Hear about travel to the Languedoc Region as the Amateur Traveler talks to Craig from Dallas about his road trip through the historic cities of Southern France, including Montpellier, Albi, Sete, Beziers, Carcassonne, and Toulouse.
Why should you visit the Languedoc?
Craig, says, “We’ve been trying to spend more time in smaller regions [of France]. I think this is a really, specific and unique region to try to go to because it does have some regional differences that make it interesting, say from other parts of France. You’re going to find a lot of the same things here that you would think of going to France in general. Very good food and wine, churches, castles, palaces, art museums.”
Craig recommends a 7-day itinerary for visiting the Languedoc (Occitanie) region in southern France. Here’s the itinerary he outlines
Day 1: Montpellier
- Arrival: Start in Montpellier, a vibrant university city with a historic core.
- Activities:
- Take a free walking tour to explore the highlights and hidden gems.
- Visit the Arc de Triomphe, St. Pierre Cathedral, and Musée Fabre (second-largest art collection in France).
- Explore street art, vibrant cafes, and local shops.
- Vibe: Energetic, with a mix of historic charm and modern life.
Day 2: Wine Tour in Pic Saint-Loup
- Base: Stay in Montpellier and take a day trip to the countryside.
- Activities:
- Book a wine tour (e.g., through Airbnb Experiences) to explore the Pic Saint-Loup wine region.
- Visit small vineyards, meet passionate winemakers, and taste local wines.
- See Roman ruins like pottery, coins, or roads uncovered in the vineyards.
- Stop at the Abbaye de Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, a UNESCO site on the Camino de Santiago.
Day 3: Sète
- Drive: Rent a car and head to Sète, a coastal town.
- Activities:
- Visit the panoramic viewpoint overlooking the town, lagoon, and oyster farms.
- Stroll along the canals and bridges of this “Little Venice of France.”
- Visit the food market and try the Tielle Sétoise (octopus hand pie) or fresh oysters.
- Enjoy a unique dining experience at an oyster shack on the lagoon with a local white wine.
Day 4: r
- Drive: Travel to Béziers.
- Activities:
- Visit the recently revitalized town center with its mix of Italian, French, and Romanesque architecture.
- Learn about the tragic history of the Cathar massacre.
- Visit the Roman amphitheater and the Spanish-style bullring and medieval old town.
- Enjoy a Michelin-starred tapas meal at Pika Pika on the main square.
Day 5: Carcassonne
- Drive: Stop at Lastours to see Cathar castle ruins on your way to Carcassonne.
- Activities:
- Arrive late afternoon to avoid the crowds and stay overnight inside the medieval city.
- Walk the ramparts (newly renovated and open to the public).
- Explore the double-walled fortress, medieval streets, and towers.
- Dine on the regional specialty cassoulet.
Day 6: Albi (Optional)
- Drive: Take a detour to Albi on your way to Toulouse.
- Activities:
- Visit the Albi Cathedral, an imposing Gothic fortress with vibrant frescoes and the largest Italian Renaissance painting in France.
- Explore the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, which showcases works of the famous artist.
Day 7: Toulouse
- Activities:
- Start with a food walking tour in Victor Hugo Market to try regional specialties like Toulouse sausage and candied violets.
- Take a guided walking tour with a local historian (e.g., Elise from “Join Us in France”).
- Visit the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, a massive brick church with unique tiers.
- Walk along the Pont Neuf Bridge at sunset for stunning views of the Garonne River.
- Explore Capitol Square, the heart of the city with vibrant street life and free art displays in the City Hall.
Key Features of the Itinerary:
- Historical Highlights: Explore Cathar castles, Roman ruins, medieval cities, and iconic cathedrals.
- Wine & Cuisine: Immerse in local wine regions, fresh oysters, and regional dishes like cassoulet.
- Scenic Diversity: Balance historic cities (Montpellier, Béziers, Toulouse) with countryside and coastal charm.
- Practical Tips: Use Uber in cities, rent a car for the countryside, and stay overnight in Carcassonne for a magical experience.
Craig also suggests extending the trip by linking it with nearby regions like Bordeaux or the French Riviera using the TGV train.
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Show Notes
Occitania
Languedoc
Travel to Montpellier and the Languedoc Region of France (Podcast)
Travel to Toulouse, France (Podcast) – Amateur Traveler
Canal Cruising in France (Podcast) – Amateur Traveler
Montpellier
Montpellier Street-Art
The Faculty of Medicine
St Peter’s Cathedral
Pope Urban V
The Fabre Museum
Nostradamus
Gellone Abbey
Languedoc-Roussillon wine
Pic Saint Loup
Pic Saint Loup wine and food tour
Sète
Canal du Midi
Tielle de Sète
The nautical joust of Sète
Béziers
Pica-Pica Restaurant – Béziers
Albigensian Crusade
Catharism
Roman Amphitheater – Béziers
Cathar castles
Lastours
Carcassonne
Hôtel Le Donjon – Carcassonne
Cassoulet : Grand Carcassonne
Toulouse
Albi
Albi Cathedral
Albi
Musée Toulouse-Lautrec
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Toulouse
The Pass Tourisme
The Victor Hugo Market Toulouse
Toulouse Guided Walks
Basilica of Saint-Sernin, Toulouse
Capitole de Toulouse
Food Tour Toulouse
Pont-Neuf (Toulouse)
A pilgrim’s guide to Toulouse
Toulouse Gourmet Tour
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