Aquitaine Region of France

The Languedoc Roussillon Region of France is an undiscovered gem filled with breathtaking coastline, some of France's best cuisine, rich Medieval history and amazing architecture like chateaux (castles) and cathedrals.

Bordering Provence, the Languedoc Roussillon is just as charming and beautiful with the Mediterranean and Pyreneees, but is less tourist-ridden and less expensive. France's most up and coming wines are from this region. Get all the basics on the Languedoc, including the major cities, facts about the Languedoc, how to get around the Languedoc and where to stay in the Languedoc Roussillon Region.

The Languedoc Roussillon may be one of the least densely populated regions of France, but it has several large and mid-sized cities that are unique, fascinating and beautiful, including:

• Carcassonne, featuring an entire miniature city that is a castle.
• Limoux, a small and pretty city best known as the true birthplace of the first sparkling wine, Blanquette.
• Montpellier, a large city with southern French charm and a university dating back to the Middle Ages.
• Perpignan, another large city with Catalan uniqueness situated a few minutes from Spain. Be sure to travel just south to the picturesque Cote Vermeille

The best options for visiting the Languedoc are to fly into Montpellier, Barcelona, Perpignan, Nice or Paris and taking a train or rental car to the Languedoc region.

You can get a Europe or France rail pass. Then, you can fly into Paris (which is much more likely to be a direct flight, and usually costs less) and take the train to a Languedoc train station in Sete, Montpellier, Carcassonne or Perpignan, among other locations.

If you really want to explore the lovely smaller villages, Pyrenees scenery and countryside of Languedoc, consider renting a car.

There is no shortage of attractions in the Languedoc, and it's particularly a great destination for lovers of architecture, wine, history, unspoilt beaches, nudism and ancient Roman ruins. Don't miss:

• Cathar Country, which encompasses several Cathar ruins, chateaux, cities and villages.
• Cap D'Agde, considered the world's Mecca of nudism and featuring a small gated nudist village.
• La Cité in Carcassonne, a fortified Medieval village.
• Place de la Comédie in Montpellier, a bustling and vast square dotted with cafés, historic buildings and outdoor markets.

Languedoc is home to diverse and inexpensive hotels and accommodations, such as:

• If you have the means, there are few hotels in the Languedoc to rival the luxury and atmosphere of the four-star Hotel de la Cité in Carcassonne.
• Villa Duflot in Perpignan is lush and luxurious.
• Le Donjon les Ramparts is inexpensive, it's in the heart of La Cité and you will feel like you've stepped right into the Middle Ages.
• Hotel Eve, the only hotel in Cap d'Agde's naturist quarter.