It’s rare that you pick up a guide book and read it like you would a good book, but Languedoc-Rousillon is so packed with fascinating and fun facts that you find yourself reading more and more, even if you’re not going to be going to some of the places mentioned! The authors have a lifetime of experience as guidebook and travel writers – and it shows. They know how to bring the facts to life, focus on what’s important for travellers to know, as well as revealing sometimes surprising, less well known destinations that are nevertheless ‘must-sees.’
All three authors live in France, Dana Facaros and Michael Pauls in Languedoc-Roussillon for more than 30 years, and Jane Falkner in the Lot Valley. Their local knowledge and travel expertise provide enormous insight into the region and inspire readers not just to visit the show stoppers such as Pont du Gard, the incredible Roman aqueduct near Nimes, historic cities like Montpellier, and legendary landmarks like the citadel of Carcassonne, but to explore nearby – and discover secret villages, hidden gems and less well-known but places that most visitors miss as they simply don’t know about them.
From exploring Cathar castles to drifting down the Canal du Midi, from a bustling city break in vibrant Montpellier, Perpignan or Narbonne to an entrancing wander around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Carcassonne, and an endless choice of beaches Languedoc-Roussillon offers ample destinations for anyone looking for a slick cosmopolitan adventure, with the endless delights of regional food, wine and culture thrown in liberally around every corner.
If slow travel, sustainable tourism and the call of the wild are more your scene, you’ll find plenty to enchant you, from looking for wolves and bison, or going white-water rafting, to hiking along ‘Grand Randonnée’ routes through the mountains up to Mount Canigou at 2,784 m altitude.
The book is light enough to carry but heavy on inspiration and useful information. The writing style is engaging, and full of personal observations. Michael’s story about seeing peasants in coarse wool tunics herding pigs crossing the ancient bridge of Carcassonne and thinking “medieval indeed,” only to realise he’d stumbled into a scene being filmed, made me laugh out loud.
I loved all the historic facts like discovering that Nostradamus studied at the University in Montpellier, and that Salvador Dali, passing Perpignan by taxi had a eureka moment and decided it was “the centre of the universe.” This is the sort of fun and intriguing history that you rarely find in a guide book, information that takes years of research and experience, and which give soul and authenticity to places you visit.
Combined with maps, travel info, restaurant and hotel recommendations (some of which I tried and found completely accurate from the book descriptions), this is an invaluable guide to the Languedoc-Roussillon and a great read!
Languedoc-Roussillon, by Dana Facaros & Michael Pauls with Jane Falkner, is published by Bradt (bradtguides.com) in paperback, £18.99 (ISBN 9781804692806).
Janine Marsh is the Editor of The Good Life France.
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