LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON

This area shares the warm, sometimes hot, and predominately sunny climate of Provence, but the scenery is very different. It is for the most part, particularly right on the coast, significantly cheaper than the Var / Côte d'Azur. Having said this, prices have risen dramatically over the last few years. Access to the area is now easy, thanks to motorways, the TGV, and the airports at Montpellier, Nîmes, Perpignan and Carcassonne.

Inland, this is serious wine country, and the predominant feature of the landscape is its vineyards. The Corbière is rugged and wild with some villages not having even basic facilities. To the north is the Minervois - a flatter area with more community life. Common to this region are the village and town houses, and although most do not have a courtyard, subject to planning consent, roof terraces can sometimes be constructed. Having said this, properties with courtyards and gardens are at a premium. As with anywhere in France, if you live in the country, or in a village without shops, a car is essential.

On the coast, in contrast with the steep cliffs, inlets and somewhat limited beaches of Provence, almost all the Languedoc coast is low-lying, with miles of sandy beaches often still backed by dunes and salt water lagoons, giving it a charm of its own. This means that there is much less high season congestion, both on and getting to the beaches. It must be said that the coastal resorts which grew up in the 1930's and 1950's lack charm, but some of the more recent developments, though entirely purpose built, are well planned with extensive boating and other facilities.

There are lovely old cities, towns and villages, and many other features. To mention just a few: Carcassonne - the delightful restored medieval walled town standing proudly overlooking the river Aude and the surrounding countryside which is covered in vines. Montpellier with its university, and in the Place de la Comédie, (known as l'Oeuf or egg), its famous Opera house. Pézenas, an ancient seat of local government, with its many old buildings, including the 14th century Porte Faugères. Agde with its 12th century fortress-like cathedral, (more about le Cap d'Agde below). Sète is a major industrial and fishing port. Céret, twixt mountains and sea, boasts a museum of modern art, which has numerous Picasso paintings, sculptures and ceramics, including the famous bull fighting bowl series. The museum also features paintings by Chagall, Matisse, Herbin, Soutine, lots of Fauves and a few Impressionists. In the early spring the town is surrounded by pink cherry blossom, and the cherry festival is well worth attending.

On the coast, is the well laid out resort complex of Cap d'Agde with a large selection of 'freehold' villas and apartments in Cap d'Agde and neighbouring seaside towns, many with sea / harbour views, communal pools etc; some are beachfront, and many are within a few minutes' walk of both the superb sandy beaches and the 18 hole championship golf course. There are restaurants, shops, hotels etc., quite apart from the usual marina and watersport activities. Cap d'Agde is so popular among the French that it has never been as actively promoted outside France as its exceptional features deserve. (Cap d'Agde is NOT a naturist resort, although there is a naturist area, adjoining, but separate from the main resort). Le Cap, as it is known locally, offers excellent value to those seeking the mostly dry and sunny all-year-round weather which the Mediterranean can provide. To summarise, it is perfect for winter golf as well as for summer seaside family holidays.

Another area which may be of special interest to those looking for an older style property in a waterside town is the Thau Lagoon where the small towns of Marseillan, Mèze and the picturesque old oyster fishing village, Bouzigues, all have their own small harbours. Here, at Sète, is where the Canal du Midi (now a world heritage site) reaches the Mediterranean.

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As well as providing some very general information, these notes reflect my own impressions following many visits to France. They are, however, no substitute for the very good and interesting books which are available. William Pearson©