There is much… very much to see in the surrounding area of Saint Chinian and Babeau-Bouldoux. Beautiful towns, fortresses and castles, cozy seaside resorts, and stunning nature. It is too much to mention. Therefore, we will limit ourselves to what is reasonably feasible in a day.
More information: www.toerisme-occitanie.nl
Minerve
Minerve, a small village in the Minervois, is on the list of the 153 most beautiful villages in France. In the village, the Briant River joins the Cesse, which has carved itself dozens of meters deep into the limestone. This created a well-defensible plateau to which Minerve owes its existence.
In addition to the old fortifications, the village is known for the Grande Grotte, where the Cesse River has carved an underground passage that can be walked through for most of the year. There are also several waterfalls near the village where swimming is possible in the summer.
More information: www.herault-tourisme.com
Canal du Midi
The Canal du Midi is a 250 km long canal between Toulouse and the Mediterranean Sea. Along its banks, you will find many romantic spots where you can enjoy a picnic. The canal, with its 66 locks, has been the 22nd of the 25 French heritage sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1996.
The Canal du Midi cycle route between Carcassonne and Beziers runs right through the land of the Cathars, which is rich in history and local specialties. Visit the fortress of Carcassonne, the cathedral of Narbonne, or the beautiful city of Beziers. Taste the famous cassoulet of Castelnaudary, rent a boat, and cruise through scenery to enjoy.
More Information: www.canaldumidi.fr
Béziers
The city is known as one of the oldest cities in France and is world-famous for its nine écluses (locks) in the Canal du Midi. Today, Béziers is a city with much to see and do. For example, there is the Saint-Nazaire Cathedral, located in the old part of the city. This cathedral is visible from far beyond the city limits and is a beautiful example of 14th-century Gothic architecture.
Other attractions include the city's two arenas and the Museum of Fine Arts. Finally, there is the old town, where you can easily spend an afternoon. The cozy old streets and beautiful squares ensure that you can wander around here for hours.
More Information: www.beziers-in-mediterranee.com
Narbonne
The center of Narbonne is located at the Place de l’Hotel de Ville, where, alongside the town hall, stands the former Archbishop's Palace, which is now a museum of painting, sculpture, and archaeology. Just behind the square is the Cathedrale Saint Just et Saint Pasteur. Narbonne is one of the oldest cities in France and a lovely destination for a day trip. Stroll through the charming streets, marvel at the monumental buildings, and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere in this beautiful, colorful city!
More Information: www.narbonne-tourisme.com
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a fortified city located southeast of Toulouse on the banks of the Aude and the Canal du Midi, between the Montagne Noir and the Pyrenees. After Paris and Mont-Saint-Michel, it is the largest tourist attraction in France. The most famous landmark is the fully restored fortified old town, La Cité de Carcassonne, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997. It is an exceptional example of a medieval city in Europe that has been preserved almost entirely, and the largest preserved medieval fortress.
More Information: www.tourisme-carcassonne.fr
Peyrepertuse
A 'must see'! Peyrepertuse is an impressive Cathar castle and a remarkable feat of architecture perched high on the limestone cliffs in the French department of Aude. A short climb along the steep cliffs leads you to the remains of the castle, where you are also rewarded with a panoramic view of the rugged surroundings.
The fortress was relatively spared during the Albigensian Crusade. The lord of the castle, Guilhem de Peyrepertuse, refused to submit for a long time and remained loyal to the Cathar cause until the fall of Carcassonne. In the year 1250, the fortress came into the hands of the French crown, and construction began on the 'escalier Saint-Louis', a long rock staircase connecting the lower part of the fortress to the upper section. Every year in August, a medieval festival is held for two days at the castle and in the village of Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse, featuring medieval performances, concerts, a banquet, a market, and activities.
More information: www.peyrepertuse.com
Montpellier
De levendige stad Montpellier is een stad met contrasten waar je niet uitgekeken raakt. De universiteitsstad, vlakbij de Middellandse Zee is ideaal om een stedentrip met strand en zee te combineren.
De hoofdstad van de Languedoc is een harmonieuze mix van oud en nieuw. Kijk naar het Fabre Museum, het Amazonewoud of het Zee-aquarium Mare Nostrum. Recente projecten die de stad een uniek aanzien geven en haar dynamische spirit benadrukken. De historische wijk Ecusson is sfeervol en de diversiteit van winkels en horeca in combinatie met verkeersvrije voetgangerszones maken het erg aangenaam. Elke straat heeft zijn eigen specialiteit zoals: antiek, kaarten en streekgerechten.
Voor meer info: www.montpellier-tourisme.com
Coullioure
One of the nicest coastal towns in the Languedoc is Collioure, a charming and cozy village situated at the foot of the Pyrenees close to the Spanish border. A destination that looks like it came straight from a postcard, with the royal castle by the sea, the harbor with its characteristic boats, pebble beaches, terraces, and the old town with its narrow, rustic streets. Collioure provides inspiration and has therefore long been a meeting place for various famous artists, including Pablo Picasso.
Reportedly, you can enjoy the most delicious anchovies in the world here. They are caught fresh outside the village and prepared in the dozens of restaurants around the bay. As a snack, a village specialty is "Le Croquant," a cookie sprinkled with almonds or chocolate chips that is definitely worth trying.
More information: www.france-voyage.com