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Languedoc
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Said to be the greatest wine producing
area of France, it also has the longest unbroken coastline.
The countryside is filled with endless acres of vineyards
dotted with brightly painted villages.
There are numerous canals and rivers
plus Roman and Mediaeval towns to visit, like Montpellier,
Béziers and the splendid citadel of Carcassonne.
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Languedoc, has
something to suit all the family from mountain climbing,
scuba diving, canoeing and wind surfing to the more leisurely
past times of swimming, sunbathing, painting and bird watching.
For visitors with a passion for History this is the land
of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, you will find hundred's
museums and medieval towns to explore. |
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If its peace and quiet
you want from your holiday, then why not simply enjoy
the weather, the fine food and of course sample the wine,
all set in lovely surroundings.
A number of towns and villages hold regular markets many
with ancient origins. A wide variety of goods are available
from local seafood, herb's, fruit and vegetables to wines,
cheeses and hams.
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Nearly all the
towns and villages also hold local fetes and festivals during
the year. These include open air theatre, sailing, gastronomy
and wine festivals.
Wine and olives have been produced in this region for more
than 2000 years. |
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CARCASSONNE.
Carcassonne and the beautiful Canal du Midi are World
Heritage sites. Completely restored, the fortified medieval
town of Carcassonne is a maze of twisting streets, towers
and turrets with an abundance of shops to explore. The
ancient Citadel of the town stands proudly; on the banks
of the River Aude.
The Basilique St Nazaire is the site of a carved stone
to commemorate the great siege of 1209 and the Chateau
Comtal encircled by a moat completes what is a fascinating
living heritage and history enthusiasts dream.
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PEPIEUX.
This traditional village, close to the Canal du Midi has
several small shops a bar and a post office. Every weekday
you will see a variety of vans in the square, selling
anything from fabrics to flowers to meat, fish and wine
the main produce of the village.
Pepieux is 5 minutes away from a large lake that offers
excellent wind surfing and swimming. There are several
hiking trails, including one in the Gorge de Cesse just
a few minutes away on the Black Mountain. Pepieux also
offers tennis, bike hire and horse riding facilities near
by. There is also a golf course near Narbonne. The Mediterranean
is only 45 minutes away with wonderful flat sandy beaches
and deep sea fishing.
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MONTPELLIER.
At its height this seaport was famed for the ships bringing
spices from the Orient, giving the town its name Mount
of Spice Merchants. To day this university town has a
number of very fine museums mixed with a youthful joie
de vivre. The 400 year old Jardin des Plantes is the oldest
Botanical gardens in France. There is a pedestrianised
city centre set around the Place de la Comedie hosting
many lively concerts and dance festivals.
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NABONNE.
Situated just outside Languedoc, Nabonne has some fine
archaeological Roman remains and museums Narbonne through
countryside to a village with an excellent restaurant.
There are many good restaurants round here.
Most villages have market days, Narbonne has wonderful
indoor markets every day of the week and it is an experience
to wander through and see all the magnificent vegetables,
fish, meat, charcuterie, breads and pastries, wine and
olive oil and the incomparable cheeses
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BARCARES.
This seaside resort has a channel of water linking the
Mediterranean sea with Salses Lake. There is a picturesque
old steamer named the Lydia, anchored on the beach and
at night she becomes a floating nightclub and casino.
Other attractions include a sea water health spa, horse
riding centre, Aqualand leisure park, and sailing school.
This is an ideal spot for family holidays and touring.
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ST CYPRIEN & CANET PLAGE.
The main attractions of these resorts are the marinas
offering sheltered berths for all kinds of small craft.
The lagoons are a haven for wildlife and a popular tranquil
spot. Other activities particularly in St Cyprien's are
sailing and wind surfing.
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BEZIERS.
The town has as its focal point the hilltop Cathedral
of St Nazaire a massive example of 14th century architecture
with lavish frescoes and stained glass windows.
Beziers is also famous for bullfights and its heady full
blooded wines. The Canal du Midi on which the town stands
was built by the salt baron Paul Riquet in the 17t century.
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PERPIGNAN.
Built beside the River Tet, has a very Spanish feel with
colour washed houses more typical of the Catalan region
of Spain a regular feature of the summer festival is the
Spanish Sardana dance.
Perpignan's medieval district is fascinating to explore,
with narrow streets opening onto small charming squares.
The Cathedral de St Jean with its cloistered cemetery
and chapel is well a visit. Close by there are a variety
of sandy beaches with a palm fringed promenade the ideal
place to take a relaxing stroll.
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CAP D' AGDE.
An excellent choice for all the family with a wealth of
entertainment from the Aquarium, Aqualand, Discovery Park
- and Luna Park fairground plus superb beaches and a host
of water sports. The port is a bustling place with yachts
and cruisers of every size and elegant shops rub shoulders
with the lively market.
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