The story of Languedoc-Roussillon goes back millennia. The Greeks and the Romans settled here in ancient times, before the Visigoths and Vandals. Some raised wondrous feats in their wake, like the great Roman Pont du Gard, still seen crossing the Gardon River. Others left more ethereal traces of their presence, in the mellifluous sounds of the native Occitan language or the medieval traditions of troubadour music. Meanwhile, cities like Carcassonne – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and Nimes – a town centered on a huge colosseum – are real musts for any history buffs heading this way.
Do you want to find things to do while you're in the area? Although it can be tempting to stay in your comfortable holiday rental, you'll want to check out everything that makes Languedoc-Roussillon a fun place to get away to. Here are some of the most popular attractions to explore, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:
Whoever said you need to hit the Alps to find French mountains? Any Languedoc-Roussillon holiday rental in the rising peaks of the Pyrenees will prove that wrong. It's a region of wooded ridges and deep valleys where you can don the skis or pull on the hiking boots. Don't forget the coast, either. Yacht sails billow in the wind, there, to take sailors out to hidden beaches and lonely lagoons. Meanwhile, the rolling farms of the Aude department are a haven for cyclists. Just a day's ride, there, can reveal vineyards and castle-crowned cities from centuries gone by.
Whether you're looking for fun outdoor activities or just want to take in the scenery, Languedoc-Roussillon is a great place to get outside. These are some of the area's most enchanting natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:
The nearest airport is in Beziers (BZR-Cap d'Agde), located 19.9 mi (32 km) from the city centre. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could also fly into Montpellier (MPL-Montpellier - Mediterranean), which is 36.7 mi (59.1 km) away.
If you prefer to travel by train, Beziers Bedarieux Station, Le Bousquet-d'Orb Station and Lunas Station are the main stations in the area. You can see more of Languedoc-Roussillon by jumping on the metro at Mosson Tram Station, Halles de La Paillade Tram Station or Saint Paul Tram Station.
Planning to rent a car to take you to that Languedoc-Roussillon villa rental? That's a great idea. Get ready to hit sunflower-fringed roads, winding mountain lanes and gorgeous countryside – it's an absolute pleasure driving in this corner of France. You can pick up a set of wheels at most of the major airports in the region, including Beziers and Perpignan. If you'd prefer to avoid driving, then you can usually hop back and forth from holiday rentals in cities like Montpellier and Nimes using local bus and train routes. They're reliable and comfortable, and even include high-speed French TGV lines.
From Provence to the peaks of the Catalan mountains, Languedoc-Roussillon holiday cottages are never too far from a taste of authentic French cuisine. In fact, some of the country's most quintessential dishes hail from this region. Escargot – that's snails – cooked in wild herbs and garlic on a griddle, are common menu fodder. The fruits of the Mediterranean Sea are often the dish of the day in the coastal towns, whether oysters or oil-doused red mullet. Inland are rustic hamlets where chestnuts and salty Roquefort cheese beckon. And then there's the wine – you could even come to join the grape harvest festivals in Cessenon-sur-Orb and Gruissan, both in October.
Yes, our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 27,318 vacation rentals near Languedoc-Roussillon. From 2,599 villas to 1,214 cottages, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends. The best places to stay near Languedoc-Roussillon are on Vrbo.