Languedoc-Roussillon is an expansive natural amphitheater between Massif Central and the Mediterranean. It is the sunniest area of France and is also the largest winegrowing area in the world. From the Rhone River to the border of Spain, it is several times larger than all the wine growing areas of Australia combined. Centred around the ancient province of Languedoc, (literally tongue of Oc, short for Occitan) the modern Languedoc-Roussillon Region is large and diverse. It has coastal plains, several mountainous areas, a huge wetland area in the form of the Camargue, world heritage listed castles and canals. The Romans left an indelible mark on Languedoc as it formed part of the Rome’s province of Gaul. Narbonne and Nimes were established by the Romans some two thousand years ago. The ancient Roman road Via Domitia that linked Rome to Spain still threads through the Languedoc plains and the magnificent aqueduct Pont du Gard still spans the Gard Valley two millennia after it was built. | Languedoc-Roussillon’s regional capital Montpellier was recently voted one of Europes most liveable cities. Home to one of the oldest medical schools in the world, Montpellier is a major university town with around 20 percent of the population students. The Languedoc-Roussillon coast whilst less glamorous than the Cote d’Azur is nevertheless beautiful and with many excellent resorts. Close to Spain with excellent road and rail links in all directions as well as four airports with daily flights to the UK, Languedoc-Roussillon is easy to get to and from. | 
Languedoc-Roussillon Quick Facts Population: 2,548,00 Departments: Aude (11), Gard (30), Hérault (34), Lozère (48) and Pyrénées-Orientales (66) Major Centres: Montpellier, Nimes, Perpignan, Narbonne, Beziers, Carcassonne What to see and do: What to eat: What to drink: Airport: Montpellier, Nimes, Carcassonne, Perpignan, BeziersRegion Official Languedoc Roussillon Tourism Site Wikipedia Site Languedoc-Roussillon Creme de Languedoc is an excellent site about the region Blog by an Australian living in Languedoc |
