Languedoc flowing with wine
Although beautiful and full of magic, Languedoc is not as popular as its sister Provence. This one is associated with lavender fields, blue shutters and landscapes that delighted painters - not only impressionists. Languedoc, on the other hand, remains somewhat in the shadow, although it has a lot to offer. Together with Roussillon, which until recently was a separate province, it forms a vast region encompassing the Pyrenees on the Spanish border and the Rhône estuary in the east.
Languedoc darkness of the past
Languedoc-Roussillon is an area extremely diverse geographically and culturally. You can clearly see the Catalan heritage there, starting from painting the houses in vivid colors, through the cuisine (including tapas and bull steaks), and ending with traditions associated more with Spain than France - bullfights. The history of the region is also colorful, although often its main color was blood red. In Prouille , approximately 78 km from Toulouse, the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) was born, from which many inquisitors came. In the region we will find numerous ruins of castles nestled in steep rocks, silent evidence of his cruel activities. The scene of particularly grim events was Béziers , the town where the Cathar massacre took place. Fortunately, it also has a brighter side - Pierre-Paul Riquet, the creator of the Canal du Midi, a water route from the north to the south of France, to the Mediterranean Sea, was born there. What other cities are worth visiting during your holiday in Languedoc-Roussillon ? Certainly the above-mentioned Toulouse with its beautiful Capitol and a number of monuments that cannot be visited in one day, Carcasonne with the largest medieval urban complex in Europe, and Albi, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Narbonne, Nîmes and Montpellier are also worth mentioning.
Relaxation with the taste of red wine
Many people associate holidays in France with delicious cuisine, when wine is the finishing touch to every meal. This is especially visible here in Languedoc. 25% of the national production comes from the vineyards covering the region (including Roussillon), most of which are dry reds. Lovers of sweet or sparkling wines need to look around a bit. In search of their preferred flavors, they can visit, for example, Limoux , located about 25 km south of Carcassonne. There they will find wines made on the basis of chardonnay, they can also try a drink from the local Mauzac variety, with the aftertaste of slightly carbonated grape juice with a touch of floral aromas. People who prefer freshness and lack of oxidized notes should avoid expensive wines in heavy bottles from large wholesalers - they will not be satisfied with the price-quality ratio. Returning to the topic of cuisine, Languedoc wines brilliantly complement the taste of dishes. For example, white Picpoul de Pinet goes perfectly with fish and seafood.
Campsite in the Pyrenees-Orientales
A holiday in Languedoc-Roussillon is a real balm for the soul and body - it will relax even a stressed corporate employee. Where to look for accommodation in the region? Go to the list of campsites in Occitanie (the administrative region covering Languedoc-Roussillon and the Midi-Pyrenees) - you will find many attractive accommodation options there.
Tourists, especially from Poland, will certainly find a comfortable stay at a small family campsite run by our nice compatriot. We can find it in the town of Fuilla, in the Oriental Pyrenees. It provides guests with peace, green surroundings and a calming view of the mountains in the background - a recipe for a successful holiday that has been effective for years. This isCamping Le Rotja , where guests can relax in the swimming pool (the little ones have a paddling pool for themselves), there is a restaurant, a cafe and a grocery store at their disposal, and they also have access to the library. You can burn off excess energy at the ping-pong tables, and there is also a bicycle rental on the campsite. That's not all, you can go kayaking, try out rafting, explore the nearby caves or - a quieter option - fishing. The campsite is approximately 55 km from Perpignan, and 3 km from the nearby town with a charming medieval center, Villefranche de Conflents.
A writer by profession, a passion of a cat. One day he will see what is behind the Urals - good to Vladivostok. So far, when he can, he enjoys the sun of the countries of southern Europe. And it's also fun;)