Things to do in  Languedoc-Roussillon

With a history dating back to the Bronze Age, Nimes is one of France’s oldest cities. Its Roman ruins—which include the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard aqueduct and Colosseum-inspired Arènes de Nîmes—still take centerstage in the modern city.

Located in southwest Provence, the Camargue is one of France’s wildest and most scenic landscapes. Protected as a regional natural park, the expanse of wetlands, beaches, salt pans, and rice paddies is known for its herds of white Camargue horses and Camargue bulls, all tended to by localgardians (cowboys).

A beloved icon of the city of Montpellier, the distinctive shape of Pic St-Loup is in view from just about everywhere within the Hérault department and makes for a nice day trip from the city. As a part of the lower end of Massif Central, the mountain’s micro-climate harbors unique flora and a thriving population of birds of prey.

As the former seat of the Counts of Carcassonne, Carcassonne Citadel (Cité de Carcassonne) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of France’s most visited historic landmarks. Perched on a hilltop above the River Aude, the walled citadel is crowned by the Château Comtal.

All of Bordeaux’s high streets lead to Place de la Comédie, making the lively square an inevitable stop on any itinerary. Dating back to Gallo-Roman times, the pedestrianized square is home to one of Bordeaux’s most impressive architectural landmarks, the Grand Theatre, and it leads the way to the Golden Triangle luxury shopping district.

The former hospital of Hôtel-Dieu-Saint-Esprit—now Espace Van Gogh (Médiathèque d’Arles)—was where Vincent Van Gogh was treated after he cut off his ear in 1888. Memorialized in several Van Gogh paintings, the courtyard and garden of the repurposed complex are landscaped to match those paintings.

A masterpiece of 12th-century Romanesque architecture, the Church of St. Trophime (Église St-Trophime) is among the highlights of the Provençal city of Arles, and part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church, which has long served as a pilgrimage site, was dedicated to Trophimus, the first bishop and later patron saint of Arles.

Lined with cafes and restaurants, the Place du Forum in Arles has long been lively. What was the main city square in Roman times today attracts locals and tourists who come to savor alfresco dinners and snap photos of the yellow Café la Nuit—scene of Vincent van Gogh’s Café Terrace at Night painting.

The Musée Fabre in Montpellier is celebrated for being one of the largest museums in France, showcasing European art from the 15th century to the present day. With thousands of paintings and drawings, it features masterpieces by artists such as Jacques-Louis David, Nicolas Poussin, Alessandro Allori, and Francisco Zurbarán, making it a true art lover’s wonderland.

Crowning the hilltopcité (citadel) of Carcassonne—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the imposing Château Comtal dates back to the 12th century, although the site’s historic roots stretch back as far as Roman times. A classic medieval castle, with fairy-tale towers and dramatic ramparts, the restored château is now open to the public as a museum.

Taking pride of place in a square in old Nîmes, the Maison Carrée (Square House) is France’s best-preserved ancient monument and the world’s only still-intact Roman temple. Built by the Romans around 19 BC, this limestone masterpiece is a must-see in the city.

Built at the turn of the 16th century to guard the former border of France and Catalonia, the Fortress of Salses boasts a strategic location between the Corbières Mountains and the coastal lake of Étang de Salses. Remarkably preserved, it’s notable for its medieval architecture and impressive fortifications.

The Arena of Nimes is a Roman amphitheater known for being one of the best-preserved structures of its kind. Originally hosting gladiator and wild animal battles for 24,000 spectators, it transitioned from a fortress to a walled town in medieval times. Today, it hosts concerts, and historical reenactments, continuing its legacy as a venue for public events.

Black bulls, white horses, and pink flamingos are the standout sights in Camargue Regional Nature Park, a rugged marshland between the Rhône Delta and the Mediterranean. Wildlife aside, the coastal scenery here is unique—salt flats, rice fields, canals, and bull ranches form its backdrop. You can explore on foot, bike or horseback, or on a Jeep tour.

Boasting nearly 1,000 years of history, Fontfroide Abbey (Abbaye de Fontfroide) was once one of Europe’s most powerful monasteries. Following its decline, the abbey was restored in the early 20th century by impressionist artist Gustave Fayet. Situated among the dramatic scenery of the Regional Nature Park of the Mediterranean Narbonnaise, Fontfroide Abbey is today a top historical, architectural, and natural attraction.