Languedoc-Roussillon

Travel Guide to Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Region

Languedoc-Roussillon is the largest wine region located on the western Mediterranean coast of France and It is famous for long hours of sunshine. Each of both regions - Languedoc and Roussillon - has its distinctive characteristics. Languedoc with its high-quality wines and Roussillon for its Vins Doux Naturels. Enjoy your wine tour in one of the sunniest regions of France!

Check out our the list of wine tastings & tours in Languedoc-Roussillon wine region.

Discover Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Region

Why to visit Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Region?

- Long sandy beaches with bright sun

- Sea food-based gastronomy

- Historic towns and villages with Roman heritage

- The Pyrenees mountain range

- Vibrant cities

- Place for organic wine lovers

Languedoc-Roussillon wine region is the first in France where Romans planted vineyards. The region has been known for the quantitative production of Vin Ordinaire (table wine) and Vins de Pays (country wine). However, there has been a gradual shift from quantity to quality. And today the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region is the largest producer of organic wines in France.

Thanks to Greco-Roman history, the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region benefits from a huge historical heritage. Consequently, you will have the choice between many tourist activities to discover this fabulous region. 

- Walk in the Roman villages and discover the historical heritage of Languedoc-Roussillon.

- Enjoy its expressive red wines filled with sun.

- Taste its complex white wines with aromas of fruits and flowers and exceptional fortified wines.

Wines of Languedoc-Roussillon wine region

There are a lot of different grape varieties grown together in the vineyards of the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region. And it is not only about vineyards, but also wines are blends of different varieties. The existence of different varietals and the proper climate let the winemakers produce different styles of wine. Started from still red, white and rosé wine and finished with exceptional sparkling and sweet wines.

Interesting fact: unlike other wine regions (such as Barolo DOCG with its main grape varietal Nebbiolo) where mostly monovarietal wines are produced, Languedoc is famous for its diversity of grape varietals and blended wines.

The Diversity of Grape Varieties in Languedoc-Roussillon wine region

While the Chianti wine region with its red Sangiovese wines is a perfect match for the admirers of vegetal wine notes, Languedoc is ideal for wine enthusiasts who enjoy fruity red wines. The main red grape varietals of Languedoc are Grenache and Carignan, which are known for dry strawberries, ruby grapefruit, and raspberry notes.

Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Region Map

The Sunniest French Wine Region - Roussillon

Roussillon has beautiful traditional and fortified wines from Banyuls, Rivesaltes, and Maury.

The vines benefit from great terroirs with a dry and warm climate. Benefiting from this exceptional climate, 95% of French red and white Vin Doux Naturels are produced in Roussillon. These typical Roussillon wines will awake your taste buds.

- Red wines are spicy, fruity and well-balanced between tannins and alcohol.

- Nevertheless, white wines are more delicate with citrus white fruits and flowers aromas. 

Languedoc and its Blanquette de Limoux

The home to oldest sparkling wine in the world!

The famous Blanquette de Limoux from the Languedoc wine region is the oldest sparkling wine in the world; created during the XVI century by Benedictine monks.

The main grape variety used to produce this kind of wine is Mauzac. Nevertheless, wine-growers can add Chenin and Chardonnay. Wine-growers vinify their Blanquette de Limoux following the méthode Champenoise. However, you might find some winemakers use another way to vinify, which is the méthode Ancestrale.

Discover the five best-known appellations of the region:

• Languedoc
• Corbières
• Saint Chinian
• Faugères
• Minervois

Top Wineries in Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Region

We made a list of wineres in Languedoc-Roussillon that are open for visitors, with diversity of experiences.

Have a look at some of them below:

Languedoc-Roussillon and its cultural heritage

Take a walk to discover the fascinating Greco-Roman architecture

Nîmes and its amphitheater

Arriving in Nîmes, you will appreciate the huge cultural heritage owned by this city. First, Nîmes date back the Antiquity and since this period, some prestigious monuments make the reputation of the city. In fact, the arenas, the Maison Carrée, and the Magne tower give the alternative name "French Rome" to Nîmes.

Young and Vibrant Town Montpellier

Take the road again and take a break in Montpellier, an amazing medieval town.

Spend time in the lovely little streets, have a drink on the Comédie Place. Enjoy the architecture of the faculty of medicine and the Royal Place of Peyrou. Between vineyards, mountains, and the Mediterranean Sea, take pleasure in walking around, tasting fabulous wines and food at the markets.

The UNESCO's World Heritage town - Carcassonne

Then, visit Carcassonne with its medieval fortress listed in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. Being occupied by the Romans during the Western Roman Empire, Carcassonne owned an important historical heritage. Discover it with your children through a treasure hunt in the Bastide. Amusement park, Lake Cavayère, hiking, vineyards, you will have the choice between several activities to learn more about this city.

Collioure harbour - The Seaside Pearl

Now, take the road towards Collioure at the Mediterranean seaside passing by Perpignan and its emblem Castillet.

Renowned for its historical heritage, Collioure benefits from its location closed to the Spanish border with an ideal climate.

Spend time walking around the Royal Castle and the Fort Saint Elme. On the road, you will also take pleasure having a break in the lovely villages.

Discover top Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Tour Guides and explore the finest Guided Wine Tours in the region.

Gastronomy of Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Region

Like each region in France, Languedoc-Roussillon wine region has many culinary specialities. Traditional recipes are passed from generation to generation and offered delicious dishes.

Cassoulet de Castelnaudary - The Survivors' dish

The Cassoulet de Castelnaudary is composed of white beans, and many kinds of meat such as pork, duck, Toulouse sausages and so on. The best way to cook a good Cassoulet is to choose the good bean variety, Lingot.

The story began during the Hundred Years' War when the town of Castelnaudary was occupied by the English army.

There was horrible famine so everybody on the town gave everything they had to feed French soldiers. Thanks to this mutual aid, soldiers succeeded to repulse English until the Channel.

In olden time, it was served on Sunday like celebration meal.

Fishes specialties

About sea dishes, specialties are the Brandade de Nîmes and Tielle Sétoise.

Brandade obtained the title of nobility in 1830 thanks to the famous chef Charles Durand. Composed of cod desalted, olive oil and a little bit of milk, the brandade is one of the most famous dishes in this region. Usually served warm, you can also taste it in puff pastry. It can be eaten cold on toast, as well.

Tielle Sétoise or octopus pie, it is made up of octopus and tomatoes. The pie is served with another culinary speciality: the Rouille, a kind of mayonnaise.

To taste some of these traditional dishes from Sète, rendezvous at Quai de la Marine where you will find a lot of restaurants. The canal is also a good place to discover, especially when fishermen come back and sell their fishes.

Find out more about Languedoc-Roussillon wine region:

• Guide du Routard Languedoc - Roussillon
• Territoire Languedoc - Roussillon
• Languedoc Visite
• Vins du Languedoc

Don't forget to take a glance at our blog post about beautiful Roussillon wine region

Insider Tips about Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Region

Where to eat in Languedoc-Roussillon?

Where to stay in Languedoc-Roussillon?

The best wine bars in Languedoc-Roussillon

Frequently Asked Questions about Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Region