Languedoc-Roussillon
If you are looking for the perfect in France for that Family vacation, then Languedoc-Roussillon just may be the ideal place. Located in Southern France, this large region has just about everything for the average tourist with its long Mediterranean coastline and boasting 300 sunny days out of the year. However, it is more than the fine weather that brings tourists to this area. Languedoc-Roussillon is a region steeped in history, charm, and with varying geography.
It is here that you can find authentic Roman Ruins to explore and hilltop castles to see. You can travel to medieval cities that seem to be lost in time, or enjoy a day on a sunny beach at one of the quaint seaside towns of the region.
One of the most thrilling adventures in this area is a trip to the walled city of Carcassome. You can even spend a night in this fortified city and discover the special atmosphere that this city offers once the tour buses have left and the city grows quiet. Nimes offers a chance to see real Roman monuments while the tarns caverns are an adventure in themselves. Then, of course you can take a driving tour and simply stop of at any of the little villages in the Languedoc-Roussillon region and simply explore everything the village has to offer including sampling the local food.
There are literally hundreds of villages in this region each with its own individual character and charm and each a unique place to stop and experience a new and different way of life in the area. Many of these villages are famous for their individual brands of wine, which is not surprising considering that Languedoc-Roussillon is the biggest wine field in the world. The vineyards literally spread out as far as the eye can see. They are everywhere. Wines in this region run the gambit from fine full bodied wines to the lightest of wines. From pale pastels to the deepest garnet colors.
In the last twenty years the wines of Languedoc-Roussillon have been gaining recognition due to hard work, research and the will to improve. Truthfully, it would be almost sinful to visit this area and not stop and visit a vineyard or two. There are a few that offer dining tours and wine tasting as well. For the names of some vineyards worth visiting check online at merandowine.com. There you are sure to find some exciting vineyards worth visiting and learn more about the great wines that are produced in the region.
Keep in mind though that since this is such a large area you are going to want to do a little advance planning and make sure you have plenty of time to spend at each stop on your itinerary. There is nothing worse than being rushed and missing out on some of the great sites you want to see.
For those who are not planning on visiting Languedoc-Roussillon any time soon you can still enjoy the fruits of the region by purchasing a bottle of wine made in the area. While you may not get to see the sights this region has to offer you can taste the wine that made it famous.