LANGUEDOC REGION
Apr 29th, 2009, 09:16 AM
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LANGUEDOC REGION
With our travel plans for the end of September, I keep asking questions on Paris and forget about the 12 days we will be staying in Ste. Guilieme le Desert which I believe will be in the LANGUEDOC region. Would anyone be able to assist me in a travel itinerary for this region. Perhaps even a suggestion of a travel book would help, but it would be nice to have some personal experiences to glean from. Thanks ever so much - when travelling, I really do pay a lot of attention to travellers' experiences as brought forth in places like this forum, it's very valuable help to all of us.
Thanks you
Thanks you
Apr 29th, 2009, 09:21 AM
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Yes, St-Guilhem will still be in the Languedoc region come September. What is it you want to do there? Take day trips from a place you're renting? What are your interests? Why did you choose that area? There's a million and one things to do and see, but you need to give us a clue as to what your interests are. You say "itinerary," but it sounds like you're going to be in St-Guilhem for 12 days - confusing.
Apr 29th, 2009, 09:24 AM
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Get the Michelin Green Guide for the Languedoc.
I have a 35 page itierary for the Languedoc, which includes lots of restaruant write-ups from my wife's diary. e-mail me at [email protected] if you want a copy. Also see Peter's Languedoc page
http://www.the-languedoc-page.com/welcome.htm
Stu Dudley
I have a 35 page itierary for the Languedoc, which includes lots of restaruant write-ups from my wife's diary. e-mail me at [email protected] if you want a copy. Also see Peter's Languedoc page
http://www.the-languedoc-page.com/welcome.htm
Stu Dudley
Apr 29th, 2009, 09:27 AM
#4
Languedoc evokes mixed feeling from most of the French. Yes, it is a very nice scenic area. But it is also part of France's "Florida" where people go to retire and wither in the sun. Just walk along the Allées Paul Riquet in Béziers on a warm afternoon if you have any doubts.
Apr 29th, 2009, 09:42 AM
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Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a delightful location with hiking, canoing and close to la Grotte de Clamouse and les Demoiselles.
http://www.saint-guilhem-le-desert.com/
http://www.demoiselles.com/
I am not sure what services are available as it is a bit isolated but as it is near A75 you could venture to see the Millau bridge to the north and to the south Pézenas and the coast near the Etang du Thau including Mèze, Bouzigues and Sète.
You might want to check travel references which include Languedoc and specifically the department of Hérault.
http://www.saint-guilhem-le-desert.com/
http://www.demoiselles.com/
I am not sure what services are available as it is a bit isolated but as it is near A75 you could venture to see the Millau bridge to the north and to the south Pézenas and the coast near the Etang du Thau including Mèze, Bouzigues and Sète.
You might want to check travel references which include Languedoc and specifically the department of Hérault.
Apr 29th, 2009, 01:18 PM
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>>Languedoc evokes mixed feeling from most of the French.<<
A most interesting point. Some centuries ago, there were two regions in the territory which has become France: Langue d'Oc and Langue d'Oil. Both "Oc" and "Oil" (which changed to "oui") mean "yes". Both have been derived from Latin "hoc ille (fecit)". Langue d'Oil was finally successful and suppressed all other languagues (including Breton, Basque, Alsace, Catalan) brutally.
This is the reason why Parisians (like Kerouac) dismiss Languedoc.
Today, there is a separatist movement in Languedoc. You will notice a lot of cars with "Oc" bumper stickers. Wikipedia has a language site in "occitan"...
Regarding tourism: Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a beautiful village, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. In the vicinity, you find several caves (including Grotte de Clamouse) and the Cirque de Navacelles, a formation of rocks.
You are quite close to Montpellier (the main attraction is the university - one of the world's oldest) and Nimes (outstanding Roman heritage - the best amphitheater and the best temple at all, better than in Rome). Sète is a picturesque fishing port. The main attraction of Beziers is the wine museum.
The best guidebook is the Michelin Green Guide. It is available on the web: www.viamichelin.com - click on "tourism" and then on the green spots for further information.
A most interesting point. Some centuries ago, there were two regions in the territory which has become France: Langue d'Oc and Langue d'Oil. Both "Oc" and "Oil" (which changed to "oui") mean "yes". Both have been derived from Latin "hoc ille (fecit)". Langue d'Oil was finally successful and suppressed all other languagues (including Breton, Basque, Alsace, Catalan) brutally.
This is the reason why Parisians (like Kerouac) dismiss Languedoc.
Today, there is a separatist movement in Languedoc. You will notice a lot of cars with "Oc" bumper stickers. Wikipedia has a language site in "occitan"...
Regarding tourism: Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a beautiful village, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. In the vicinity, you find several caves (including Grotte de Clamouse) and the Cirque de Navacelles, a formation of rocks.
You are quite close to Montpellier (the main attraction is the university - one of the world's oldest) and Nimes (outstanding Roman heritage - the best amphitheater and the best temple at all, better than in Rome). Sète is a picturesque fishing port. The main attraction of Beziers is the wine museum.
The best guidebook is the Michelin Green Guide. It is available on the web: www.viamichelin.com - click on "tourism" and then on the green spots for further information.
Apr 29th, 2009, 01:23 PM
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Thank you for your replies, so appreciated! We are planning to do day trips as we have a place to stay for 12 days in Ste. Guilieme. We want to tour, see markets, churches, hike, sightsee, shop, eat. How close is the ocean? we would love the ocean as we are landlocked Canadians!Would love information on restaurants, spas? (Is Lamalou a place that is for elderly people who are arthritic or unhealthy or is it a 'spa' type of place for enjoyment? I guess we would just like to see everything, and do everything?
Apr 29th, 2009, 01:38 PM
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Frontignan-Plage and Palavas-Plage have wide sany beaches, about 45 min. driving time from St. Guilhem. Frontignan is famous for the sweet Muscat wines (drink them as apéritif or together with dessert).
I personally have always liked Agde (about 45 min from St. Guilhem) which is a charming city with a typical market. But try some towns which are closer.
I forgot to mention that Sète has a nice cemetary. Many seamen are buried there with views over the ocean.
I personally have always liked Agde (about 45 min from St. Guilhem) which is a charming city with a typical market. But try some towns which are closer.
I forgot to mention that Sète has a nice cemetary. Many seamen are buried there with views over the ocean.
Apr 29th, 2009, 02:00 PM
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<i>Langue d'Oil was finally successful and suppressed all other languages (including Breton, Basque, Alsace, Catalan) brutally.</i>
But most survived as a spoken language. It was not until after the Franco-Prussian War that France was unified linguistically through compulsory military service (see <u>Peasants into Frenchmen: The Modernization of Rural France, 1870-1914</u> (Paperback) by Eugen Weber.
But most survived as a spoken language. It was not until after the Franco-Prussian War that France was unified linguistically through compulsory military service (see <u>Peasants into Frenchmen: The Modernization of Rural France, 1870-1914</u> (Paperback) by Eugen Weber.
Apr 29th, 2009, 02:11 PM
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>>But most survived as a spoken language.<<
I am afraid that these languages (languages, not dialects) are dying out. Yes, the old people still speak these native languages, but the younger generation speaks French.
It's the same as with Gaelic in UK and Ireland.
I am afraid that these languages (languages, not dialects) are dying out. Yes, the old people still speak these native languages, but the younger generation speaks French.
It's the same as with Gaelic in UK and Ireland.
Apr 29th, 2009, 05:00 PM
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Occitan isn't dying out in the Périgord. There's been quite a revival of it in the 17 years I've had a home there, replete with bournats and félibrées and poetry readings, dance balls, etc.
Sète is a great place to go to the beach with kids, one of the few long stretches of sand on the Med. I would not, however, call it quaint or picturesque. It's pretty much the last of the true fishing villages in France on the Med, and as such has a gritty, washed-out texture to it. The seafood is wonderful. If you happen to be an oyster afficionado, though, head to Bouziques. There's a little place right on the beach there where you can stuff yourself with them (and mussels and langoustines) for maybe 10 euro.
Lamalou is, like most French spas, a place where patients are directed by their doctors for cures for specific ailments - in the case of Lamalou, neurological problems, trauma, arthritis, maybe others. You can't take those sorts of treatments without doctor's orders. Then are are the parts of the spa devoted to "remise en forme" and "beauté," for which they will happily check you in for the day. If you want a particular service like a massage or facial, though, you need to book in advance or take your chances. If you just want to use the various pools, you'll just pay a fee and be issued a towel and key to a locker. You should check the spa website in advance for current information on hours, fees, what you need to bring (you may need a bathing cap, for example), etc.
There's an interesting little town near you called Olargues that has its own microclimate - think oleander and palm trees suddenly appearing out of a typical French landscape. The drive into it along a rushing stream in a rocky gorge is intriguing.
Since you ask how far it is to the ocean, I guess you don't have a map yet. You'll need one to get around this area.
Sète is a great place to go to the beach with kids, one of the few long stretches of sand on the Med. I would not, however, call it quaint or picturesque. It's pretty much the last of the true fishing villages in France on the Med, and as such has a gritty, washed-out texture to it. The seafood is wonderful. If you happen to be an oyster afficionado, though, head to Bouziques. There's a little place right on the beach there where you can stuff yourself with them (and mussels and langoustines) for maybe 10 euro.
Lamalou is, like most French spas, a place where patients are directed by their doctors for cures for specific ailments - in the case of Lamalou, neurological problems, trauma, arthritis, maybe others. You can't take those sorts of treatments without doctor's orders. Then are are the parts of the spa devoted to "remise en forme" and "beauté," for which they will happily check you in for the day. If you want a particular service like a massage or facial, though, you need to book in advance or take your chances. If you just want to use the various pools, you'll just pay a fee and be issued a towel and key to a locker. You should check the spa website in advance for current information on hours, fees, what you need to bring (you may need a bathing cap, for example), etc.
There's an interesting little town near you called Olargues that has its own microclimate - think oleander and palm trees suddenly appearing out of a typical French landscape. The drive into it along a rushing stream in a rocky gorge is intriguing.
Since you ask how far it is to the ocean, I guess you don't have a map yet. You'll need one to get around this area.
Apr 29th, 2009, 09:21 PM
#15
Languedoc is one of my favorite regions and I go there every year. My parents lived in Béziers for several years, however, which is what allowed me to observe first hand the average age of the out-of-season residents.
In terms of cities in the region, just about everybody's favorite is Montpellier, because it is a major university city, making it considerably more lively.
However, I do understand that some of you are looking for the exact opposite of 'lively'.
In terms of cities in the region, just about everybody's favorite is Montpellier, because it is a major university city, making it considerably more lively.
However, I do understand that some of you are looking for the exact opposite of 'lively'.
Apr 27th, 2010, 12:58 PM
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I spent 3 weeks in Languedoc 5 years ago & loved it. We rented a house near Pezenas. Lots of things to see & do. I'm going back the end of Sept, sandwiching 2 weeks there between a week each in Provence & the Dordogne.
The Cirque de Navacelles was one of my favorite spots -- narrow winding road goes down into a "bowl" where there is a small village (18 people lived there 5 years ago). Very quaint & charming & the road down there is worth the trip. There is a bar/cafe, but it's a perfect spot for a picnic.
We also did an overnight trip touring the Gorges du Tarn, stayed overnight in La Maline -- very scenic. Described as the "grand Canyon of France."
Pezenas is a very charming small city with a very good market on Saturdays. It has a walkable old center with some interesting architecture.
Clermont l'Herault is probably the largest town close to where you will be and there are a couple of supermarches there where you can get gas, including diesel. Gas tends to be a little less expensive at the supermarches than at stand-alone stations and you don't have to worry about your credit card not working. Clermont has a very nice market on Thursdays.
Sete is a great place to go for a "trip to town" and there are some good seafood restaurants there. Montpellier is the "big city" and is interesting, but I found it a little hard to get around in driving -- once I found the main square, though, it was fine. Finding the train station was quite tricky, though.
If you want to drive down the coast towards Spain, make Collioure your your destination. Very charming. Another destination worth the trip is Carcassonne.
Locations in Languedoc are well connected by auto-route, but you may find some to be too far for day-tripping. Consider a couple of overnight trips to take full advantage of all of all there is to see & do in the region.
Michelin's Green Book for Languedoc has a lot of information.
Languedoc is definitely underated & one advantage is that there aren't a lot of other American tourists & the ones we met were as enthusiastic as we were about the area.
Enjoy your trip & maybe we'll run into you someplace -- we'll be there the last week of Sept, 1st week of Oct. Happy travels.
The Cirque de Navacelles was one of my favorite spots -- narrow winding road goes down into a "bowl" where there is a small village (18 people lived there 5 years ago). Very quaint & charming & the road down there is worth the trip. There is a bar/cafe, but it's a perfect spot for a picnic.
We also did an overnight trip touring the Gorges du Tarn, stayed overnight in La Maline -- very scenic. Described as the "grand Canyon of France."
Pezenas is a very charming small city with a very good market on Saturdays. It has a walkable old center with some interesting architecture.
Clermont l'Herault is probably the largest town close to where you will be and there are a couple of supermarches there where you can get gas, including diesel. Gas tends to be a little less expensive at the supermarches than at stand-alone stations and you don't have to worry about your credit card not working. Clermont has a very nice market on Thursdays.
Sete is a great place to go for a "trip to town" and there are some good seafood restaurants there. Montpellier is the "big city" and is interesting, but I found it a little hard to get around in driving -- once I found the main square, though, it was fine. Finding the train station was quite tricky, though.
If you want to drive down the coast towards Spain, make Collioure your your destination. Very charming. Another destination worth the trip is Carcassonne.
Locations in Languedoc are well connected by auto-route, but you may find some to be too far for day-tripping. Consider a couple of overnight trips to take full advantage of all of all there is to see & do in the region.
Michelin's Green Book for Languedoc has a lot of information.
Languedoc is definitely underated & one advantage is that there aren't a lot of other American tourists & the ones we met were as enthusiastic as we were about the area.
Enjoy your trip & maybe we'll run into you someplace -- we'll be there the last week of Sept, 1st week of Oct. Happy travels.
