France: Languedoc-Roussillon

New from Bradt: An intimate guide to France's charming Occitanie region, written by three local residents who share their extensive knowledge of both famous attractions and hidden gems.

From exploring Cathar castles to drifting down the Canal du Midi, from vibrant city breaks in Montpellier, Perpignan and Narbonne to wandering the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Carcassonne, Languedoc-Roussillon offers endless destinations for every traveller. Discover regional food, wine and culture at every turn, whether you're seeking a cosmopolitan adventure or something more intimate.

If slow travel and sustainable tourism appeal to you, there's plenty to enchant: spot wolves and bison, go white-water rafting, or hike the 'Grand Randonnée' routes through mountains up to Mount Canigou. For tranquillity and wide-open spaces, Parc National des Cévennes stretches across nearly 3,000 square kilometres of sparsely populated landscape. Mediterranean beaches await along the coast, backed by one of France's richest wine regions, perfect for tasting and discovering local treasures.

History enthusiasts can follow Robert Louis Stevenson's donkey trek on the Chemin de Stevenson, trace the Da Vinci Code trail, or visit Salvador Dalí's "centre of the universe" at Perpignan train station. Roman wonders abound: the Pont du Gard aqueduct is France's most-visited ancient monument, the Maison Carrée is a stunning 1st-century BC temple, and Nîmes boasts Europe's best-preserved Roman amphitheatre. Alternatively, boat or canoe along the Canal du Midi, the world's oldest navigable canal. Whatever your interests and however you travel, this expertly researched guide has you covered.