The renowned seaside resort of Le Grau-du-Roi owes its fame to its picturesque fishing port, beautiful fine sand beaches and huge harbour for leisure boats, Port-Camargue. Surrounded by marinas and offering many services and facilities, with its 4,600 spaces Port-Camargue is one of the biggest harbours for leisure boats in Europe!

Founded in the 13th century by Saint Louis with the aim of developing trade with Italy and the Far East, Aigues-Mortes, the first Mediterranean port of the kingdom of France, today displays a particularly well-preserved range of architecture. Standing at the heart of the Gard Camargue, the city of Aigues-Mortes has the air of a real medieval fortress with its 1,634 metres of ramparts, fortified doors, twenty towers and wall-walk. The highest tower in Aigues-Mortes, the Constance Tower, a former prison standing 30 metres high, offers a beautiful view of the vast expanses of the Camargue from the top of its terrace.

Inside the ramparts, be sure to go and see the Place Saint-Louis square, with its fountain topped with a statue of Saint Louis, restaurant terraces and shops.

Still within the city walls, complete your visit by discovering the gothic church of Notre-Dame-des-Sablons and two baroque buildings, the Chapel of the White Penitents and the Chapel of the Grey Penitents.

A listed 20th-century heritage site under France's Patrimoine du XX^e Siècle label, La Grande Motte is located on the edge of the Camargue, 25 kilometres from Montpellier. It is said to have been given its name, meaning "The Great Mound", by sailors due to its dunes, which they used to find their bearings in the middle of this wild region. In the 70s, the seaside resort was built on the initiative of the architect Jean Balladur. Its creator's daring spirit is reflected in the futuristic buildings inspired by the Mayan pyramids. The result is a series of immaculate tower blocks adorned with grids, triangles, circles and other geometric patterns forming a backdrop like something out of a Kandinsky painting. The town's emblem is undoubtedly the immense, undulating pyramid facing the harbour, where cream-coloured boats bob up and down. Its shape echoes that of the Pic Saint-Loup, an emblematic mountain for Montpellier residents. A long strip of sand stretches out before these astounding buildings, leading to the turquoise sea. Water sports reign supreme here and fans of outdoor pursuits will be thrilled.

Several themed trails are available to explore the town on foot or by bike. As well as these various itineraries, there are 25 kilometres of cycle paths connecting the green spaces that cover 70% of the resort. So it is very enjoyable to linger there and enjoy the scent of the pine and cypress trees, opposite the Mediterranean Sea and the big, destructured buildings that surround it.

Located in the south of the Gard department, the Gard Camargue, or Little Camargue, offers nature-lovers pretty landscapes, both wild and peaceful, formed of ponds, reed beds, marshes and fields, where horses, bulls, flamingos and herons abound.

The Scamandre Centre near Vauvert, a protected natural area covering 215 hectares, helps raise environmental awareness with its museum space, discovery trails and educational workshops.

When it comes to gastronomy, Camargue specialities to enjoy include rice, vin des sables wines (from grapes grown in sandy soil), salt and fleur de sel (high-quality sea salt). This region is rich in traditions, especially when it comes to bulls, and is also renowned for its bull farms and Camarge pedigree horses.

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 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.

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.

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.

Right in the heart of the Camargue, this fishing town with white houses is the pilgrimage centre for gypsies. The Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer church, built in the 12th century and fortified in the 15th century, really looks like a fortress. In the summer, the seaside resort of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer comes alive with its beaches, its cafés, its shops and its restaurants offering the Camargue specialities, such as gardiane (bull stew) and telline, a type of small clam.

As the gateway to the Gard Camargue and a major site for pilgrims on the Saint Jacques de Compostelle trail, the town of Saint-Gilles has preserved a most remarkable relic from its old Benedictine monastery, founded at the end of the 7th century by the hermit Giles: the 12th century abbey-church of Saint Giles. Listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, its Romanesque façade decorated with a multitude of sculpted details depicting scenes from the life of Christ is a masterpiece of Romanesque art in itself. Another treasure to admire is the old chancel's famous spiral staircase. Its quality earned it the admiration of many members of the Compagnons Tailleurs de Pierre stonemasons' organisation during their tour of France. The rib-vaulted crypt holds the tomb of Saint Giles, whose relics attract many pilgrims.

As a City of Art and History, Nîmes is renowned for its ancient heritage and its especially festive southern atmosphere. The Roman amphitheatre is remarkably well-preserved and dates from the late 1st century and early 2nd century. It is 133 metres long and 101 metres wide and can hold up to 24,000 spectators! These vast arenas are open to visitors and shows are regularly held there, most notably the famous bullfights and Camargue bull runs.

Another flagship monument of the city of Nîmes is the Maison Carrée, a superb Roman temple from the late 1st century, with its columns topped with Corinthian capitals. Opposite the Maison Carrée stands the Carré d'Art, a modern building housing a Contemporary Art Museum. The city of Nîmes also has a Fine Arts Museum displaying French and foreign paintings from the 14th to the 19th century.

As well as these many attractions, don't miss the Jardin de la Fontaine, a marvellous romantic park listed as a Remarkable Garden, developed in the 18th century around the Nemausus spring and the ancient ruins of the Temple of Diana and Magne Tower. Enjoy a most restful stroll through the grounds and discover a French-style garden in the lower section, and a series of Mediterranean plants, pines and cedars in the upper section. From the Magne Tower at the top of Mount Cavalier, the view of the rooftops of the city is superb!

Before leaving Gard's capital, be sure to take a walk in the picturesque alleyways of the old city and enjoy a drink on one of its pretty town squares, such as the Place du Marché, Place aux Herbes or Place de l'Horloge squares.

As for events, the Pentecost Feria in May is a big five-day celebration where the bull is king. Apart from its bullfights, the Nîmes Feria is also a chance to celebrate with music to the rhythm of the bandas in the streets of the city centre.

The Camargue Regional Nature Park extends over an area of 85,000 hectares. Located at the mouth of the River Rhone between its two arms, the Camargue is an area of vast, wild and flat expanses unique in Europe. Landscapes are a charming group of ricefields, salt marshes, marshes, lakes (the Vaccarès lagoon being the biggest), reed marshes with pink flamingos, and glasswort-covered moors where white horses gallop and where herds of the Camargue bulls graze. The Camargue also is home to incredible fauna and flora. Its marshes and peaceful lakes attract numerous sorts of birds. The ornithological park offers visitors the chance to observe them up close and potentially photograph them.

The Departmental Museum of Ancient Arles was built on the site of the old Roman circus in 1995, to house the very rich archaeological collections of one of Bouches-du-Rhône's most beautiful cities.

The architect Henri Ciriani thus devised a "museum city" project that lets visitors explore the museum thematically and in chronological order, from the pre-Roman period to the post-Roman period, by strolling around as if they were in a city.

Through its various collections, the museum invites you to discover Arles in prehistoric and ancient times: Prehistory, Protohistory, the Early Roman Empire and Late Antiquity, but also the economic history of the city, a hub close to the ancient city of Massalia, funeral rites, and a superb set of mosaics.

The Museum of Ancient Arles is a very pleasant place to wander around, thanks to its large windows letting in natural light, and the variations of subtle lighting designed to enhance the look of the collections.

Guided tours are available to individuals, groups and schools alike. For example, the 1h30 trail named "the museum in 15 masterpieces" includes a look at the bust presumed to be of Jules Caesar, as well as models of monuments, mosaics, sculptures and sarcophaguses.

Be sure to explore the Hortus garden, a Roman-inspired garden designed to look like a circus, with its lawn for strolling, themed areas and water features.

City of Art and History, Arles is famous for its ancient and Romanesque remains. The city indeed boasts several monuments inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List: Its Roman amphitheatre (Les Arènes); its ancient theatre; the Alyscamps, an alley lined by sarcophaguses; the Cryptoportiques, a network of underground galleries supporting the ancient forum; The Constantin's Thermal baths, the portal and cloister of the Church of Saintt-Trophime. The Romanesque church of Saint-Trophime constitutes an important stopping point on the Way of St James (Santiago de Compostela pilgrim route).

Arles offers a wide choice of museums, such as the museum of Ancient Arles and Provence, the Museon Arlaten (traditional art and Provençal culture), the Réattu museum (contemporary art), and the Camargue museum.

Numerous places in the city, such as the garden of the hospital where Van Gogh stayed when he cut off his ear (now Espace Van Gogh, a cultural centre), the forum square, the quaysides of the Rhone river and Les Arènes, were immortalised in famous paintings by Van Gogh during his stay in Arles. A full Van Gogh circuit is offered in the city, with panels representing the works of the artist at the various places where he was inspired.

Situated near the Camargue, the city has preserved its traditions: the Gardians festival (herdsmen's festival), the Costume festival (traditional dress festival), and bullfighting events in Les Arènes: the Feria de Pâques and Feria du Riz. Capital of photography, Arles organises an international photography gathering, a famous event featuring exhibitions, parties and conferences dedicated to this art.

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.

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.

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...

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!