In the south of France, where the sun shines abundantly and the wine flows richly, lies Languedoc. We chose Sérignan as our base to explore this region and set out. In search of nice places, beautiful views and quietness in the middle of a region that is often crowded in summer. And we succeeded. Saskia shares her favourite discoveries. Please, your greener itinerary for a holiday in the Languedoc.
This is what you want to know about your holidays in Languedoc
Located in the south of France, roughly between Montpellier and the Spanish border, Languedoc is a region bursting with vibrancy. Picture it: rolling vineyards, hilltop villages, vast beaches and squares full of market stalls. Here it is all about outdoor living, good food and of course: wine, wine and more wine. Almost every village has its own weekly market, in July and August there are weekly wine festivals in many places (tip!) where you can taste the best harvests from local winemakers with a glass in your hand. But beware: the calendar can vary from year to year. So check the official sites of the towns and villages you want to visit.
Lovers of second-hand and flea markets? Then this is the place to be. Brocantes, vide greniers, puces and bric-à-brac are the keywords to keep an eye on. On the site brocabrac.fr you will find an up-to-date list of markets by region.
Holidays in Sérignan
Our base for this trip is Sérignan Plage. And that's an instant first tip! A small coastal village that - despite tourism - has managed to keep its own character. No garish promenade or fairground on the beach, but a friendly atmosphere, a vast sandy beach and some surprisingly nice addresses. Right on the beach there are several campsites where you can have a lovely stay, from basic to luxury chalets with all the trimmings. Fancy a relaxing day on the beach? Drop in at Tongcoco, a laidback beach bar where you can spontaneously pop in for a drink or a bite to eat, or just plop down on a beach bed (for a fee).
Left: the view at Tongcoco, middle: shopping by the roadside in Sérignan, right: wine tasting at the market in Sérignan.
Restaurant tips in Languedoc
For a special lunch or dinner in the area, here are two addresses you really shouldn't miss - do make a reservation: Le Jardin des Délices in Portiragnes serves seasonal dishes from its own vegetable garden, right on the Canal du Midi. And at La Table de Loréna in Fleury, on an old estate among the vineyards, you not only enjoy the food, but also an insane view. Two real hidden gems for on your greener holiday list in the Languedoc.
Canoeing on the Orb
An absolute must is canoeing on the river Orb. From Sérignan - right on the river - you board a van at Bayou Canoë that takes you to the starting point near Béziers. From there, you paddle leisurely downstream back to the village in about two hours, right through the Les Orpellières nature reserve. This is an extraordinary piece of landscape where fresh and salt water meet, resulting in unprecedented biodiversity. Because the area is largely owned by winegrowers, it is hardly accessible to hikers - and therefore wonderfully quiet. You glide silently past reed beds, birds and vineyards: truly the kind of trip where you forget your phone and just look. Canoes can be rented at Bayou Canoe, a fine, local provider on the outskirts of the village of Sérignan.
Left: the terrace of La table de Loréna near Sérignan, right: canoeing on the Orb from Béziers to Sérignan. Watch the video of canoeing here.
Pézenas: a place you want to keep coming back to
Pézenas is one of those towns you always want to return to. The old town is a maze of winding streets full of brocant shops, ateliers and boutiques. Perfect for endless strolling through. Saturdays are extra festive: this is when one of the best markets in the region takes place. Tip: come early, as it soon gets crowded. The market is a walhalla for foodies. This is where you get your holiday shopping! For a special dinner in the centre Les Palmiers A tip: a lovely outdoor restaurant between the old walls and with delicious vegetarian options. The menu changes regularly. For example, we had home-made ravioli with goat cheese, butter sauce, sage and roasted aubergine. And are you in Pézenas in high season? Chances are you'll also catch a wine festival. They are held here every week. Just check in advance the agenda to know for sure when it takes place.
Perhaps the best discovery of the Languedoc holidays: the town of Pézenas and their Saturday market (and weekly wine festival). The dish is the ravioli at Les Palmiers. Watch the video of the Saturday market in Pézenas here.
Gruissan: French atmosphere with a sea breeze
A little further away from Sérignan, but absolutely worth the drive: Gruissan. Like Pézenas, this is one of those places you instantly fall in love with. The old town centres in a circle around the remains of the Tour Barberousse, a medieval watchtower on a rock. Climb it - the views over the town, the salt flats and the sea are stunning. Gruissan has it all: history, cosy shops and good food. When we were there, the weekly morning market on Wednesdays coloured the whole village. Stalls full of local cheeses, olives, herbs and handicrafts. It doesn't get any more French than this. Again, check out the agenda If you come for the market.
Another gem in the Languedoc is the village of Gruissan, which also has a very lively market held several times a week.
Narbonne: culinary city with rich Roman history
Also not to be missed: beautiful Narbonne. A city with a rich past, Roman roots and a cityvibe. Do you know the city of Avignon? That's exactly what it looks like. In the city centre, you can walk along a piece of Roman road that has been uncovered in the square, and the imposing Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur cathedral towers impressively above it - even though it was never completely finished. You will find cosy squares, impressive buildings and a covered market hall. Around this Halles de Narbonne a big market is held on Thursdays. Therefore, this is the day to visit the city. Tip: come early, as it soon gets crowded and parking can be tricky. And around noon? Then just slide into one of the bars in the foodhall, along with the locals. Some kitchens lovingly prepare the produce you just bought at the market. It doesn't get any fresher or more convivial. After lunch you can stroll along the Canal de la Robine, take in a museum or just sit down on a terrace. Narbonne is big enough for a day out.
Narbonne is a great city to visit for a day. Tip: go on Thursday mornings, when the big market is en go for lunch in the Halls.
Sete: seafood, street art and a touch of Italy
A little further away from Sérignan, and perhaps a little out of the direction, but Sète is such a discovery. Go, if you have the chance! Sète is sometimes called the Venice of France. That sounded a bit touristy at first, but the opposite turned out to be true! The city is located in a ‘crazy corner’ between sea, inland lake and nature reserve. And that very location makes it - I think - just a bit quieter than other coastal towns. Sète is surprisingly authentic and buzzing with local life. Slide into the covered market hall (Les Halles) for a bowl of fresh seafood - for which the city is famous - and have lunch among the locals. Then you can walk straight into the Quartier Haut, a cosy quarter with narrow streets, authentic shops with local trinkets, bakeries - oelala we spotted the best cakes of the holiday here - and lots of street art. Sète feels a bit Italian. Not surprisingly so, as many residents have Italian roots.
Sète is different from other French cities in the Languedoc with a port.
Béziers: visit one of France's oldest cities
Last but not least: Béziers. One of France's oldest cities, beautifully situated on a hill on the river Orb. The city has been beautifully refurbished and shines: with white squares, stately buildings, fountains and well-kept streets, it is a pleasure to wander around. Saint-Nazaire cathedral is a real eye-catcher, with phenomenal views over the valley and the Neuf Écluses de Fonseranes, the famous nine locks of the Canal du Midi. You can also walk there yourself and watch the boats being locked. In Béziers, life is all about being outdoors, markets and - of course - wine. In summer, there are wine festivals and tastings, often in atmospheric squares with live music. Check the agenda of Béziers to make your visit to this cool city beautiful timen with a cosy happening such as a wine festival.
While on holiday in Sérignan, a visit to Béziers shouldn't be missing from your list either. Watch the video of the weekly wine festival in Béziers here. Wine festivals are held every week in more places in the Languedoc in summer.
Greener tips for holidays in Languedoc
Yes, Languedoc is popular in summer, but fortunately the region is so vast and diverse that you can easily escape mass tourism. Between sun, sea and beach, you will find plenty of surprises: charming villages, wine festivals, street art, bric-a-brac and nature. Above all, leave some space in your schedule for spontaneous excursions, markets or just an afternoon doing nothing. Two weeks is ideal for quietly exploring this region. And do you have any tips for this region? Let us know!
More holiday tips in France
- Also see: fun stops on the way to southern France.
- Also see: tips for a day in the fun district of Oberkampf (Paris).
- Also see: Saint-Raphaël's cutest beach bars and snorkelling spots.
Photo credits: thegreenlist.nl.
