Places to Visit
| villages | towns & cities| markets | eating out | beaches | more |
Villages
Wander through the exquisite medieval villages of St Guilhem-le-Désert (a UNESCO Heritage Site) with its narrow winding streets; and St Jean-de-Buèges with its crystal clear pool at the source-de-Buèges.
St Jean de Fos has been famed for its pottery for centuries. Potters still work here using traditional methods and materials and the annual Pottery Fair is held in August.
Towns & Cities
Montpellier: The university town of Montpellier is one of the France's most thriving and dynamic cities and the largest city of the region. Attractions include a wide central square, the Place de la Comedie, theatres, cinemas, a fine old quarter with chic boutique shops, the Arc de Triomphe and the Jardin des Plantes, which is the oldest botanical garden in France
Carcassone: Europe's largest medieval fortress and one of the best preserved. Horse drawn carriages provide guided tours or you can explore on your own.
Nimes: With its perfectly preserved Roman arena, it is the best example of a Roman city outside Italy. A few kilometers away is the Pont du Gard - a spectacular Roman aqueduct spanning the River Gardan.
Markets
There is a colourful local market every Saturday morning in Gignac and a flea market every Sunday morning in Mosson, Montpellier. Pezanas is renowned for its antique/brocante shops.
Other markets include:
Clermont L'Herault - Wednesday mornings
St Jean de Fos - Tuesday mornings
Montpellier organic market
- les Arcaux, Saturday and Tuesday mornings
Beaches
In summer the beaches get pretty busy and I prefer the river but my favourite beach near to Montpellier is between Carnon and La Grande Motte. It’s a sandy stretch of beach with sand dunes and salt lagoons behind which you may spot flamingoes. The water is shallow for a long way out and so safe for children.
http://www.languedoc-holiday-guide.com/montpellier-beaches.html
Eating Out
From the house you can see the turret of the enchanting Auberge Pelican. The restaurant serves delicious, good value, home cooking with local produce and their own wines, and every Monday evening through the summer, visitors and local wine producers gather in the courtyard for a friendly and informal wine tasting. Tel: 04 67 57 68 92
La Table d'Aurore, St Guilhem-le-Désert, serves delicious seasonal food on a shaded terrace overlooking the river Hérault. Tel: 04 67 57 24 53 www.guilhaumedorange.com/
La Famourette: Located on the road from Aniane to Gignac, on the banks of Herault river. A typical "guinguette" (semi-open air casual restaurant by a river or lake) with terrace, tasty food and tapas. Live music several evenings per week, open everyday in summer (week-ends only in winter). We recommend you reserve in advance and check what music is on offer. www.lafamourette.com
De Lauzon, Gignac. This new Michelin one star restaurant offers a chance to really treat yourself and savour some of the finest cuisine of this area. Open all week except Sunday evenings and Mondays. Booking in advance is recommended. Tel: 04 67 57 50 83
www.restaurant-delauzun.com
Other Attractions
Lac Salagou: A beautiful lake which makes a great day out for the family. The water is a lovely temperature in the summer and pedaloes, boats and windsurfs can be hired.
The Canal du Midi: Constructed 1666, it runs for 235km through the region and its 100 locks link the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. The towpaths offer superb cycling and walking and you can hire a boat or take a cruise between various centres from Sete to Carcassone.
Grotte de Clamouse: This underground world is a jewel in the Hérault and southern France. Its amazing abundance of aragonite and calcite concretions have made it one of the most popular caves in France. It is soon to be listed is a UNESCO Heritage Site. www.clamouse.com