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Excursion and culture
Although the Languedoc-Roussillon region is best known for its splendid Mediterranean coastline, travel a little inland and you will find a totally different character with plenty to add a bit of variety to the ubiquitous bucket and spade holiday. Not only will you find beautiful scenery such as the rolling Corbières hills, the Parc National de Haut Languedoc, or the Pyrenean mountains, but there is also incredible history to be found with the medieval fortress town of Carcassonne and the dramatically situated Cathar castles.
The Cathar castles
Dramatically perched on the top of a rocky outcrop, the fortresses of Peyrepertuse and Queribus provide an excellent viewpoint over Duilhac and Cucugnan, two picturesque villages. Queribus is probably the best preserved and the most photographed of all the Cathar castles, famous for its polygonal keep and Gothic style hall.
The Barberousse Tower is also the remains of the Cathar era.
Narbonne
 Located on the coast of one of the most popular tourist regions, Narbonne enjoys the many advantages of a seaside resort with a 5-kilometer (3-mile) beach and a marina. At the same time, it prides itself on an urban centre resonating with history (cultural sites, museums, Canal de la Robine…). These attractions all nestle in an extraordinary environmental setting (La Clape limestone range, vineyards, lakes…) at the heart of France's 51st Regional Natural Park.
Carcassonne
 This medieval walled fortress town dominates the skyline as you approach: 7 km of crenellated ramparts, 52 towers, and a superbly preserved castle (a fort within a fort). The towered Cité offers a peep into the past dating back as far as 2600 years ago.
It was perfectly restored by Viollet Le Duc in the 19th century and is now listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Le Pont du Gard
 Le Pont du Gard is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. It stands in a natural environment of 165 hectares of Mediterranean countryside and will offer you a pleasant and unforgettable visit. Don’t miss it on your way to the Mediterranean coast.
Le Canal du Midi
The Canal du Midi is a masterpiece constructed by Pierre Paul Riquet. Come and discover this canal lined by trees which meanders through the Languedoc Roussillon, passing on the way locks (don’t miss the 9 locks of Fonsérane in Beziers), bridges and acqueducts.
Enjoy a few days holiday on a pleasure boat. You will come to appreciate the calm of the picturesque little villages which have preserved their charm. But the canal is not an amenity restricted to boats, walkers, cyclists and riders can enjoy the old tow paths.
Chasms und Caves
Discover the Languedoc Roussillon’s underground world with its amazing caves of ‘ demoiselles’
The Clape massif is famous for its natural curiosity which is the Gouffre de l'Oeil Doux. This pit is located not far from Narbonne beach and Saint Pierre La Mer.
This natural wonder was born from the collapse of an immense vault. High cliffs limestones dominate of water green emerald. This natural site is currently protected.
Prehistory: the “Tautavel man”
 The European Prehistoric Center of Tautavel leeds you to the source of European humanity. Presented in an entertaining way, it allows everybody to understand the ways of life of the first inhabitants’ of Europe.
Le vin à Terra Vinea
The Terra Vinea express train will take you on a journey to the center of earth. Discover the gypsum mine museum. See how people have worked with grapevines, wine and food throughout the ages. Enjoy re-enactments, guided visits, and sound and light shows. At the end of the journey, the gastronomy stop: the shop invites you to taste its wine and regional produce. Sigean zoological park
 The “Reserve Africaine de Sigean” is a massive wildlife park among garrigues and ponds with more than 3800 animals ( lions, zebras, giraffes, rhinos…) It is designed to give the animals a territory vast enough to allow nearly the same behaviour as in the wild. There is a drive through part and a large walkround section. It takes up the whole day to visit, so don’t forget the picnic lunch!
The abbeys
The abbey of Valmagne is a fascinating Cistercian abbey with a gothic church dating back as fars as a 1257.
The abbey of Lagrasse is listed as one of the prettiest villages in France.
The abbey of Fontfroide famous for its Benedictine style is located about 5 km to the South West of Narbonne in the heart of the Corbières hills.
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