The 7 Best Things To Do in Languedoc

Stretching from the mountains to Provence on the southwest coast of France, Languedoc-Roussillon is a historic region that offers an authentic and varied experience of the country. With medieval cities, rugged beaches and miles of rolling vineyards, you can enjoy a taste of Occitanie culture in a region that remains distinctly un-touristy.

Spring and summer are the best times to visit Languedoc, as it’s warm and dry which is perfect for exploring the outdoors and enjoying the scenery. The region is brilliant for families with kids who like to get out and about on their holidays but also has a thriving gastronomic scene that makes it perfect for foodies and couples on indulgently romantic trips.

Lounging around the pool with your friends at your luxury chateau in Languedoc is all well and good, but there’s so much to see and do in the region too. Make sure you and your group have something to look forward to by checking out our suggestions for things to do in Languedoc, whether you want to challenge yourselves or continue that chilled-out vibe.

1. Cycle Along a Canal

A self-guided bike tour along the Canal du Midi works well if you’re looking for things to do in Languedoc with a group. The relatively flat towpath means you don’t need Bradley Wiggins-style quads to ride, the overhanging trees provide shade from the hot sun, and the peaceful environment seems to encourage a relaxed pace. With pale green water and borders of orderly trees, the canal path is lovely to look at too.

Relax Bike Tours can deliver and collect their bikes from anywhere between Toulouse and Sète, so you can ditch them at a destination of your choosing in the Languedoc region and get a taxi back to the villa instead if needs be. Stock up on calorie-heavy French goodies, like croissants, cheese and baguettes, to ensure you don’t fall by the canal side!

Book: relaxbeziers@gmail.com / Call (+33) 06 38 12 32 82

Location:  70 Allees Paul Riquet, 34500 Beziers, France

2. Cruise the Canal

If sailing on the canal is preferable to cycling alongside it, La Compagnie des Les Bateaux du Midi can facilitate a low-effort day trip for you and your friends, embarking on a cruise along the Canal du Midi. Set off from Béziers and stay parked in place on the deck as the boat drifts past some of the UNESCO-listed waterways and must-see sights. 

If you want to tick off some sightseeing on your Languedoc holiday, cruising this canal means that you’ll witness the picturesque Orb Aqueduct and the Malpas Tunnel, an excavated tunnel that allows the canal to pass through a hill. You won’t have to lift a finger at lunch either; a meal will be served on board as you sail onwards.

Book: Call 04 67 36 51 24 or email bdm34@lesbateauxdumidi.com

Location: 14 rue des Ecluses 34500 Beziers France

3. Go underground in a Giant Cave

Wondering what to do in Languedoc with your family? Plan a trip to Grotte de la Salamandre, a gigantic underground cave – about the size of a football stadium – was inaccessible to the public up until 2012. That is, until the powers that be had tunnels drilled, allowing visitors to enter on foot. 

Once you get inside the main chamber, you’ll realize just how indebted we are to those excavators. Inside is a staggering collection of stalactites, stalagmites and glittering crystals, all lit up with atmospheric lights that emphasise the unusual textures and shapes.

Feeling brave? Round up the most daring among your friends and family for one of the most adrenaline-fuelled things to do in Languedoc Roussilon – abseiling down the natural entrance alongside your nearest and dearest, with your feet dangling over the cavernous chamber below.

Book: Online at https://www.grottedelasalamandre.com/en/the-guided-tour/

Location: 30430 Méjannes-le-Clap, France

4. Stroll Through Bamboo Gardens

It isn’t easy to do La Bambouseraie justice with words. Suffice it to say that walking through these bamboo gardens is a visual thrill and one of the most beautiful things to do in Languedoc Roussillon when the weather is warm and sunny. 

You won’t be able to resist snapping photos of the long, straight stalks, which cast snippets of graphic, striped light-and-shadow patterns onto their surroundings. You’ll also find an outstanding Japanese garden and fascinating bamboo-built Laotian village.

Be sure to pack picnic provisions for the group and make a day out of a visit here. During mid-week and shoulder season, visitor numbers fall and La Bambouseraie is pure bliss.

Book: Online at www.bambouseraie.com

Location: 552 rue de Montsauve, 30140 Générargues – France

5. Explore France’s Wild West in a 4×4

Another brilliant thing to do in Languedoc for adventurous travellers is to take a 4×4 safari excursion with Carmargue Autrement. Would-be cowboys among your group will love this experience, which brings passengers into the wilds of the Camargue delta, an area hyped as France’s ‘Wild West’.

Your guide will take you through the rugged terrain of the Camargue in an open roof 4×4, so you’ll get a proper feeling for the landscape as you travel. Along with admiring the scenery, these tours can also include a wine-tasting excursion at Mas du Notaire and explore the history city of Aigues-Mortes.

Contrasting with the striking Pyrenees peaks, the Camargue is an altogether flatter pastiche made up of red salt lagoons, rice paddies and reed-choked marshes. Wildlife is the main reason for coming here, with photogenic flocks of brilliantly pink flamingos gathering in Camargue to feed, while herds of semi-wild white horses and distinctive black-horned bulls also roam the region.

Book: Online at www.camargue-autrement.com

Location: Port Royal, 30240 Le-Grau-du-Roi

6. Sail the Seas on a Catamaran

Looking for an opportunity to explore the coast on your Languedoc holiday? Rally together your crew and hoist the sails for an adventure on the high seas with Navivoile. 

On a ‘Barbeque and Swimming Cruise’, you’ll travel by catamaran from Canet port down south along the astoundingly beautiful coast, arriving in the idyllic bay of Paulilles. Kick back and relax en route as you take in the stunning coastal views, stopping for a spot of swimming or snorkelling using the masks kept on board the vessel.

Onboard lunch is a fresh and tasty affair with the likes of sausages, shrimp and salad as well as sangria to put a stop to those post-swimming hunger pangs. It’s the perfect way to spend time in Languedoc with friends or family, especially if you visit in the summer when the weather is perfect for sea swimming.

Book: Call + 33 (0) 6 23 20 69 76

Location: 159, Rue Berthelot, 11210

7. Traverse the Tarn River Gorge

The Tarn River Gorge is one of the most spectacular places in the South of France. Rising up from the gorge’s deep corridor of crystalline water, its seriously steep rock walls reach heights of up to 500m. 

Several pretty villages and towns, some of which appear to tumble down the cliff edges, are interspersed along the river’s banks. A trip to the Gorge is one of the best things to do in Languedoc Roussillon to enjoy brilliant views and also some exciting outdoor adventures.

You can drive along the gorge, but with views like these, keeping your eyes fixed on the twisting hairpin roads is a tricky affair! We think it’s better to rent a canoe from Canoe Blanc instead and travel by river, stopping wherever and whenever you want to swim, eat or just gawp at the extraordinary views.

Book: Call 04 66 48 51 14  

Location: 48210 La Malène, France

We’ve only really scratched the surface in this article when it comes to the best things to do in Languedoc. There is a wide range of foodie experiences that you can enjoy, a lot of castles and chateau to visit, and of course, a great collection of luxury Languedoc villas.

Need a bit more inspiration? Check out our blogs on the best day trips for grown-ups in the South of France and our Languedoc travel guide.

Tempted by one of our fantastic villas in Languedoc so you can indulge in these exciting activities? Our helpful and friendly concierge team is on hand to answer any questions and make sure you’ve got the villa to suit you.