with
its Mediterranean Garden’ enjoys the nickname of ‘Petit Nice’.
Lake
Salagou is wonderful for fresh water swimming and water sports.
The
additional nearby towns of St.Pons, and Lamalou-les bains (spa town)
provide the visitor with plenty of choice with many cultural events and
fetes taking place throughout the summer. Children will love the ‘Farm
Zoo’ at Cessanon.
To the
south, the nearest beaches are at Valras Plage and Vias Plage. Serignan
Plage is a quieter option, but for ‘all the fun of the fair’ head to
Cap d’Agde (30 mins) with its theme parks and the renowned ‘Aqualand’
water sports park.
To the
east, you can discover the ‘Pont du Gard’ en route to Provence, or head
west for the fortified ancient City of Carcassonne – readers of the ‘Da
Vinci Code’ might want to seek out the ‘Holy Grail’.
Skiers
can head for the Pyrenees (90 mins) and Barcelona is just 3 hours away
if you fancy breakfast on the Terrace at ‘Laurens’ but lunch
on the ‘Ramblas’!
ACCESS
International airports
UK /
EUROPEAN LIGHT LINKS HERE!
Perpignan 105km (Ryan Air Stansted, Flybe
Birmingham & Southampton)
Carcassonne 100km (Ryan Air
Stansted)
Montpellier 79km. (BA Gatwick, Ryan Air Stansted)
Nimes 125km (Ryan Air Stansted)
Avignon 165km
(Air France & British Airways Heathrow)
Marseille 220km (Thomsonfly
Coventry, Easyjet Gatwick, Air
France; Heathrow & Gatwick, British
Airways).
Girona (Spain) 195km (Ryan Air, Buzz, Easyjet)
Toulouse 195km (Flybe; Belfast,
Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Southampton,
Easyjet Gatwick)
Beziers - Paris three flights daily
Railway: Beziers and Agde have railway stations with nearby
car rental. Paris to Beziers
is 4.20 hrs by TGV (Train de Grande Vitesse).
Road: 765 km south of Paris which is about 6 hours
drive and 1050 km South of Calais