Occitanie
The Occitanie region (formerly known as Languedoc-Roussillon) is in the south of France, along the Mediterranean coast between the French border with Spain and the west of Provence, and reaching inland to the Pyrenees in the south and the Cevennes National Park in the north.
As a result of its geography and its interesting history, Occitanie appeals to those who love to lounge at beach, ride the beautifully maintained roads, explore ancient monuments, or just enjoy the tranquil countryside with its abundance of quality local wine and fresh produce.
Activities in the Region
SIGHTSEEING
There are many opportunities for sightseeing in this history-filled region. You are sure to find something interesting for every age!
SWIMMING & FISHING
L'Orb river that runs through the center of Roquebrun has many inviting spots to swim, fish, or just sunbath. The closet spot is just a five minute walk from the house.
HIKING
The area has many hiking trails, as close as right outside our door. There are hikes for every skill level.
BIKING
Herault is know for its high quality roads. There are opportunities to rent road or mountain bikes and arrange for expert tour guides, one of which is unique electric scooter tour that starts just a few doors down and takes you past stunning vistas in the hills above town.
WINE TASTING & TOURS
Cave de Roquebrun has a large selection of wines and offers tasting in the shop as well as tours on Wednesdays. There are endless options for other wineries and cooperatives in the region to discover. Please let us know if you would like specific recommendations.
VINTAGE / ANTIQUE SHOPPING
There is a brocante/vide grenier/marche au puce every day of the week somewhere in our region, especially during the warmer months. Our favourite ones are in St. Chinian and Beziers on Saturdays, and Bederieux on Mondays, and Montpellier multiple days of the week. There are many more to discover in l'Herault with the help of https://vide-greniers.org/.
ARCHERY
There is an archery rang up in the hills above Roquebrun.
HORSEBACK RIDING
There are a couple of locals that provide lessons and trail rides around the area.
HUNTING
The hunting season varies in intensity depending on the population of wild boar (sanglier). It a popular past time for the locals as is evident by the collection of hooves that can be seen on their cave doors.
These are just a few of the many activities in the region. We are happy to provide more details, as well as answer your questions about specific activities you are looking for, such as tours, events venues, or specific services.
Amenities (by town)
ROQUEBRUN
A weekly market, a grocery store, restaurants, cafés, a tabac, multiple wine caves, a gallery, post office/bank, and a few shops https://www.roquebrun.fr/ or https://www.minervois-caroux.com/fr/roquebrun.html
CESSENON-SUR-ORB
A weekly food market, banks, a post office, bakeries, cafés, and restaurants http://www.cessenon.fr/pages/decouvrir-cessenon/
ST. CHINIAN
Multiple weekly markets (antique and food), pharmacies, tabacs, banks, a post office, a selection of shops (wine, organic foods, meats, general groceries, etc.), bakeries, cafés and restaurants https://en.tourismecanaldumidi.fr/Discover/The-villages/Saint-Chinian
MURVIEL-LES-BÉZIERS
A weekly market, bakeries, post office, banks, restaurants, cafés, Super U and Lidl grocery stores http://www.tourisme-des-pechs.com/
BÉZIERS
Multiple weekly markets (flower, antique, food), pharmacies, hospitals and clinics, banks, bakeries, many cafes and restaurants, post office, a large selection of shops, a train station, car rentals offices, and an airport https://www.beziers-in-mediterranee.com/en
These are just a few of our closest villages with markets and other useful amenities. We are happy to help if there is something specific you are looking for in our region.
Day Trips in the Region
LES GORGES D'HERIC / MONS LE TRIVALLE
A wonderful place for swimming and picnicking amongst the waterfalls at Les Gorges d'Heric https://www.minervois-caroux.com/fr/mons-la-trivalle.html
OLARGUES
A unique town with a lovely medieval bridge and a secluded swimming area just underneath it https://www.minervois-caroux.com/fr/olargues.html
SÉRIGNAN PLAGE
A wide, long beach that is great for sunbathing, swimming, riding, crab catching, kite surfing, and enjoying a wonderful meal right on the beach at Latino Beach Restaurant
PONT DU DIABLE, HÉRAULT / LA GROTTE DE CLAMOUSE / SAINT-GUILHEM-LE-DÉSERT / SAINT-JEAN-DE-FOS
Stunning location for to enjoy swimming, boating, hiking, cave tours, dining, sightseeing, shopping, pottery museum https://www.saintguilhem-valleeherault.fr/en/the-tourism-office
MINERVE
One of many quaint medieval towns with lots castles and abbeys to explore along the way https://www.minervois-caroux.com/fr/minerve.html
MONTPELLIER
A great city filled with opportunities for sightseeing, arts/culture, dining, shopping, weekly markets (food, flowers, antiques, crafts) https://www.montpellier-france.com/
CARCASSONNE
History-filled city that is fascinating place for sightseeing, dining, shopping, weekly markets (food, flowers, antiques, crafts) https://www.tourisme-carcassonne.fr/
PÉZENAS
A lovely town for sightseeing, arts/culture, dining, shopping (clothing, antiques, crafts, gifts) https://www.capdagde.com/destination/pezenas
SÈTE
A seaside town known as the “Venice of Languedoc” with its old ports and canals, with lots of place ot explore and enjoy dining, sightseeing, markets, arts/culture. https://www.tourisme-sete.com/
GRUISSAN
A great place to enjoy the Mediterranean, seafood, and their local salt production http://www.gruissan-mediterranee.com/
COLLIOURE
A beautiful seaside town near the Spanish border that is filled with restaurants, beachside cafés, galleries, and shops http://www.collioure.com/
We are happy to provide more suggestions and detailed information by email, as well as answer questions about specific places to explore in this diverse region.