At the heart of Hérault, the small city of Pézenas has great visitor appeal with its magnificent old architecture and exceptional crafts. Sculptors, potters, cabinetmakers, glassblowers and so many others contribute to Pézenas' rich heritage.

This treasure is a legacy of the city's glorious past. As the capital of the Estates General of Languedoc in the 16th century, the city enjoyed a golden age: many private mansions were built alongside other sumptuous buildings. Today, you can visit some of them, such as the Lacoste mansion, which houses a very fine rib vaulted vestibule, as well as a magnificent square spiral staircase. The Malibran mansion, meanwhile, is remarkable for its façade decorated with mascarons of smiling female faces. Admire the wrought iron balconies, a reminder of the opulence of the period.

As Languedoc's answer to Versailles, Pézenas welcomed some illustrious personalities, the most famous of whom was Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, better known as Molière. As he was not welcome in the French capital, he moved to Pézenas in 1647. In a small square on Place du 14 Juillet, a monument is dedicated to him, created in 1897 by Jean-Antonin Injalbert.

Continue your visit to Pézenas by strolling through the cobbled streets where the old houses - some of which date back to the Middle Ages - are decorated with colourful shutters echoing the bright hues of the art and craft shops. At the House of Crafts (Maison des Métiers d'Art), based in the 17th-century former consular house, you can discover work by creative craftspeople, such as sculptures, jewellery, fashion items, tableware and decorative objects. You can't leave Pézenas without a handmade souvenir! To add a gastronomic touch to your visit, indulge in the succulent petits pâtés de Pézenas (pies with a sweet and savoury mutton filling) from Maison Alary.

Covering 7,500 hectares, the Étang de Thau lagoon is located in the municipality of Bouzigues in Hérault, measuring19 km long and 5 km wide with a mean depth of 4.5 m. This Natura 2000 protected site is the biggest lagoon in Languedoc. The abundance of phytoplankton, a natural resource involved in the cultivation of oysters and mussels, has allowed the expansion of oyster and mussel farming.

The diversity of this small inland sea, with its many shades of blue, is exceptional! Numerous animal and plant species form a precious ecosystem. Algae and flowering plants thrive alongside many species of fish (sardines, sea bream, mackerel, sole, but also slugs, molluscs and crustaceans) which live on different levels, some near the surface and others close to the bottom.

The Bouzigues hollow oyster has been farmed there since Antiquity. The oyster beds now stretch as far as the eye can see, and this business employs nearly two-thousand people, mostly on family-run farms. You can learn more about the art of fishing and shellfish farming by visiting the Étang de Thau Museum, in Bouzigues. The producers based around the lagoon will be happy to meet you, show you their skills and invite you to taste their products.

Although it is a protected site, the Thau Basin is also a leisure destination. You can practise sailing, canoe-kayaking, windsurfing, stand up paddle and kitesurfing there.

Thermalism is also part of the local heritage. Between the Thau lagoon and the Mediterranean, the second largest spa in France, Balaruc-les-Bains, offers its guests the benefits of its healing waters. Those who like to take it easy can enjoy a moment of relaxation and wellness at the O'Balia thermal spa, whose two complementary areas have a variety of atmospheres.

A jewel in Languedoc's crown, Valmagne Abbey is a treat for medieval architecture enthusiasts. You can travel there from the pretty city of Pézenas: the vineyards suddenly transform into a river of limestone hills surrounding the majestic abbey, founded in 1138. This monument's originality lies in its mixture of styles, combining Cistercian and Benedictine architecture from the 12th and 14th centuries. It was taken over by the Count of Turenne in 1838 and passed on down the generations. 40,000 people now go there each year to visit the heart of the abbey, within its Gothic church standing 23 metres tall and 83 metres long.

Walk through the incredible series of arcades and bay windows that let in natural light beneath the remarkable rib vaults. You will notice a rather unique architectural feature for a place of this kind: the church was converted into a wine cellar at the end of the 18th century, of which the Russian oak casks still remain. This provides a reminder of the wine-making tradition of the abbey, formerly known as the Cathedral of the Vines. These vines still grow around the building and keep Valmagne's winemaking legacy alive.

Continue your tour with a visit to the cloister. In the middle stands a beautiful octagonal fountain, its peaceful song filling the air. Opposite, you can glimpse the lush greenery through the arches.

Another sight to discover is the charming medieval garden featuring plants used in the Middle Ages and offering a delightful botanical walk. Outside the abbey is also a large kitchen garden designed to supply the estate's farmhouse and inn. Gourmets will be pleased to hear that it is entirely organic!

Known as the Black Pearl of the Mediterranean, this famous seaside resort in Hérault is renowned for its summery atmosphere and naturist district. Its unspoilt natural environment stretches out around Mont Saint-Loup, an ancient volcano rising to 113 metres which last erupted 750,000 years ago. Whether wild or developed, Cap d'Agde's 14 kilometres of beaches all attract travellers in search of relaxation. Unique in the region, the Grande Conche beach enchants lovers of dreamlike landscapes with its black sand and tall volcanic cliffs facing the turquoise sea!

After a swimming session, treat yourself to a walk along Cap d'Agde harbour and its ten basins. More athletic types will no doubt prefer the water sports centre offering a range of marine activities such as windsurfing, catamaran, canoe-kayaking, pedal boating and stand up paddleboarding. Opposite, you will see Brescou Fort, built at the end of the 16th century, its stone form seeming to emerge from the water.

To the north of Cap d'Agde lies the Bagnas national nature reserve, spanning 561 hectares. The site is dotted with ponds and is totally devoid of buildings, offering a chance to get away from it all, deep in the Occitan countryside. Bird-watchers will have a field day with around 250 bird species inhabiting the area, changing with the seasons. For those wanting to admire the scenery, there are paths for walkers and cyclists around the reserve.

The birthplace of Pierre-Paul Riquet, founder of the Canal du Midi, Béziers combines its age-old architecture with the beauty of the Orb, Hérault's emblematic river. A majestic monument, cherished by architecture-lovers, towers over its waters: the Cathedral of St. Nazarius, built in the 13th century. This Gothic fortress dominating the city is uniquely original. You could be forgiven for thinking you were visiting a castle! And yet the machicolations above the rose window, and the arrowslits beside the towers and turrets are only a decoy: this display was a way for the Catholic faith to assert its dominance over the Cathar heresy. Other original features await visitors inside. The carved wooden doors set in recesses in the stone are also a kind of optical illusion. They are actually never opened because of the wind, which could sweep away anything in its path.

To admire a breathtaking view of the whole of Béziers, head to the Bishop's Palace Garden (Jardin de l'Évêché) downhill from the cathedral. There you can enjoy a unique view over the Orb Plain and the city's bridges, which seem to spring from the ground. Take a stroll in the city centre along its cobbled, narrow streets. You will probably come across other treasures hidden between the old buildings, like the statue of Pépézuc, a mythical Béziers figure said to have saved the city from invaders during the Hundred Years War. Another curiosity: Béziers' old Roman arena. Unlike its counterpart in Nîmes, it is inhabited by locals. Above the ruins stand colourful residential buildings, a wonderful blend of past and present. However, visits must be arranged in advance as you cannot go in and out freely.

To get away from the urban hustle and bustle, take a trip to Béziers' old cemetery, which has echoes of Père-Lachaise in Paris. You can walk among the sculptures, cypress trees and graves, some of which are seemingly vying to be the most eccentric: unusual typography, elegant statues and other wonders adorn the stone.

Lastly, a trip to Béziers would not be complete without a visit to the legendary Allées Paul-Riquet, a pleasant avenue lined with plane trees, shops and lively café terraces.

This astounding geological phenomenon, resembling a huge amphitheatre covering 340 hectares, forms a curious forest of dolomite rocks of uneven appearance. These unruly lines are due to the fact that erosion affected individual parts of the site differently, to the delight of visiting photographers! With a bit of imagination, maybe you can spot the various animal-shaped rocks?

You can explore the 160 million-year-old site on the various hiking trails that wind their way between these limestone giants, at the foot of which lies golden sand that contrasts with their greyish colour. The rock is also draped with dense vegetation, exuding a delightful pine scent to the sweet sound of the cicadas.

In order to enjoy a stunning view of the dolomitic cirque, head towards the Courtinals Park, an integral part of the site. Its belvedere has an orientation table covering a superb panorama. Note: the paths are accessible from the medieval village of Mourèze, perched on a rocky spur. A walk along its pretty, narrow streets is a great way to complete your day out!

Nestling between the Mediterranean Sea and the Thau lake, with its old port, its canals, its bridges and its buildings with beautiful colourful facades, Sète wears well its nickname of Venice of Languedoc. First fishing port of the Mediterranean Sea, Sète is a favourite destination for the gourmets appreciating seafood.

The mount Saint-Clair, which dominates the city from the top of its 183 metres, offers a magnificent view of Sète and its surrounding countryside.

In August, during the Saint-Louis festival, takes place the famous jousts tradition Sète: two opponents standing each on a boat, armed with a lance and a wooden shield, must bring down each other in the water.

A listed site near the Cirque of Mourèze in Hérault, Lake Salagou looks like something from the other side of the world, with its crystal waters at the heart of a red desert resembling a miniature Far West. A real oasis, the lake is the only aquatic area in this arid territory. It was created in the 60s in order to irrigate the valley and is now a delight for anyone into swimming, fishing, walking and the great outdoors.

Apart from enjoying all the fun of the water and maybe a spot of sailing, stand up paddleboarding or canoe-kayaking, people also go there to take advantage of the 27 kilometres of trails surrounding the lake, on foot or by mountain bike. The deep red earth, which gives the place all its magic, is due to the presence of an ancient volcano.

On the north-western shore of the lake, the small village of Celles, which was abandoned following the expulsion of its inhabitants when the dam was filled with water in 1969, has been gradually coming back to life since the arrival of new residents in 2019.

A certified Tourist Resort (Station de Tourisme), Lamalou-les-Bains enjoys an ideal location at the heart of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park. Between vineyards and the Cévennes, its idyllic natural environment at an altitude of 200 metres will delight lovers of green, rolling landscapes.

Its renowned thermal waters have neurological and rheumatological benefits, as recognised by Doctor Charcot. Lamalou is one of the few spa resorts to have developed genuine expertise in chronic illnesses and neurological ailments. Its thermal baths with certified pools, functional treatment areas and dedicated neurology treatments all contribute to effective multidisciplinary care. The resort also has a thermal spa offering balneotherapy treatments, where you can relax and unwind.

The surrounding area is also full of gems to discover! The Romanesque Priory of St. Peter of Rhèdes, dating from the 11th and 12th centuries and featuring Roman columns and a superb bas-relief of St. Peter, has become a centre of activities at the spa resort. Near the forest, 2 kilometres from the resort, Lamalou-les-Bains golf course is an inviting place to enjoy a few rounds, while the forest of soldier-writers, 7 kilometres away, offers numerous walks on its pleasant paths amidst various plant species. For craft enthusiasts, the Bell Museum in Hérépian, 4 kilometres away, teaches visitors about the manufacturing techniques used by the old bell foundry.

Lamalou also has a rich natural environment with the Passa Païs greenway running through the resort and extending into the mid-mountain landscapes, vineyards, forests and bucolic meadows. You may also come across a few tunnels and Eiffel bridges. Don't miss the Colombières gorges or Héric gorges either, or the villages of Villemagne-l'Argentière and Bédarieux.

Some forty kilometres from Montpellier, the Hérault Valley offers visitors an incredible variety of landscapes, both natural and architectural. You haven't truly seen the valley until you've explored its majestic gorges. Over the ages, water has shaped the rock to create all sorts of cavities, arches and giant's cauldrons, all forming a spectacular canyon in a resolutely wild and unspoilt setting!

Man has also contributed to the beauty of the landscape, notably through the construction of the Devil's Bridge (Pont du Diable), built in the 11th century at the entrance to the gorges. Today it is cobbled with pebbles, as in medieval times, and is a very popular place of passage for pilgrims on the Way of St. James. They stop by Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, one of the main stopovers in the Hérault Valley. Nestling within a narrow valley, this beautiful and charming village is known for its Gellone Abbey, a gem of Languedocian Romanesque art which houses the relics of St. William and the True Cross. An ideal place for a leisurely stroll, the medieval town is sure to win you over with its picturesque lanes dotted with artisans' shops, and its pretty square in the shade of a magnificent century-old plane tree. Nearby, it's well worth spending some time at the Cirque of L'Infernet, a gigantic natural wall formed by tall cliffs.

Lastly, don't forget to visit one of Hérault's most impressive natural sites: the Clamouse Cave, whose impressive concretions make it a truly magical place to be...

If you are going to the Hérault Valley in the summer period, be sure to take a canoe-kayak ride on the river, an ideal way to explore the area from a different angle!

At the heart of the Hérault Gorges, in the municipality of Saint-Jean-de-Fos, three kilometres from the medieval village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, the Clamouse Cave contains a magical world. Discovered by potholers in 1945, it is now a listed Scientific Site.

On the guided tour, you can admire stunning concretions adorning the ground, ceilings and walls of the large chambers. This is the most diverse range of crystalline formations seen in France. Incredible-looking stalactites, stalagmites, discs and other shapes grace the walls, forming irregular lines. Bathed in magnificent crystalline glows or immaculate colours, they look dazzling thanks to the ingenious LED lamp lighting, the first of its kind in France. In the white corridor and the eccentric room, a truly extraordinary sight awaits you: incredible, winding lines of extreme whiteness seem to move in the rock. The draperies of stalactites and snowflake-like aragonite crystals are also among the treasures in this famous cave, a favourite among underground explorers.

For sportier visitors, a speleopark trail provides a chance to explore the cave in a more acrobatic manner while receiving an introduction to potholing. A fun and immersive itinerary!

A certified City of Art and History, Lodève reveals its charms at the confluence of two rivers, the Lergue and the Soulondre. Located between Larzac and Salagou, it is considered the "capital" of the higher lands of Hérault. Its rich architecture is evidence of its past as an influential episcopal city.

Lodève owed its power to the textile industry, manufacturing cloth for the uniforms of the royal infantry troops in the 18th century. It would remain the textile capital for two centuries, until its last factory closed in 1960. The Lodève workshop, an annex of the Savonnerie national manufactory, continues to weave exceptional carpets for prestigious places such as national monuments and embassies, using a technique dating back over four centuries. You can also visit the apothecary of St. John's Hospital, which exhibits a fine collection of glass and porcelain jars, as well as the harmonious episcopal palace which now houses the town hall.

The Gothic Cathedral of St. Fulcran, built in the 12th and 14th centuries, is worth a visit to admire treasures including a remarkable polygonal apse, rose window and stained glass windows, pipe organ and impressive crystal chandelier. As for Lodève Museum, based in the former Cardinal Fleury mansion since 1987, it exhibits collections of archaeology, paintings and sculptures, including some by Paul Dardé, a famous local sculptor.

The city offers many other attractions, such as its seven bridges built at different times, or its many private mansions. It's also worth taking the time for a stroll along the two rivers that run through it.

Located in Nissan-lez-Enserune, on a hill overlooking a vast panorama, the Oppidum of Ensérune is a real open-air museum with reminders of its glorious past. As early as the 3rd century BC, the city experienced incredible expansion: it served as a trading platform occupied by Gaulish aristocrats. The latter controlled the site, which was located on the main routes linking the Italian and Spanish worlds via the Mediterranean. In order to keep pace with this expansion, all kinds of facilities and buildings were constructed, including streets and houses erected accordingly.

Along the signposted trail created to help visitors to discover this archaeological site, you can now admire a large number of silos dug into the rock that were once used to conserve water and store agricultural produce. Other objects and vestiges illustrate the opulence of Ensérune, as evidenced by archaeological excavations. Vases, weapons and warriors' attire are now on display in an impressive museum. All sorts of amphorae, bronze ornaments and coins can also be seen there, providing evidence of Ensérune's erstwhile affluence.

Make the most of the oppidum's advantageous position to admire the site's direct view over the drained wetland of Montady and its plots of farmland forming an incredible sun shape.

On the Way of St. James, about forty kilometres from Montpellier in the heart of the wild Hérault Gorges, nestles a superb village known for its famous Gellone Abbey, which attracts many pilgrims and visitors every year. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it fits in perfectly with the surrounding rocky landscape and is remarkable for housing the relics of St. William and the True Cross. To get there, walk along the picturesque, flowery streets to Place de la Liberté, where the abbey church portal stands. After admiring the abbey's Romanesque architecture and especially its remarkable chevet, don't hesitate to pay the cloister a visit. Bathed in natural light, it offers a peaceful setting that once more demonstrates the serenity of this place.

Then go for a stroll on the cobbled streets lined with old stone houses interspersed with the little artisans' shops that make the town so charming. Take a break on its pretty square, complete with fountain, and enjoy a drink in the shade of its magnificent century-old plane tree.

If you love scenic viewpoints, don't forget to climb to the heights of the medieval city, where a breathtaking view of the valley awaits you! You can also go from Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert to the Cirque of L'Infernet, an immense natural wall formed by gigantic cliffs, where vines and olive trees grow on tiered terraces. To get there, take Rue du Bout du Monde from Place de la Liberté and follow the path along the river. A wonderful change of scene!

The picturesque village of Roquebrun, which overlooks the Orb Valley, truly deserves its nickname, "the little Nice of Hérault". It's ideally located in the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park, 30 kilometres from Béziers. Its shale-rich soil, which has the particularity of retaining water and storing heat, makes it a unique place where exotic vegetation thrives.

Its exceptionally balmy microclimate enables mimosas, exotic plants, and orange, lemon and other citrus fruit trees to flourish, even in the middle of winter. The magnificent Mediterranean garden, with a remarkable collection of succulents and exotic plants, a Mediterranean orchard and a botanical trail dedicated to the local flora, is the unmissable highlight of this plant paradise.

But Roquebrun is also a charming village. It's a pleasure to wander its narrow streets, admiring its close-packed houses, sun-drenched roofs and vineyards, as well as the River Orb and the bridge across it dating from 1870. Water sports enthusiasts can go canoe-kayaking on the river. Keen photographers, meanwhile, can enjoy some beautiful viewpoints over the village from the Route de Laurenque or near the Church of St. Andrew!

Palavas-les-Flots is a charming seaside resort on the Languedoc coast. Discover it by walking along its 7 kilometres of sandy beaches, relaxing at its marina or strolling along its picturesque canal lined with boats and colourful houses. The little cable car over the canal adds to the old-fashioned charm of the place.

To enjoy a stunning view of Palavas, go to the top of the Phare de la Méditerranée, a former water tower converted into a tourist attraction. Take a look at this curious, futuristic building. Clad in glass and steel, it looks like a giant spaceship. At the top of the building, a panoramic bar and restaurant offers a 360° view over the town's rooftops, the lakes nearby, the Mediterranean Sea, the Pic Saint-Loup and the Cévennes massif on the horizon.

The location is also ideal for spotting the main monuments in Palavas-les-Flots, in particular the Church of St. Peter's imposing bell tower in burgundy shades. Erected in the 19th century, the church is located on the canal's left bank in the town centre, and is one of Palavas' oldest structures. So go and take a closer look to admire its Neo-Romanesque style, then enjoy a rest in the charming St. Peter's Garden at the foot of the church. A stroll by the water and across the Japanese bridge is a very pleasant experience.

Continue exploring Palavas-les-Flots with a visit to the Levant Park, full of idyllic scenery. Be soothed by the sound of its waterfall and the peaceful atmosphere of its small lake, where swans and ducks live. Not far away is the Ballestras Redoubt and its Albert Dubout Museum dedicated to the cartoonist. His caricatures are exhibited there, as well as personal effects such as his drawing table, photographs and all-important pipe. Fans of the artist are sure to love the place!

A certified "Museum of France" since 2002, the Fabre Museum in Montpellier opened in 1828 in response to a suggestion by the local painter François-Xavier Fabre. It is one of France's most important museums.

Between history and modernity, the visitor is taken on a journey into the art world through the centuries, discovering the great Flemish, Dutch, Spanish, Italian and French masters.

When visiting, you have three options:

• The main trails, arranged across a number of rooms: the early art trail, with Flemish and Dutch paintings from the 17th century, European paintings on canvas and sculptures from the 14th to 18th centuries, as well as neoclassical paintings; the modern art trail, with works by Delacroix, Ingres, Courbet, Bazille, Richier and Soulages; the decorative arts trail, located in the Cabrières-Sabatier d'Espeyran Mansion; and the dedicated graphic arts trail.
• Themed trails: paintings of interiors, nudes, fruit, cloth and fabrics, children, angels, heroes, flowers, etc.
• A trail that can be customised individually online, by selecting the works of your choice.

There are game booklets for families, to help them explore the permanent collections. The museum also has temporary exhibitions of great heritage value, and a varied programme of activities, to meet demand from the public, be they tourists or Montpellier residents. For example, at lunch time on the last Friday of every month, you can take the "Curator's tour", which will guide you around the exhibits. This first-class museum also offers workshops for children and adults, as well as conferences, including classes from the Louvre School. Don't miss this attraction if you're visiting Hérault's capital.

A Romanesque gem, the Cathedral of Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone, erected in the 12th century on a peninsula between sea and lakes, reveals its impressive architecture to visitors. Its exterior façade gives it a fortress-like appearance: its old machicolations were built so a guard could watch over the periphery of the church and make sure the building was defended. The main reason for this fortification was Maguelone's geographical position, strategically located between sea and land.

As you enter the Cathedral of St. Peter, admire the nave and its immense barrel vault, which gives an idea of its builders' ingenuity! The cathedral's pared-down décor is brilliantly emphasised by the natural light coming in through the bay windows.

Maguelone, an important place in Languedoc's history, was also the seat of the bishopric, representing political and economic power in medieval times. The tombs of the bishops installed inside the building bear witness to this rich past.

Although you can park in one of the two car parks near the cathedral, it is also nice to take the little train there in summer.

The 2,500 year-old City of Art and History of Narbonne has a rich heritage; it was the capital of the Narbonne region of Gaul, the place where the Visigoth kings resided and the site of the Archbishops' palace. In the heart of the historic centre, two buildings, listed as Historic Monuments, merit a visit: the cathedral of Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur and the Archbishops' Palace.

Unfinished, the 13th and 14th-century Narbonne cathedral has retained an absolutely spectacular choir; with 41-metre-high arches it is the highest Gothic choir in the south of France! The axial chapel is distinguished by a splendid 14th- century altarpiece in polychromatic stone. The Treasure Room reveals a rich collection of gold and silver artefacts, tapestries and liturgical objects. Afterwards, don't forget to take a stroll in the peaceful Gothic cloister, before heading off to the Archbishopric's garden, where you can admire the flying buttresses and the south tower of the cathedral as well as the façade of the new palace, at your leisure. The site of the Town Hall and the Museums of Art and Architecture, the Archbishops' Palace has a number of different areas which are open to visitors: the old palace, Romanesque in origin, the Gilles Aycelin keep, the new Gothic style palace and the Saint-Martial and Madeleine towers. Dating from the end of the 13th and beginning of the 14th centuries, the keep offers a panoramic view of Narbonne, the coast, the Corbières and the Pyrenees from its upper terrace!

Then there's nothing better than a coffee break at one of the café terraces in the lively Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, before resuming your walk towards the Canal de la Robine and its charming Promenade des Barques, where you can treat yourself to a ride in an electric boat.

Narbonne also has plenty to offer when it comes to museums, with its archaeological museum which houses a remarkable exhibition of Romanesque paintings, its Museum of Art and History, with substantial collections of fine and decorative art, its Museum of Masonry located in the ancient church of Our Lady of Lamourguier, and the house where Charles Trenet was born, which is now entirely dedicated to the famous "Singing Fool".

"Y'a d'la Joie" ("Joy is all around") sang Charles Trenet, and there is certainly joy at the end of August every year when the Trenet Festival takes place, celebrating French popular song with concerts, shows, bodegas and street art!

Overlooking the archaeological excavation site of a Gallo-Roman potters' workshop, the Amphoralis Museum describes the history of pottery production in Sallèles-d'Aude, which lasted from the first century B.C. to the third century A.D.

In this museum, which is divided into four sections (production, firing, daily life and trade), you can learn about the business and daily life of these potters of Antiquity, who mass produced amphorae for transporting wine.

There is an outside walk, where you can see reconstructions of kilns and a dwelling, as well as a garden with more than 900 plants which existed in the Gallo-Roman period, to pleasantly round off your visit.

Some twenty kilometres or so from Montpellier, not far from the Hérault gorges and Buèges, Saint-Martin-de-Londres is a place to discover and savour. Its authentic setting in the middle of the garrigue scrubland means it combines nature and culture.

This medieval village, typical of the region, takes visitors a few centuries back in time. Between its walls, you can stroll along the narrow streets, past houses with flower-filled balconies and beneath the picturesque stone arcades. The village's Romanesque church, founded in the 11th century by the monks of Gellone Abbey in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, is its greatest gem. Connected to the priory, the building with Byzantine influences is an architectural jewel combining understatement and harmony.

On Place de la Fontaine, a square adorned with fountains, you will see the Clock Tower. A remnant of the old surrounding wall built during the Hundred Years War, it was used as a prison during the Revolution. It's also worth stopping by the square next to it, to admire the beautiful façades that surround it. You can also enjoy the soothing shade of the century-old plane trees that stand proudly near the fountain...

Between sea and lagoons, in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of Narbonne in the Mediterranean, stands the old, circular village of Gruissan, overlooked by the Barberousse medieval tower. As well as its village with typical little streets, the commune of Gruissan has two marinas, and a pretty Blue Flag listed bathing resort two kilometres away. Endowed with beautiful fine sandy beaches, great for relaxing and water sports, the resort of Gruissan-Plage is also remarkable for its picturesque neighbourhood made up of 1,300 chalets on stilts...

Besides its numerous summer entertainments, in May every year there is a big festival in Gruissan, Les Festejades, lasting three days, where the public can enjoy concerts, brass bands and batucada groups in a party atmosphere.

In the Occitanie region, just ten kilometres or so from the Mediterranean, lies Montpellier, the capital of Languedoc. Its rich heritage earned it the Town and Land of Art and History label in 2019.

To start exploring the city, head to Montpellier's highest point on the famous Promenade du Peyrou, a haven of peace cherished by the locals. Terraced gardens, an ideal place for a leisurely stroll, were created there at the end of the 17th century, offering visitors incredible views. From the upper terrace, which features a very fine water tower and an equestrian statue of Louis XIV, you will have a stunning view over the city rooftops, the garrigue scrubland all around, the Pic Saint-Loup, the Cévennes and even the Pyrenees on a clear day!

Next, head to L'Écusson, Montpellier's historic centre, thus named due to its outline shaped like an old French écu coin. Keep your eyes peeled to admire the traces of medieval Montpellier. One of the most striking examples is the Gayon mansion, built in the 13th and 15th centuries. In one of its former bedrooms is a magnificent medieval fresco depicting the life of St. Eustace, patron saint of drapers. Continue your exploration of past times with a visit to Place de la Comédie, created in the 18th century. This is one of Europe's biggest pedestrianised areas, at 230 metres long and 50 metres wide! It is a very pleasant place for a stroll between the attractive Haussmannian buildings, the magnificent Montpellier Opera House with its carved stone façade, and the sunny café terraces, not forgetting the elegant Three Graces fountain. The latter is an architectural marvel: admire the cluster of rocks resting on a circular platform, from which the group of the Three Graces emerges. They stand back to back, and seem to be watching the passers-by...

A 5-minute walk from the square, you can visit one of Montpellier's most renowned cultural attractions: the prestigious Fabre Museum. Its collections of old, modern and contemporary paintings make it one of Europe's most important museums. Stay awhile in the Columns Gallery, undoubtedly one of the most majestic rooms housing the exhibition of older art, offering a remarkable overview of 18th-century historical painting through its large-format works. In the modern exhibition, don't miss the Soulages collection, comprising some twenty paintings by the famous contemporary artist.

Further east, heading towards the banks of the Lez, you will reach a modern neighbourhood characterised by its Neo-Classical style: the Antigone district, designed by the Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill. Seen from the sky, the shape of this unusual, 900 metre-long complex resembles that of a key. Explore its futuristic world and discover its finest city squares, like Place du Nombre d'Or with its water jets, Place de Thessalie with its magnificent fountain inspired by ancient Greece, or Place de l'Europe with its arc of buildings and inviting lawns for a spot of relaxation.

About fifteen kilometres to the east of Narbonne, City of Art and History, at the foot of the Clape mountain, in the Regional Natural Park of Narbonne in the Mediterranean, lies the seaside resort of Narbonne-Plage. Carrying the European Blue Flag label, the resort is appreciated for its long beach – no fewer than five kilometres of fine sand – which is great for relaxing, bathing, and for sports activities such as sailing, beach volleyball, jet-skiing, sand yachting, catamaran or sea kayak. There is also lots of entertainment in the summer at Narbonne-Plage, such as evening markets, open-air shows and traditional festivals...

For nature-lovers, the resort is a good starting point for rambles on the wild, unspoilt Clape massif.