Languedoc Roussillion

The Languedoc Roussillon region, where the Pyrenees Mountains plunge into the Mediterranean and with miles of fine sandy beaches, is a land full of character and sunshine. It shares a border with Spain as far as the Rhône delta and its hinterland rises up to the foothills of the Massif Central. In 1963, the French Government developed a "New Riviera" here, radically re-fashioning over 100 miles of coast with a sparkling group of seafront resorts. It is now a modern resort area whose stunning architecture gleams under the annual 300 days of Mediterranean sunshine. Its long beaches alternate with wild lagoons - a paradise for flamingos. In the hinterland, its charms have been preserved. The Haut Languedoc and Cévennes nature reserves and the wooded slopes of Cerdagne are popular with hikers in the beautiful natural surroundings. This colourful country also produces fine wines and boasts distinctive Catalan cuisine. Long known as an area of abundant historic riches and monuments, it houses character villages and towns such as Montpellier, Nîmes, Carcassonne, Uzès and the Pont du Gard, having been touched by the prehistoric, Roman and Cathar times.The Languedoc comprises the Departments of [11] Aude, [30] Gard, [34] Herault, [48] Lozere and [66] Pyrenees Orientales departments.