Languedoc-Roussillon France

Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Languedoc-Roussillon, located along the southern Mediterranean coast of France, is a region rich in history, beautiful weather and variety. With the Pyrenees and the border of the Spain at the southern end of this region, there is a distinctly Catalonian feel to much of the area. It also boasts many resorts and seaside towns and has some of the nicest weather in the country. Many of the oldest and best preserved Roman and Medieval towns are here, and there is a great variety of housing options from the shore to the mountains to the countryside.

The southernmost region of France, Languedoc-Roussillon is 27,300 square kilometers in size. It stretches from the Spanish border and Pyrenees Mountains in the south, along the Mediterranean coastline and the vast coastal plains around Montpelier and Nimes, all the way up to Mende along the northern edge of the region. It is made up from the traditional provinces of Languedoc and Roussillon as well as Gevaudan in the northern area. There are five administrative districts with a total population of 2.5 million residents.

The capital city of the region is Montpellier and other major cities include Nimes, Bezier, Carcassonne and Narbonne. The region is the largest wine producing area of France, supplying over one-third of all wine in the country. Its 740,000 acres of vineyards are three times the area of those in Bordeaux, yet the wines from this area are not well known. That is due, in part, to the lack of recognizable appellations. Nonetheless, wine production is one the region’s economic drivers, and tourism has become increasingly important as well.

Montpellier is a large university town and a commercial center for the region. There are approximately 250,000 residents in and around the city, located on hilly terrain ten kilometers inland from the Mediterranean. The University of Montpellier was originally chartered in 1289, but some of its schools had been in operation for years prior to that. It has been divided into three branches and there are about 65,000 university students in the city. There are many plazas and museums to see and visit, and the oldest botanical garden in France is in the city.

Nimes is the second largest city in the region and has some of the best Roman architectural remains anywhere in the world. It is located 50 kilometers northeast of Montpellier and about the same distance southwest of Avignon. Its name is derived from a spring called Nemasus in the ancient Roman village. The amphitheatre was constructed in the 2nd century AD and is still in use today. The Pont du Gard is one of the most famous of all Roman monuments. This bridge, that carried the Nimes aqueduct over the Gard River, was originally constructed around 20 AD.

The northern department of Lozere features the city of Mende and the Parc National des Cévennes. There are wonderful trails to hike and enjoy in the park and beautiful views of the land. Farther to the southwest are the towns of Narbonne and Carcassonne. These two cities were very important in Roman and Medieval times, serving as crossroads in important trade and travel routes. They are now popular tourist destinations as well as regional manufacturing centers. Carcassonne is known as the walled city and has towers, dungeons, moats and drawbridges and serves as one of the most impressive examples of medieval France.

The southernmost part of the region is considered by many to be Catalon, and it has a distinctly Spanish feel. The Catalon language is spoken in Perpignan, the prefecture of the Pyrénées-Orientales district, and throughout the area. The mountains rise up from the sandy beaches and offer a spectacular backdrop, though most of the major ski areas are located farther inland. Along the coast there are numerous resorts including Canet en Roussillon and Argelès sur Mer.

Montpellier - Méditerranée Airport (MPL) is the major airport for the region. It has direct flights to other cities in France and Europe, and Ryanair flies from Stanstead Airport in London year round. Other airlines offer seasonal services from UK airports and there is regular connecting service as well. The TGV runs from Marseille through the region and over to Bordeaux. The trip from Paris to Montpellier takes about three and half hours. The TGV continues down the coast through Nardonne to Perpignan.

This part of France has much to offer prospective property investors. The land is varied, with the mountains, coast and plains, and the climate is ideal for those who like warmer weather. There is property for building, existing homes and new developments. The coastal areas have many resorts and new developments are under construction. There are apartments and condominiums for all budgets, starting at very reasonable prices.

Country homes are easy to find in Languedoc-Roussillon as much of the land is farmland, but you are never very far from the Mediterranean. With several moderately sized cities there is urban property for those who want that. Beachfront and coastal properties in this region are not nearly as expensive as the better know Riviera to the northeast, and it is warmer as well. It makes an ideal place for those who want to have a house or property on or near the Mediterranean.

Property For sale Languedoc-Roussillon France

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