Finding France, Peaking beyong Paris

Finding France

From Paris to Provence
and beyond...

 

Part 2

Paris will always be perfect! But Petite is peaking beyond Paris, helping Australian travellers discover more of France' beautiful cities and regions.  There is so much more french-ness to see and experience. Each month we are focusing on a new region/city!

 

Australian company French Moments have an entire website dedicated to French living/culture, offering a plethora of French regional information. An interactive map is offered on their website, simply click on a region and find information and related articles about it. MAP

 

 

This months 'Finding France' focus is:

 
Languedoc!

 Located in the South of France between Provence and the Pyrenees, stretching from the Rhone valley in the east, to the Spanish border in the south west, and comprises five departments: Gard, Hérault, Aude and Eastern Pyrenees and the fifth  is upland Lozère.



Great for exploring the South of France (Provence, Toulouse and Montpellier - Capital) and Europe with Spain and Italy only hours away.  A diverse experience of country and beach awaits with
beautiful mountains, wooded valleys, National Parks, impressive caves, dramatic gorges, old cities,  picturesque villages with narrow streets, remarkable Roman remains, UNESCO heritage sites, fortified towns,





the famous Canal de Midi, Carssonne castle, markets, cathedrals, medieval cities, romanesque abbeys, wildlife parks, wineries



- and a coastline with miles of sandy beaches, marinas and small ports.





Referred to as the 'Real South of France' - thanks to its largely unspoilt countryside, traditional wine-making villages and slower, Mediterranean pace of life. The contrast with the 'bling' of the Côte d'Azur and Provence - Languedoc still feels very traditionally French.



Main cities in Languedoc: Montpellier, Nimes, Narbonne, Sete and Perpignan.

Attractions:
Le Canal du Midi

Gorges du Tarn


Aude Department
Narbonne

Cathar country


Pyrenees Department
Collioure & Banyuls:


Le Train Jaune:


Herault Department
Montpellier:


Gard Department
Nimes

Le Pont du Gard

Getting There:
TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon, or from Lille; train from many cities, motorway from Paris, Lille, Strasbourg, Lyon, Geneva. Airports at Nimes, Montpellier, Carcassonne and Perpignan. Low-cost flights from Europe.

When to go: Between March and May, everything comes to life, villages, towns, fetes start, farmers get busier and it's not too hot. June to August is peak season and sweltering. BEST: March-May or Sept!

Where to stay/Accommodation:
We recommend the region around Narbonne to Carcassonne - beaches and ports, as well as countryside, major sights, villages, castles, canals, gorges, vineyards etc. Easy reach to Montpellier, Beziers, Adge and Spain.

 

 

Le Petit Castel Languedoc




Located in the old bustling village of Olonzac, close to Narbonne and Carcassonne,  with its famous crowd drawing weekly markets where locals from nearby regions flock to shop and socialise, Le Petit Castel is a charming three-story house on a quiet cosy corner off Hotel de Ville Square. Sleeps 6 with 2 bedrooms, bathroom, fully kitchen, dining/living room, rooftop terrace, BBQ facilities, free wifi, TV/DVD.



PRICES:
$515AU p/week  (Nov to March)
$675AU p/week (April and May)
$790AU p/week (June and September)
$905AU p/week (July and August)
$715AU p/week (October)

To enquire about this home contact Petite Pr HERE
For more amazing information about Languedoc visit:
www.creme-de-languedoc.com