Sunday, August 2, 2009

Languedoc Roussillon: An Introduction

By Peter Bronski

In the south of France sits the Languedoc Roussillon which is one of France's twenty six regions. This region stretches alongside the Mediterranean coast, specifically between the Provence and the Pyrenees areas. Known for its heritage, climate and landscape, the Languedoc Roussillon is a region which should be commended for is diversity and magnificence.

The departments of Pyrenees-Orientales, Lozere, Gard, Herault, Aude make up the whole of Languedoc Roussillon. Each of these departments is politically connected in the country as a single region.

History also shows that the geographical limits of the old Roussillon are now the department of the Pyrenees-Orientales, which was a portion of Catalonia until 1659-the point at which the region was claimed by France. The Languedoc part, on the other hand, extended west towards the city of Toulouse, which now belongs to the Midi-Pyrenees.

This French region hugs the Mediterranean coast to form the magnificent Golfe du Lion. Languedoc Roussillon is very popular thanks to the diversity of its scenery. Sandy beaches, a multitude of ravines and rivers flowing through its valleys, the groves thriving with olives, vineyards growing luscious fruits, and the alluring Pyrenees covered with snow are just some of the sights that you can see in the wonderful Languedoc Roussillon. This region is the base for a multicultural population of about two million people.

The French region of Languedoc Roussillon constantly develops into a more prosperous nation as major cities such as Montpellier, Nimes and Perpignan come to the fore. Montpellier, France's 8th largest city, is quickly becoming a hotspot for much businesses, along with powerful cities like Perpignan and Nimes. The fact that the holiday hot spots of the region are very accessible gives the Languedoc Roussillon a competitive edge against other well respected areas such as Provence.

Motorways and airports are also bountiful around the region. Numerous roads and airports in Montpellier, Nimes, Perpignan and most importantly, Carcassonne are being built constantly. Trains also link Paris to Montpellier, making it more efficient for tourists to travel.

In not more than four hours, one can reach Montpellier from Paris because of their TGV trains. Barcelona will soon be assessable in about 45 minutes if you are in Perpignan, because of the continued construction of a new TGV high speed link.

The people of this French region are part of what makes this area so appealing. There are still certain elements of the population here which speak langue d'oc, a type of romantic language, from which the Languedoc Roussillon has derived its name. Tourists will certainly adore the hospitality that the residents of this region bring to anyone who visits them.

There are different historical sites in Languedoc Roussillon which are also worth seeing. Historical hotspots such as the stunning Pont du Gard, the historical Roman arena at Nimes, the ancient Cit at Carcassonne and the long Canal du Midi are just some of the great venues that you might find interesting. It will not be surprising if you are bedazzled by this wonderful region.

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