The Languedoc-Rousillon/Herault Region
Languedoc claims to be the sunniest region of France
and with an average of over 300 sunny days per year
this certainly seems to be the case. It is Europe's
largest wine growing region and an excellent choice
of local wines are always readily available. Local
produce such as olives, olive oil, cheeses, fresh
herbs, bread and fish are available at the numerous
markets. A visit is a must for food lovers or for
anyone with an interest in French life.
The Mediterranean coastline of this region stretches from the Camargue, where wild horses gallop through wetlands, to the Spanish border mountains of the Pyrenees. You can enjoy the beaches, the water-side restaurants, explore the various towns along the way such as the fortified town of Aigue Mortes in the heart of the Camargue, or the bustling harbour town of Cap d'Agde (45 mins) with its lively nightlife and restaurants.
Further inland, numerous sites of historic interest such as the 11th century abbey at St. Guilhem le Desert or the Knight Templar village of La Couvertoirade are comfortable day trips. In this region one will find the busy cosmopolitan city of Montpellier (1hr) with its mix of old and new and abundance of shops and Sunday flea market, the wonderfully preserved medieval fortress city of Carcassonne(1 hr 30mins), and ancient Roman ruins in Nimes.
Languedoc is an area of great natural beauty and the Languedoc National Park (25 mins) is well worth a visit. The landscape is one of mountains and vineyards, dotted with picturesque, typically French, villages and towns. The stunning natural rock formations at Cirque du Moureze are a spectacle. Fishing, swimming and kayaking are possible in the River Orb and the man-made Lac du Salagou is well known for the variety of water sports on offer. The tree-lined Canal du Midi offers a shady place to cycle through the countryside at a leisurely pace on flat paths or keen cyclists can take to the open roads to discover this wonderful region.
The Spanish border is 1 hour 30 minutes away, with Barcelona being a further hours drive through the countryside of Northern Spain, making this a possible overnight or weekend visit.
The Mediterranean coastline of this region stretches from the Camargue, where wild horses gallop through wetlands, to the Spanish border mountains of the Pyrenees. You can enjoy the beaches, the water-side restaurants, explore the various towns along the way such as the fortified town of Aigue Mortes in the heart of the Camargue, or the bustling harbour town of Cap d'Agde (45 mins) with its lively nightlife and restaurants.
Further inland, numerous sites of historic interest such as the 11th century abbey at St. Guilhem le Desert or the Knight Templar village of La Couvertoirade are comfortable day trips. In this region one will find the busy cosmopolitan city of Montpellier (1hr) with its mix of old and new and abundance of shops and Sunday flea market, the wonderfully preserved medieval fortress city of Carcassonne(1 hr 30mins), and ancient Roman ruins in Nimes.
Languedoc is an area of great natural beauty and the Languedoc National Park (25 mins) is well worth a visit. The landscape is one of mountains and vineyards, dotted with picturesque, typically French, villages and towns. The stunning natural rock formations at Cirque du Moureze are a spectacle. Fishing, swimming and kayaking are possible in the River Orb and the man-made Lac du Salagou is well known for the variety of water sports on offer. The tree-lined Canal du Midi offers a shady place to cycle through the countryside at a leisurely pace on flat paths or keen cyclists can take to the open roads to discover this wonderful region.
The Spanish border is 1 hour 30 minutes away, with Barcelona being a further hours drive through the countryside of Northern Spain, making this a possible overnight or weekend visit.
Laurens and environs
Laurens is a peaceful village situated just off the
D909, between Pezenas and Bedarieux. It is 30 minutes
from the historic town of Beziers and is midway
between Montpellier and St. Chinian. In the centre of
the famous Faugeres appelation, this is very much a
wine producing area and there is an excellent wine
outlet in the village selling a great range of local
wines.
Within the village, there is a selection of basic shops, bar, restaurant, playground, tennis courts and boules area. The swimming pool and restaurant at the local campsite (2kms) are open to the public (July/Aug only) at a small charge and are highly recommended. There are also horse-riding and paint-ball facilities. Golf courses can be found at Beziers and Lamalou les Bains (20 mins).
Chateau Grezan (2kms), an ancient fortified chateau from the times of the Knight Templars, is a pleasant stroll or cycle through the vineyards. Here you will find a superb restaurant and the main Faugeres office where you can learn the history of wine production in the region. More restaurants (including a pizzeria), cafes, supermarket and bank can be found in Magalas, only 8kms away.The pretty town of Pezenas (20minutes) abounds with charm and character, plenty of restaurants and perhaps the best market in the whole of the region (Saturday).
Within easy reach of the mediterranean coast (35minutes) and all its attractions, this is an ideal base for a holiday and for exploring the surrounding area.
Within the village, there is a selection of basic shops, bar, restaurant, playground, tennis courts and boules area. The swimming pool and restaurant at the local campsite (2kms) are open to the public (July/Aug only) at a small charge and are highly recommended. There are also horse-riding and paint-ball facilities. Golf courses can be found at Beziers and Lamalou les Bains (20 mins).
Chateau Grezan (2kms), an ancient fortified chateau from the times of the Knight Templars, is a pleasant stroll or cycle through the vineyards. Here you will find a superb restaurant and the main Faugeres office where you can learn the history of wine production in the region. More restaurants (including a pizzeria), cafes, supermarket and bank can be found in Magalas, only 8kms away.The pretty town of Pezenas (20minutes) abounds with charm and character, plenty of restaurants and perhaps the best market in the whole of the region (Saturday).
Within easy reach of the mediterranean coast (35minutes) and all its attractions, this is an ideal base for a holiday and for exploring the surrounding area.
Live Map of the Area
Local produce such as olives, olive oil, cheeses, fresh herbs, bread and fish are available…
Getting There
Direct low cost flights with Ryanair from UK airports
to Montpellier (1 hour) and Carcassone (1.5 hours) or
Perpignan (1 hour). From March 2008 Ryanair will be
operating direct flights from Bristol to Beziers (30
minutes), from July 2008 London Stansted to Beziers
and October 2008 from London Luton to Beziers.
EasyJet fly from London Gatwick to Montpellier (1 hour). BMI Baby operates flights from Manchester to Perpignan (1 hour).
From the Republic of Ireland, Ryanair operates low cost flights from Dublin or Shannon to Carcassonne.
For good deals on car hire we recommend you have a look at www.autoeurope.co.uk.
Montpellier airport is 80 km away and Magalas railway station, 8 km.
EasyJet fly from London Gatwick to Montpellier (1 hour). BMI Baby operates flights from Manchester to Perpignan (1 hour).
From the Republic of Ireland, Ryanair operates low cost flights from Dublin or Shannon to Carcassonne.
For good deals on car hire we recommend you have a look at www.autoeurope.co.uk.
Montpellier airport is 80 km away and Magalas railway station, 8 km.
