Occitanie, Languedoc-Roussillon

Languedoc, a hotspot for Occitan culture.

While the Hérault hinterland offers breathtaking landscapes, you can also take advantage of your campsite holiday in Canet to visit legendary towns with history-steeped streets that will take you back in time.

The Pont du Gard near the campsite in Canet in Hérault

Heritage

12th-century bridge
Canal du Midi
Saint-Nazaire Cathedral
Pézenas

Béziers, where the Canal du Midi meets a medieval town

In the town where Pierre-Paul Riquet was born, you’ll be able to stroll along streets named after this builder of the Midi Canal, as well as visiting one of the nearby brasseries before walking in the famous gardens, the “Jardin des Poètes”.

A little higher up, visit the old part of Béziers to admire its medieval architecture. Be sure to visit the cathedral and enjoy the impressive view over the 12th-century bridge from the upper part of the town.

Exterior view of the old town of Beziers

Montpellier, city of culture a stone’s throw from the garrigue

Enjoy the pleasant experience of strolling in Montpellier, a modern city where the nonchalant charm of the town centre has remained intact, amid a succession of small squares lined with ancient buildings and shaded by trees.

The famous Place de la Comédie, with its brasseries and famous Trois Grâce fountain, Saint-Pierre Cathedral, and Place du Peyrou are must-sees for anyone visiting Montpellier.

Place de la Comédie in Montpellier near the campsite

Pézenas, where time seems to stand still on the narrow streets

A walk in Pézenas will take you straight back to 16th-century Languedoc. The Renaissance architecture and immense private buildings can be seen on every street and alley.

Between restaurants and bars, Occitan art & craft boutiques, and Languedoc specialities, the centre of Pézenas is full of life and the atmosphere is warm and friendly. Don’t hesitate to visit on a day trip.

Pézenas market with the church in the background

Languedoc, an Occitan land

Beyond the vagaries of administrative divisions, the name Occitanie traditionally refers to a cultural area corresponding roughly to the southern half of France along with a few small valleys in Italy and the Aran Valley in the Spanish part of Catalonia. You may be unfamiliar with Occitan (of which Provençal is the best-known written form), but this Latin language close to French and Catalan explains the diverse accents heard on the tongues of people from Toulouse, Nice, and the regions of Auvergne and Béarn.

Occitanie is of course famous for its Medieval troubadours, men and women whose influence spreads all across Europe, but also for its gastronomy, a direct legacy of the refinements of an ancient Roman cuisine featuring herbs, fried foods, anchovies and various sweet-and-sour dishes. Make the most of your stay at the campsite to try the little restaurants serving dishes that are sophisticated yet based on simple, wholesome ingredients and traditions now dating back over a thousand years.

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