Holidays in Herault, Languedoc-Rousillon, France
Herault, in the Languedoc-Rousillon area of southern France, is a region of contrasts; from the popular tourist resorts on the Mediterranean coast to the historic towns and sleepy villages in the mountains, along with the extreme sports that can be tried out on the rivers and peaks.
Montpelier The city of Montpelier still feels like a 17th century city, when most of its buildings were constructed and its wide boulevards were laid out.
The city centre is still a car-free zone, allowing visitors and residents to stroll around admiring the architecture and to sit at pavement cafes people-watching.
The main Place de la Comedie is where most tourists will start their visit to Montpelier, but you shouldn't miss out the older parts of the medieval city such as the cathedral, begun in the 14th century, and the beautiful 16th century botanical gardens.
There is a large art museum, featuring works by local artists, and the city even has its own beach.
Mountain Villages The town of Beziers is famous for its annual feria when bull-fighting contests are held along with parades and celebrations in the town.
Bull fighting isn't for everyone, but the rest of the events are well worth visiting and you can also sample the well thought-of local wine.
The old town is on a hill, surrounded on three sides by the River Orb, and you can climb to the top of the tower in the cathedral to enjoy the view over the rooftops.
Nearby is the village of Roquebrun, a picturesque village on the river's edge with an ancient stone bridge and a ruined castle keep.
You can hire canoes nearby to paddle under the bridge and enjoy a view of the village from the water.
Outdoor Activities If canoeing along a gentle stretch of river seems too calm, then there are more exciting activities available in the Herault region.
The Gorges d'Heric, a canyon winding through the Black Mountains, is a great place for hill walking and in the summer you can even swim in the river pools or dive from the high rocks.
There are also a number of lakes, the largest being Lake Salagou, where you can hire your own sailing boat.
Windsurfing is popular on the long, sandy beaches of Herault and in the summer, many of the holiday resorts also offer attractions like para gliding.
Montpelier The city of Montpelier still feels like a 17th century city, when most of its buildings were constructed and its wide boulevards were laid out.
The city centre is still a car-free zone, allowing visitors and residents to stroll around admiring the architecture and to sit at pavement cafes people-watching.
The main Place de la Comedie is where most tourists will start their visit to Montpelier, but you shouldn't miss out the older parts of the medieval city such as the cathedral, begun in the 14th century, and the beautiful 16th century botanical gardens.
There is a large art museum, featuring works by local artists, and the city even has its own beach.
Mountain Villages The town of Beziers is famous for its annual feria when bull-fighting contests are held along with parades and celebrations in the town.
Bull fighting isn't for everyone, but the rest of the events are well worth visiting and you can also sample the well thought-of local wine.
The old town is on a hill, surrounded on three sides by the River Orb, and you can climb to the top of the tower in the cathedral to enjoy the view over the rooftops.
Nearby is the village of Roquebrun, a picturesque village on the river's edge with an ancient stone bridge and a ruined castle keep.
You can hire canoes nearby to paddle under the bridge and enjoy a view of the village from the water.
Outdoor Activities If canoeing along a gentle stretch of river seems too calm, then there are more exciting activities available in the Herault region.
The Gorges d'Heric, a canyon winding through the Black Mountains, is a great place for hill walking and in the summer you can even swim in the river pools or dive from the high rocks.
There are also a number of lakes, the largest being Lake Salagou, where you can hire your own sailing boat.
Windsurfing is popular on the long, sandy beaches of Herault and in the summer, many of the holiday resorts also offer attractions like para gliding.
Source...