Explore Languedoc Roussillon with Carhire3000

The Coast	Cathar Country	Historic Villages & Towns

Perpignan

Perpignan is located at the exact opposite end of Languedoc Roussillon from Montpellier in the south-west side of the region and is considered by many to be more Spanish than French, where Catalan is spoken frequently.

Like Montpellier, it is an excellent city for travelers to stay as it is within a stone’s throw of the beach and offers all the benefits that come with staying in a city such as its impressive and modern shopping centre.

Argeles-sur-Mer, Perpignan The two nearest beaches that are most recommendable are Argeles-sur-Mer (Languedoc’s most famous) and Torreilles. The backdrop of the Pyrenees and surrounding parks make Argeles extremely popular with tourists, yet despite the influx of visitors, there is more than enough beach to comfortably accommodate countless holidaymakers.

Torreilles on the other hand is away from the busyness of Argeles-sur-Mer and is the perfect option should you wish to sunbathe and relax without any noise or distraction. With just a small car park and a couple of restaurants, the beach at Torreilles compromises a rural and tranquil setting whilst remaining in close proximity of Perpignan.

Back in the city itself, Perpignan is home to many impressive monuments including the Campo Santo Theatre and Palais des Rois de Majorque, which underline the Spanish/Catalan influence over the area.

A short walk along Boulevard de la France Libre will bring you parallel with Perpignan’s very large and very modern shopping district which is typical of the diverse settings you can find from corner to corner in this limitless area of the Mediterranean.

	Mèze
For a more intimate atmosphere, visit the smaller fishing village of Mèze, located on the shores of the Bassin de Thau with views across to Sète. Although it still gets extremely busy during the summer, the village has fewer tourism developments and a fantastic choice of seafood restaurants around the small harbour. There is also a small sandy beach which is definitely quieter than its counterparts across the étang. Each July and August there is a popular night market which is definitely worth a visit and the carnival in August is an enjoyable excursion to witness the extraordinary feats of jousting by boat!

Sète

What visit to Languedoc Roussillon could be complete without taking in the exquisite selection of coastline? Of the named coastal towns (all 34 of them) Sète is one of the most popular and has the most on offer to tourists. Once a small fishing village, Sète is a little more cosmopolitan in its feel than other towns along the coast due to its attractions, restaurants and shopping facilities.

The Saint Louis Pier is the town’s focal point and is the perfect place to soak up the leisurely Mediterranean lifestyle as restaurants and brasseries overlook the countless small fishing boats and privately owned yachts that inhabit the harbor.

Should you fancy a bit of exercise and a postcard-perfect view of the Languedoc coastline, a walk up Mont Saint-Clair is just the ticket. The 183m climb may seem daunting at first, but the relatively easy ascent will be worth every step, as at the summit, a panoramic view of the Cevennes, the Bassin de Thau, the Pyrenees, the neighboring seaside towns and Sète itself unfolds before you.

A more unusual visit, although utterly fascinating is le Cimetiere Marin (the Sailors Cemetery) in the Fisherman’s Quarter. Made famous by the legendary, local French poet Paul Valéry, the cemetery is the final resting place to countless Setois (locals) and faces the sea as a tribute to those who ride Languedoc Roussillon’s Mediterranean waters. Valéry himself is honored nearby in a dedicated museum, an exhibition of his life, demonstrating his talent as a poet and a painter and his love of Sète.

Aigues Mortes

On the very edge of the Languedoc, in the Camargue, is this fortified town which has changed little over the years. It is best known for its well preserved city walls from where visitors can admire the view over the surrounding salt marshes out to sea. The impressive Tour de Constance can be found in the northern corner. Originally built by Louise IX, the tower was also used as a prison by the Huguenots.

It is interesting to note that although Aigues Mortes was an important royal port in the 13th century, it is not situated on the shore. Instead, the sea was reached through a man-made canal.