📍 France

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON: MEDIEVAL CITADELS, VINES, SEAS

Citadels commanding the plain, bamboo groves rustling in the wind, dazzling salt flats, endless vineyards, Catalan spirit. Languedoc, land of contrasts.

≈ 13
Days
993
Km
10
Stops
📖 7 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore the South between Rome, Catharism and Mediterranean. Visit Nîmes and Anduze. Cross Aigues-Mortes. Wander Uzès and Lodève. Admire Carcassonne. Follow Canal du Midi. End at Collioure and Montpellier.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Nimes

roman grandeur echoes eternally

Nimes - Photo 1Nimes - Photo 2Nimes - Photo 3Nimes - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Nîmes Arena: discovery of the Roman amphitheater and panorama over the city.
2
Maison Carrée and Carré d'Art: Roman temple and contemporary architecture face to face.
3
Gardens of the Fountain and Tour Magne: historical walk to the belvedere.
🎯

Activities

→
Guided walk in the old center of Nîmes (pedestrian streets, private mansions).
→
Introduction to Roman archaeology at the Museum of Romanity (permanent exhibition).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 43 km
Travel time: 50min
2
Day

Anduze

bamboo groves whisper orient

Anduze - Photo 1Anduze - Photo 2Anduze - Photo 3Anduze - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Bamboo Grove in Cévennes at Anduze: botanical park (Sequoia avenue, Japanese garden).
2
Steam train of the Cévennes (option) between Anduze and Saint-Jean-du-Gard.
🎯

Activities

→
Stroll through Anduze: pottery and artisan workshops.
→
Short Cevennes loop on trail (nearby viewpoint) for views over the valleys.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 70 km
Travel time: 1h20
3
Day

Aigues Mortes

salt marshes shimmer white

Aigues Mortes - Photo 1Aigues Mortes - Photo 2Aigues Mortes - Photo 3Aigues Mortes - Photo 4Aigues Mortes - Photo 5Aigues Mortes - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Ramparts of Aigues-Mortes and Tower of Constance.
2
Petite Camargue: ponds, salt marshes and flamingo watching.
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset at Étang du Ponant (photo walk).
→
Nature outing with Camargue guide (horses, herds; respectful observation).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 80 km
Travel time: 1h10
4
Day

Uzes

renaissance water dances square

Uzes - Photo 1Uzes - Photo 2Uzes - Photo 3Uzes - Photo 4Uzes - Photo 5Uzes - Photo 6Uzes - Photo 7Uzes - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Pont du Gard: crossing the site and viewpoints over the ancient aqueduct.
2
Uzès: duchy, arcaded squares and medieval streets.
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming/relaxing by the Gardon River (depending on season) below the aqueduct.
→
Gourmet walk at Uzès market (dates according to calendar).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 120 km
Travel time: 2h
5
Day

Mende

hilltop cathedral crowns lozere

Mende - Photo 1Mende - Photo 2Mende - Photo 3Mende - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Gévaudan Wolf Park (Sainte-Lucie, near Marvejols): observation trail.
2
Segment of the Stevenson Trail (GR70) around Florac/Barre-des-Cévennes: ridge walking.
🎯

Activities

→
Reading the Cévennes landscapes: schist, chestnut groves, drailles.
→
Evening stroll in Mende: cathedral and Notre-Dame bridge.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 120 km
Travel time: 2h10
6
Day

Lodeve

limestone carves time gently

Lodeve - Photo 1Lodeve - Photo 2Lodeve - Photo 3Lodeve - Photo 4Lodeve - Photo 5Lodeve - Photo 6Lodeve - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Lérab Ling Temple (Roqueredonde): Tibetan architecture and large Buddha.
2
Pic Saint-Loup: viewpoints (access via belvederes; complete ascent optional).
3
Cirque de Mourèze and Salagou lake: landscapes of dolomitic rocks and red earth.
4
Lauriole curiosity (near Minerve, Hérault): optical illusion road.
🎯

Activities

→
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert & Pont du Diable: walk from cloister through the Hérault gorges.
→
Buèges Valley: refreshing break by the water (depending on season).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 160 km
Travel time: 1h45
7
Day

Carcassonne

fortress walls pierce sky

Carcassonne - Photo 1Carcassonne - Photo 2Carcassonne - Photo 3Carcassonne - Photo 4Carcassonne - Photo 5Carcassonne - Photo 6Carcassonne - Photo 7Carcassonne - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
City of Carcassonne: ramparts, Saint-Nazaire basilica and comtal castle.
2
Châteaux de Lastours (or Peyrepertuse/Quéribus depending on weather): "citadels of vertigo".
🎯

Activities

→
Twilight stroll on the lists of the city (without crowds).
→
Discovery of the Corbières landscapes from a Cathar belvedere.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 40 km
Travel time: 35min
8
Day

Castelnaudary

canal mirrors morning clouds

Castelnaudary - Photo 1Castelnaudary - Photo 2Castelnaudary - Photo 3Castelnaudary - Photo 4Castelnaudary - Photo 5Castelnaudary - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Canal du Midi: section between Carcassonne and Castelnaudary (by bike or on foot).
2
Locks and engineering works (Saint-Roch lock): observation of barges passing through.
🎯

Activities

→
Shaded stroll along the plane trees of the canal; reading break.
→
Local tastings (e.g. lingot beans/Limoux AOP at local produce shop).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 170 km
Travel time: 2h10
9
Day

Collioure

catalan passion colors shore

Collioure - Photo 1Collioure - Photo 2Collioure - Photo 3Collioure - Photo 4Collioure - Photo 5Collioure - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Yellow train of the Pyrenees: emblematic journey Villefranche-de-Conflent → Latour-de-Carol (recommended section).
2
Villefranche-de-Conflent: Vauban ramparts and medieval alleyways.
🎯

Activities

→
Return to the sea: late afternoon stroll on the seafront of Collioure.
→
Sunset at the foot of the royal castle and bell tower.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 20 km
Travel time: 30min
10
Day

Collioure

catalan passion colors shore

Collioure - Photo 1Collioure - Photo 2Collioure - Photo 3Collioure - Photo 4Collioure - Photo 5Collioure - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Côte Vermeille: Collioure, Port-Vendres, Banyuls and coastal path.
2
Cerbère-Banyuls marine reserve: seabed observation (snorkeling depending on conditions).
🎯

Activities

→
Artistic walk following the Fauvist trail (viewpoints and reproductions).
→
Beach or cove at midday (swimming depending on season).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 170 km
Travel time: 1h50
11
Day

Montpellier

university warmth embraces travelers

Montpellier - Photo 1Montpellier - Photo 2Montpellier - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Montpellier: Écusson, place de la Comédie, medical school, medieval Mikvé (depending on availability).
2
Wine route: Pic Saint-Loup/Grès de Montpellier — winery stops (responsible tastings).
🎯

Activities

→
Peyrou Park & Saint-Clément aqueduct: panoramic walk.
→
Designer urban tram: mini-journey to read the contemporary city.
12
Day

Montpellier

university warmth embraces travelers

Montpellier - Photo 1Montpellier - Photo 2Montpellier - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Mediterranean coast on the Hérault side: Grande-Motte/Palavas or Espiguette beach (choice depending on wind).
2
Sète (option): Mont Saint-Clair and canals, views over the Thau lagoon.
🎯

Activities

→
Bike ride on coastal paths (secured section).
→
Introduction to oyster farming on the Thau lagoon (subject to availability).

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

ALPILLES, PAYS D'AIX & CAMARGUE: 25 VILLAGES

📅 26 days 🛣️ 302 Km

AUTHENTIC ARDÈCHE: 18 VILLAGES OF CHARACTER

📅 19 days 🛣️ 279 Km

CÈZE VALLEY & ARDÈCHE GORGES: PERCHED VILLAGES AND ANCIENT SITES

📅 14 days 🛣️ 244 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 10 and 16 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.