The historic region of the Languedoc - heartland of the Cathars in the 12th and 13th centuries - stretches from the Rhône to the Garonne. Bas Languedoc comprises the coastal area from Carcassonne to Nîmes, while Haut Languedoc stretches west of Toulouse. The region is at its best in spring when the countryside bursts into life after the winter rains, and again in autumn when seasonal showers re-awaken the landscape after the intense heat of the summer. Great stretches of dramatic landscape and river gorges from the Cévennes mountains to the Montagne Noire typify the area: unforgettably romantic Cathar castles; superb ecclesiastical architecture; Roman remains; mediaeval towns; the Canal du Midi and, of course, the vineyards where recent emphasis on quality has resulted in prize-winning vintages.

The main towns owe their origins to the Gauls or the Romans and have existed for over 2000 years. The Cité at Carcassonne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is the 17th century Canal du Midi which meanders through the region. Narbonne stood on the Via Domitia, the major Roman road linking Italy and Spain, and is a delightful place to wander. Montpellier, capital of the modern administrative region of Languedoc Roussillon, boasts one of the oldest universities in the world, as well as the second oldest botanical garden in Europe. Albi has a wonderful Gothic cathedral and is famous as the birthplace of Toulouse-Lautrec. Closer to the sea are to be found the "étangs": salt-water lagoons with their oyster beds, rich in birdlife, including flamingoes, cormorants and herons.