Linger in the Languedoc Region for an Authentic South of France Experience

On By oregongirlaroundtheworldIn France
Slow down and spend a week soaking up southern France
COME FOR THE CULTURE, FOOD MARKETS, FRIENDLY PEOPLE AND COLD ROSÉ WINE

When most people think of the south of France, they conjure the French Riveria or the Côte d’Azur’s dazzling blue waters and strolling promenades in glitzy towns like Cannes and Saint Tropez. But move a little further west from Nice and Marseilles to explore the less touristed region of Languedoc-Roussillon. Stretching along the French coast from Montpelier all the way to the border of Spain. Here life exists like it is supposed to, not to the tune of tourists or catering to travelers. Come experience a lovely slow week in Languedoc.

Pick a little village without a well-known name and book a gîte or villa for the week. We were lucky to tag along with friends from Copenhagen to a beautiful spot right outside Saint-André-de-Sagonis and it was perfect. Set in a vineyard five minutes from the unpretentious and not-at-all fancy village, we spent a week soaking up the sun, slurping fresh oysters and sampling the local rosé. The region is known for its wine and we were amazed by the selection.

Delicious local oysters with mignonette and cold Languedoc rosé

RENT A GîTE OR VILLA FOR YOUR VACATION

I cannot claim the credit for finding this beautiful gem as it was my good friend’s secret spot and she invited us along with last summer. It was self-catering and all sorts of cozy with a pool on the property where we cooled off every day and a huge outdoor cooking grill and patio where we ate every night.

WANDER THROUGH VILLAGE LANES AND DON’T MISS THE LOCAL MARKETS

We loved the slow, lazy feel of Saint-André-de-Sagonis in summer. Even the patina of imperfection on the buildings felt charming and authentic. Don’t miss the market on Saturdays. Here we found fresh local oysters and vegetables for dinner. But the real joy was sitting at the center café with everyone babbling in French all around you. Take a coffee to enjoy with your fresh pastries, recently procured from the boulangerie down the street and sit and soak up the scene.

DON’T MISS MARKET DAY IN CLERMONT L’HÉRAULT

Only fifteen minutes from our villa was the lovely village of Clermont l’Hérault. Every Wednesday you’ll find a massive market selling all sorts of fresh local vegetables, crafts, goods, flowers, spices and delicious food. I love meandering a market. It give such a good sense of what people eat, how they cook and what a place tastes and smells like. Browse the spice sellers stand for unique flavors and souvenirs to sample back home. A delicious reminder of your travels. I procured some fancy peppercorns, herbs de Provence, a Moroccan spice mix (that I’m almost finished with sadly) and some French mulling spices.

We bought some local saucisson to sample back at the gîte, those gorgeous heirloom tomatoes that taste just like summer and are delicious simply sliced with a bit of sea salt and a splash of olive oil. The sweet onions were amazing on the grill. With dinner provisions tucked safely away in my new French market basket, we found a café for lunch complete with cold rosé of course.

WHAT TO EXPLORE IN THE REGION

Lots of day trips are doable from this region – from swimming in mountain lakes to touring local vineyards. Montpelier is a center of culture and cool with great squares full of cafes. We explored the nearby Camargue region and saw flamingos and other flocks of fowl at the Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau. Don’t miss quirky and mystical Saint Maries-de-la-Mer and the medieval walled city of Aigues-Mortes. Or wonder at the well-preserved ancient Roman architecture in Nîmes and Pont-du-Gard. I wished we’d had time to go hiking in the gorgeous (sorry – had to) Gorges du Tarn, but we’ll save that for next time.

Driving through the gorgeous Languedoc landscape

 

Roman amphitheater of Nîmes

 

Heading to Pont du Gard

 

Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard

 

Walking across the river at Pont du Gard

 

Pink flamingos at Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gard

 

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

 

Medieval walled city Aigues-Mortes
HOW TO GET TO LANGUEDOC

It is easiest to fly into Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport, but you may find affordable fares to Nice Côte D’Azur Aiport or Toulouse-Blagnac Airport nearby in the region.

By train from Paris Gare de Lyon, the TGV high-speed trains can zip down to Avignon, Nimes, Montpellier or Marseilles.

Or drive the A75 south through gorgeous (literally) natural parks and stunning rocky cliffs.

ENJOY THE SLOW LIFE IN LANGUEDOC

With less tourism infrastructure in the region, Languedoc leaves space to take your time. We loved swimming at the pool to cool off after the heat mid-July. Cooking outside on the open air grill to the tune of cicadas chirping in the trees. Challenge your friends to a rematch of Boules. It’s a beautiful place to unwind for a week.

Get more inspiration for your own grand European road trip here:

Finding Pink Flamingos in the Camargue, France
CRUISE THROUGH THE CROWDS IN COLMAR, FRANCE
CHÂTEAU DE CHEVERNY IS THE ONE YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE IN THE LOIRE
EXPLORING THE SWISS ALPS, A ROYAL RIDE TO MÄNNLICHEN

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Oregon Girl Around the World

36 thoughts on “Linger in the Languedoc Region for an Authentic South of France Experience”

  2. Was this the little villa from Phoebe of LouMessugo.com? I know she has a rental down there and from your photos it almost looks like it! We considered going down for a visit and staying there, but that trip didn’t pan out! But it sounds like a lovely, off-the-radar region! #FarawayFiles

    Reply

  3. As you can guess I love everything about this, it’s what the south of France is all about. Staying in a villa/gîte and self-catering from the markets is definitely my favourite way to experience a place. (I can also say that you can find authentic experiences on the Côte d’Azur too especially if you step away from the coast, so next time come my way!) Now I’m longing for a glass of rosé!!

    Reply

      1. We lived in Pau, in the south-west. So we were often in Toulouse, which was our nearest big city, and made trips to Carcassone, Avignon and around. Albi is gorgeous too! (Not sure if that’s strictly speaking Languedoc…)

      3. Bob K

        Have just rented a flat with my wife in Uzes for 6 wks in April 2022
        Looking forward to exploring the region

  5. Your posts always paint such beautiful pictures of the places you visit, making others want to visit them too. The Languedoc region sounds like the perfect area for relaxation. #farawayfiles

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  7. I can’t tell you how much I love this post. This is everything I love about France and I’m suddenly desperate to be there. The markets, the food, the wine, the weather, and so much more. Just gorgeous Erin. #farawayfiles

    Reply
    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      Oh thank you Angie – so nice of you. I am a little desperate from some sun – that’s for sure! Cheers from here.

      Reply

  9. This is such a beautiful part of France, seeing your photos immediately transports me back there. I can’t think of a better way to spend some time with friends.

    It is incredible how many fascinating little towns there are in France, so often visitors will head to larger locations and miss these. Ohh for a gîte in the sun. #farawayfiles

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  10. This area looks fabulous. I could see spending a week or two here. It reminds me of my long term home exchange in Palamós and makes me wonder why I didn’t drive the several hours to check out this French region. I think the market days are one of the best ways to immerse in the local culture.

    Reply
  11. Clare Thomson

    Oh this area looks SO dreamy, Erin. Just the sort of off the tourist radar place I love – and those daily menus are one of the things I most love about France. Definitely adding this to my must-see list in France. #farawayfiles

    Reply
  15. Ladies what travel

    I love a hidden gem and it sounds like you found one! Looks like a great place to unwind for sure. I love the look of that Roman aqueduct, do love a bit of history when I travel!! #FarawayFiles

    Reply

  16. Looking into flights straight away! Last year we loved wandering around Marseille and years ago when based in Paris spent weeks around Nice. Languedoc sounds like a dreamy gem, plus we can meet up friends from Toulouse! #farawayfiles

    Reply

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