Do you know that the Languedoc Roussillon………….

..boasts more days of sun than any other region of France.

..is one of the only places in France where you can climb up to a hilltop medieval castle, picnic beside the Canal de Midi, visit a pink flamingo bird sanctuary and spend the afternoon at the beach all in just one day!

..rivals Provence as a destination for colourful village markets overflowing with local produce. You can pick out your fresh asparagus in the spring or a prized black truffle in the fall. Scoop your “lingot” beans right out of the farmers sack or try to decide which olive you like best: Lucques or Picholine.  And you cannot leave without sampling the traditional delicately smoked “magret de canard” or  “Pelardon” a local goats cheese.

..is one of the few places in the world where national heritage sights are not roped off. Imagine walking freely across the great Roman Aqueduct, le Pont du Gard, or climbing over the walls of the Cite of Carcassonne or following the trails of the knights of the King of France to the impressive hilltop castles of the Cathars. 

….is the largest wine growing region in the world with vineyards sweeping inland from its gentle Mediterranean coast to the rugged Pyrenees mountains. This spectacular landscape is dotted with wine domains who warmly welcome visitors for a tasting.

..has 150 miles of coastline with large sandy beaches for summer time fun and where pink flamingos come to spend their winters!  Artists have always flocked here; Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, found inspiration in Collioure, one of the typical sleepy villages along the coast.

..borders Spain and is greatly influenced by its lively culture.  It is not unusual to find a bullfighting festival and flamenco show at the local village “fete”.

..is named after the phrase ‘Langue d’Oc’ or “language of Occitan”, originally the language of troubadours and still used today by the locals who are fiercely proud of their southern heritage.