Full Description
New from Bradt is France: Languedoc-Roussillon, which celebrates in intimate detail the Occitanie, a charming region full of easily accessible contrasts in southwest France. Three local residents share their extensive, in-depth knowledge of the area, covering both well-known attractions and off-the-beaten-path delights. Expertly researched and with exemplary attention to detail, engaging writing and great ideas blend to furnish the perfect travel companion.
From exploring Cathar castles to drifting down the Canal du Midi, from a bustling city break in vibrant Montpellier, Perpignan or Narbonne to an entrancing wander around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon offers ample destinations for anyone looking for a slick cosmopolitan adventure, with the endless delights of regional food, wine and culture thrown in liberally around every corner.
If slow travel, sustainable tourism and the call of the wild are more your scene, you'll find plenty to enchant you, from looking for wolves and bison, or going white-water rafting, to hiking along 'Grand Randonnée' routes through the mountains up to Mount Canigou at 2,784 m altitude. For tranquillity, wide-open spaces and dark skies, you can't beat Parc National des Cévennes, whose nearly 3,000 square kilometres stretch across the sparsely populated Lozère and Gard regions. An almost endless choice of beaches is yours for the taking along the Mediterranean coast, backed by one of France's richest wine regions, which provides opportunities to taste and discover a true French treasure.
Those so-minded can follow in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson and his donkey on the Chemin de Stevenson, trace the Da Vinci Code trail, which celebrates locations associated with Dan Brown's novel, or visit Perpignan train station - deemed the "centre of the universe" by Salvador Dalí. Roman history and architecture abound: the Pont du Gard aqueduct is France's most-visited ancient monument, the exceptional Maison Carrée is a 1st-century BC temple, and Nîmes boasts the best preserved of Europe's 70 remaining Roman amphitheatres. Or you can go boating or canoeing along the Canal du Midi, the world's oldest navigable canal. Whatever your interests, and however you travel, Bradt's new guide to France: Languedoc-Roussillon has you covered.
Contents
Introduction
PART 1 GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography, Climate, Natural history and conservation, History, Government and politics, Economy, People and culture, Sport
Chapter 2 Practical Information
When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Women travellers, Travelling with a disability, LGBTQIA+ travellers, Travelling with children, What to take, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Festivals and annual events, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Outdoor actvities, Opening times, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively
PART 2 THE GUIDE
Chapter 3 The Gard
Nîmes, North of Nîmes: The Pont du Gard and Around, Uzès, The Cévennes Gardoises, Northeastern Gard, The West Bank of the Rhône, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, Beaucaire, The Petite Camargue, West of Nîmes
Chapter 4 The Lozère
Mende, Parc National des Cévennes, Gorges du Tarn, Western and Northern Lozère: The Aubrac and La Margeride
Chapter 5 Montpellier and the Eastern Hérault
Montpellier, East of Montpellier, Montpellier's Coast, North of Montpellier: The Garrigue, The Valley of the Hérault: The Haut Pays d'Oc, The Hérault Coast: Sète, The Bassin de Thau, Agde and Cap d'Agde, Pézenas
Chapter 6 Béziers and the Western Hérault
Béziers, The Canal du Midi, North of the Canal: the Minervois, The Monts de L'Espinouse
Chapter 7 The Aude
Carcassonne, North of Carcassonne: The Montagne Noire, The Aude's Northwest Corner: The Lauragais, South of Carcassonne: The Limouxin and Quercorb, Th e Razès, Th e Corbières, Narbonne, Narbonne's Coast
Chapter 8 Roussillon: the Pyrénées-Orientales
Perpignan, Northern Roussillon, Down the coast from Perpignan, Collioure and the Côte Vermeille, Up the Conflent Valley, The Cerdagne, The Vallespir
Appendix 1 Language
Appendix 2 Glossary
Appendix 3 Further Information
Index
Index of advertisers
