Languedoc Towns  As with other regions of France the Languedoc Roussillon area abounds with delightful towns that ooze character and natural ambience.  And in common with the other regions this area has it's own gems that you will return to again and again.  Pictured here is part of the medieval fortress town of Carcassonne which is our personal all time favourite.  There's not much can beat browsing the shops or savouring the atmosphere from a street side café in this place!

Location:  Casrcassonne is 60km from the coast at Narbonne, conveniently situated just off the A61 autoroute.
General Info: Tourist office: 04 68 10 24 30.  Office du tourisme website.  A further information website on Carcassonne.  Carcassonne festival website. There is an excellent website maintained by Philippe Cuq and Bruno Berniere that is worth visiting.
Description:  Carcassonne is a perfectly restored, medieval walled fortress town which sits majestically above the River Aude and Canal du Midi.  It is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and boasts a superbly preserved castle (a fort within a fort) and basilicaa.  The medieval lower town is situated on the opposite side of the river.
Our recommendations: The medieval festival takes place during most of July and August whilst the Son-et-Lumière spectacular is held in the second and third week of August (combined tickets available).
For the children:  There is the usual small electric tourist train that will take you around the main sites.  Alternatively it is possible to walk around the ramparts.  Older children may recognise the setting of Robin Hood Prince of Thieves which starred Kevin Costner.

         - Carcassonne
         - Castelnou
         - Perpignan
         - Villefrance-de-Conflent
 

Also worth a visit are Sète for the annual water jousting tournament on August the 25th each year.  Béziers is a pleasantly situated town on the Canal du Midi with an arena where you can see the region's speciality bullfighting.