Languedoc

A SUN-DRENCHED REGION, for Cultural & Culinary afficionados

The Languedoc region of France is a historical coastal region of the south of France that is today part of the Occitanie region that was created in 2016 in combination with Midi Pyrénées. This south west region extends from the Camargue in the East up to the Gascony region in the West. To the south, the region extends to the Spanish border and right up to the Pyrénées orientales.

Second largest region behind Nouvelle Aquitaine, the largest cities and towns include Toulouse, Montpellier, Carcassonne, Lourdes, Perpignan, Albi and Nîmes to name a few. The region boasts a very large number of unique sites such as the walled city of Carcassonne, Pont du Gard, a large number of medieval towns & villages that are classified as most beautiful in France such as Rocamadour.

Languedoc & South West Wine Tours and tastings

Languedoc is also a region famed as the biggest producer of wine in France, most notably due to its sunny, Mediterranean climate which produces the perfect conditions for grape growth. Languedoc-Roussillon boasts a greatly improved and thriving wine industry, making it an exciting wine-producing region. About a quarter of all the wine-producing vines in France are located in Languedoc-Roussillon, but this spectacular region offers much more than just wine.

We organize unique wine tours from all the Occitanie towns were we are present. From Montpellier follow our languedoc wine tours to the Pic Saint Loup and Terrasses du Larzac wine producing regions. From Toulouse, we organize wine tasting sessions of delicious Gaillac wines. For those of you who are a bit more adventurous, we can take you to the Fronton wine region.

Unesco World Heritage Sites of Occitanie

The Occitanie region of France is also home to a large number of Unesco World Heritage Sites. The region boasts a total of 8 Unesco sites. Some of them have a world wide reputation such as the exceptional Pont Du Gard, a Roman monument located close to Nïmes.

Another stunning site is the Fortified City of Carcassonne, located next to Toulouse, and that is considered to be the largest fortified ensemble of Europe. We organise private tours from Toulouse to Carcassonne with highly experienced local guides. Other unique sites include the Canal du Midi, the Causse of the Cévennes or the Cirque de Gavarnie.

Languedoc Day Trips from Toulouse & Montpellier

Join us on one of our Ophorus tours and explore the rolling hills of the region, the sandy beaches and warm waters of the coast, or the gothic architecture of Toulouse, Languedoc´s capital. We organize walking tours as well as guided tours in both Toulouse and Montpellier.

The region is also crossed by the famous Canal du Midi that allows for a peaceful cruise on house boats that do not need any licence to operate. Another favorite is to follow the path of the Cathars, christian heretics of the 13th century and visit the stunning hilltop Cathar Castles.

Occitanie offers a spectrum of possibilities and endless adventures for every traveler. Discover the splendors of this region with the help of our local guides that speak impeccable English. All our tours take place on board premium A/C vehicles. Find out more on our Languedoc destination tour page.

Shore Excursions in the Languedoc

Port-Vendres Cruise Port

Discover the small port town of Port-Vendres in the Languedoc Roussillon region of France just north of the Spanish border on the Vermeille (Vermilion) Coast. Port Vendres is a natural deep water port that has been an important commercial stop since Roman times.

The small town takes its name from Venus (Portus Veneris) and it is believed the town dates back to Roman times. During the Middle Ages Port Vendres was part of the kingdom of Majorca and was a main connection point between the mainland and the Balearic Islands. In 1659 the Treaty of the Pyrenees marked the entrance of the Roussillon region as part of French territory and so Port Vendres became French.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh

The Art Nouveau Scottish architect lived and painted in Port-Vendres from 1923 to 1927. While in Port-Vendres, he painted a number of watercolors including landscapes and architecture. There is a trail within the town that details his time in Port-Vendres and along which one can see the exact locations of where the paintings were done.

Our Shore Excursions from Port-Vendres

We organize small group private shore excursions departing from Port-Vendres to all the major landmarks this region has to offer. If you are visiting Port Vendres during your Cruise, we will come and pick you up directly at your ship or Port of call and have you visit or experience some of the most significant sights of the region.

Sète Cruise Port

The small town of Sète was built under the command of Sun King Louis XIV who wanted to create a new port that would be more reliable than Marseille. Today, the harbour is a lively fishing, leisure and commercial port and the town itself, surrounded by water, makes it one of those charming small towns of France.

The town of Sète is located on the Mediterranean Sea between the City of Montpellier and the town of Narbonne. The town stands at the foot of the Mont Saint Clair that culminates at an altitude of 175 meters (570 feet).

Sète and the Canal du Midi

Sète (that was spelt 'Cette' until 1928) is one of the youngest port towns of France. The small town was born in 1666 from a Royal decision and the will of three important persons: King Louis XIV (the one who had Versailles Palace built), Pierre Paul Riquet (the engineer behind the building of the Canal du Midi) and the Chevalier de Clerville.

Paul Riquet was looking for a perfect area on the Mediterranean where his Canal du Midi could finish. In addition, the Sun King Louis XIV had asked his minister Colbert to find an ideal location to create a port so as to ship the goods of the Languedoc. It was the Chevalier de Clerville who identified the Cape of Sète as being the ideal location for a port.

Things to see & do in Sète

Coned the Little Venice of the Languedoc, Sète will charm you with its many canals that run through town including the larger Canal du Midi that ends its course in the Thau Lagoon. Far from the tourist crowds that are present in other major seaside resorts, the old port of Sète has kept its charms and is the perfect destination if you like seafood.

As mentioned above, the Cimetière Marin is certainly one of the most popular visits that one can do while in Sète. Overlooking the town of Sète and the whole Etang de Thau, the panoramic views over the whole Mediterranean Coast are stunning. Another great location for an exceptional view is Mont St Clair that dominates the port city.

Finally, the town is also home to a Museum dedicated to Paul Valéry and an Arts & Exhibition center dedicated to Georges Brassens. The Paul Valéry museum makes for a pleasant visit and has an interesting collection of paintings from the 19th century. On the first floor there is an exhibition dedicated to the Poet and philosopher with first editions, watercolors and drawings. The Gorges Brassens center evokes the life of the artist, his childhood in Sète, the works and writers who inspired him and of course his songs.

Our Shore Excursions from Sète Cruise Port

We organize private small group shore excursions departing from Sète Cruise Port. The town is a perfect departure point for those that wish to visit the main attractions of the Languedoc region of France. We will come and pick you up at your ship and take you to the most important landmarks of the Languedoc region.