Things to do in Languedoc-Roussillon

Carcassonne was settled as early as the 6th century BC and later became an important Roman town. It was fortified in the 4th century and was a strategic site in the Middle Ages. It took on its definitive shape in the 13th century with the king’s decision to construct the distinctive double-walled ramparts and extend the castle. The city was restored by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century and is a testimony to 1,000 years of military architecture and 2,500 years of history. Left in ruins after the the Cathar Crusade (1209-1229), the Inquisition and exile of the Trencavel family, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc was commissioned by the French state in 1844 to restore the city of Cathar. Completed in 1911 under the direction of his pupil Paul Boeswillwald, the royal city was returned to its original splendor, finally being inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 1997. In a new, self-guided addition to this tour, guests are invited to see the magnificent views from the medieval western ramparts. 

Discover Camargue Natural Regional Park on an exciting 4x4 excursion with an experienced guide. See native wildlife like horses, bulls, and flamingos and stop in the charming village of Saintes Maries de la Mer. Meet your guide and embark on this incredible half-day 4 x 4 tour. Located between the arms of the Rhône River, the Camargue is a wind-swept land made of salt and water. Birds have made it their safe haven and people have managed to intermingle with biodiversity in this unique place, breeding bulls and horses, as well as developing the rice culture.   Camargue manages to seduce with its breathtaking landscapes and doesn't fail to impress. This territory, where water and alluvium, ponds, marshes and land all mix, has been the base of exceptionally rich human history. Discover the ponds and marshes, home to pink flamingos and many other birds. You will be welcomed on  private land to admire the famous Camargue bulls and horses. Discover the heart of the Camargue Natural Regional Park and learn about its nature and history from your guide.

Embark on a captivating sea trip along the picturesque coast of Languedoc aboard the catamaran Picardie. Depending on the wind conditions, we sail between Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and Sète, offering you a unique perspective on this diversified coastline. East and west winds: When the winds are favorable, our sails take us to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Discover the wild beauty of this coastline, with its salt marshes, the immense beach of Espiguette and its legendary lighthouse. North wind: Under favorable winds from the north, we set course for Sète. Enjoy a panoramic view of La Grande-Motte with its distinctive pyramids, the long beach connecting La Grande-Motte to Carnon and the unique lighthouse-restaurant of Palavas that slowly turns throughout the day. During the cruise, relax on the sunbathing area at the front of the catamaran, where alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails are available for purchase. Immerse yourself in the serenity of the sea while sipping a drink, enjoying the sun and dreaming. This sea trip is perfect for families, offering an educational and relaxing experience ideal to start your holiday on a high note.

If you're staying in Toulouse and want to discover the Cité de Carcassonne, the Comtal Castle, the Saint Nazaire Basilica and more historical highlights, this is the perfect day tour for you. Located 1 hour from Toulouse, Carcassonne is one of the 25 great sites of Midi-Pyrénées. In Cathar country and at the heart of the fortified city, you can discover the Château of the Counts of Carcassonne and the Remparts, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the audio guide in 3 languages (French, English and Spanish), to discover the hidden treasures of Carcassonne. Audio guide to download on the day. You will departure from Toulouse at 9:30AM (check-in is at 9:15AM), with a planned arrival in Carcassonne at 10:30AM.  Following your day of discovery, you will depart from Carcassonne at 4:30PM, with a planned return to Toulouse at 5:30PM.

Explore Camargue, France, on a guided safari adventure tour aboard a 4x4 with an open roof view. Visit authentic landscapes including the rice fields and ponds of a local marsh. See Camargue horses and bulls and marvel at the flight of flamingos. Plus, taste local foods and wines. Meet at the designated meeting point in Camargue, board the 4x4, and stop at a breeding ranch to experience Camargue's animals, including its horses and bulls. Then, explore the middle of the marsh of the old Vistres. Travel through the rice fields and along the ponds and canals. Get a chance to see flamingos and other wildlife. Then, transport to another time while stopping at the heart of the medieval city of Aigues-Mortes. During the tour, enjoy a gourmet break at the Mas du Notaire, where the tour turns from sight to taste. Take part in a wine tasting and enjoy local foods and drinks (PDO bull saucisson, fougasses, fruit juices, etc.). End the tour on a full stomach as you're dropped off back at your accommodation.

Relax aboard a spacious and comfortable catamaran, captained by an experienced skipper. Immerse yourself in the charm of the Camargue on this unique excursion. Embark from the pier in La Grande Motte for an unforgettable adventure. Feel the wind in your hair as you cruise through the splendid Bay of Aigues-Mortes and discover the hidden treasures of this magnificent region. On board, every detail is meticulously designed to ensure optimal comfort and a memorable experience. From the warm and welcoming atmosphere to our high-quality amenities, we’ve made every effort to ensure you feel at home throughout your cruise. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing getaway or an adventure full of discoveries, we are committed to providing you with an exceptional maritime experience, combining relaxation, exploration, and unforgettable moments. Book now and let us offer you a tailor-made adventure, tailored to your desires and needs.

Depart from the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and head out on a 2-hour safari around the scenic Camargue, southern France. Headed by a designated driver and guide, your group will discover the blossoming flora and fauna unique to this bucolic region.  See the famous white Camargue horses roaming freely in the fields from the heights of the convertible 4x4 motor. Snap shots of flamingos and different bird species flying around the edge of the ponds and bodies of water found in this serene area while listening to the story of the Camargue.  Travel to a bull farm where you will encounter black bulls and learn about the bull farming life from your informative guide.

Visit Pont du Gard, one of the world’s best-preserved examples of Roman ingenuity. Its chequered history has also inspired numerous artists. The 2,000-year-old section of the Roman aqueduct once provided water to Nîmes. The highly photographed bridge was listed by UNESCO in 1985 as a World Heritage Site. Located between Montpellier, Marseille, and Avignon, this site is a real landmark of Provence and the south of France. With your ticket, gain access to the first level of the bridge, the museum, and the film to discover more about the history of the Ludo area specially designed for children, the open-air walk Mémoires de Garrigue, and the temporary exhibitions. Until October 1, 2023, dive into a world where the transparent meets the tangible with the temporary exhibition Light as Space! Explore the captivating works of artist Yasuhiro Chida. Discover the fascinating world of this renowned Japanese artist, through a one-of-a-kind immersive experience. The artist has created a universe where illusion and reality merge, inviting the public to interact with his bewitching and captivating installations. Pont du Gard is delighted to announce our brand new temporary exhibition entitled "Under the Pixels, Matter", which will be held on site from September 14, 2024 and until January 5, 2025 for the general public. This exhibition will highlight the work of four talented international artists, each exploring the intersection between digital art and material forms. Here is an overview of the works and artists presented: - Mona Young-Eun Kim: 5 works will be scattered in different outdoor spaces, on the Left Bank. These geometric totems will include QR codes allowing an augmented reality experience via smartphone. - Nicolas Tourte: 4 works will be exhibited in the dedicated exhibition room, as well as another at the reception. Her works are 3D structures, on which projections will be made. - Regina Silveira: A pioneer of digital art in Brazil, she will present two works in video-mapping in the exhibition room. - Ana Tavares: She will offer two video-mapping installations in the exhibition room, accompanied by a series of photographs. The exhibition will be accessible to all thanks to a free tour, with some works installed outside the interior spaces. This is included in the ticket price for the cultural spaces on sale. This completes the offer in the intermediate season for our visitors.

Experience the beauty of of Camargue at sunset with a drink in hand on this cruise from La Grande Motte. Choose from a tasty cocktail or a soft drink.  Hop aboard a comfortable and eco-friendly boat at the Charles-de-Gaulle quay in La Grande Motte. Take in views of the city in the evening glow, as you cruise out to the unique landscapes of the Camargue area. Admire the brilliant colors of the sunset in this area. After enjoying the sunset, return to La Grande Motte and enjoy views of the city while it is illuminated for the evening.

Discover the aquatic life of the Mediterranean with tickets to the Seaquarium in Le Grau-du-Roi. Benefit from skip-the-line entrance and enjoy up-close encounters with incredible underwater animals. The Seaquarium Institut Marin is a center of scientific culture with missions of general interest exclusively dedicated to the study, enhancement and active preservation of marine ecosystems. A place of discovery and perpetual astonishment, a lively and committed playful and educational space, the Seaquarium Institut Marin strives to change our view of the marine world as well as our relationship with animals and raises awareness from an early age on responsible behavior. and the effective actions that we must adopt and carry out together to sustainably protect our most precious common good: our blue planet. New exhibition : Plastic Invasion The immersive exhibition explaining the situation and what can be done. A wide variety of exhibits showing how we can act to fight the scourge of plastic waste.