cities of languedoc-roussillonCarcassonneCastelnaudaryLimouxNarbonnePerpignanToulouse
Narbonne
This old city, having been a Roman harbour and seat of the government of
the
province Gallia Narbonensis presents impressive proofs of her history;
such as
the former bishop's palace, the cathedral of Saint-Just, the largest
cathedral
in France, with a wonderfull, incomplete cloister to the South of the
quoir.
The impressive nave is 40 m long. In the Palais de Archevêque, next to
the
cathedral, the archeological museum as well as the museum of art are
located.
The beautiful guildhall is also located in the bishop's palace. Worth a
visit is the building of the ancient stores with its ornamental front
having
been dedicated to the Ladies of France. Some years ago a large section
of
the Roman Via Domitia including its ancient surface was exposed. The
picturesque Canal de la Robine connects the city with the endless
beaches of the Mediterrenean Sea approx. 15 km distant.
Office de Tourisme, Pl. Roger Salengro, Tel: +33-(0)-46865-1560
http://wwww.narbonne.fr
Perpignan
plays the Catalan card. No wonder: during the 13th century the city was
seat of the Kings of Mallorca and only in 1659 the Roussillon and its
capitol Perpigan were ceded to France as agreed to in the contract of
the peace of the Pyrenees. However, Perpigan keeps her Catalan identiy.
Walking the narrow streets of the old city, the many markets and bodegas one
feels as if one were in Spain. Only 10 more kilometers and you'll be on the
Mediterrenean beaches. Worth a visit is the Campo Santo, one of Frances' oldest cemetories with gothic arches and tombs of the rich. The cathedral St. Jean (1324) is said to be the most beautiful cathedral of the whole Mediterrenean area. Entering the Roman Christ gate one passes
through the 48 m long nave.
The old king's palace of the kings of Mallorca seems to be
the
most important object of interest; even though it is nearly empty.
It's a fate many castles have to share since the French Revolution. The
impressive court of honour gives an impression of its former pomp.
Climbing
the tower one has an impressive view of the Pyrenees. Those who are
interested in the arts should not miss a visit of the Musée
Hyacinthe-Rigau with works of art of Picasso, Maillol as well as South-American artists.
Office de Tourisme, Palais de Congrès, Pl. Armand Lanoux, Tel:+33-(0)-46834-3030
http://www.perpignantourisme.com
Castelnaudary
Due to its prominent location on a reservoir for four locks of the Canal du
Midi, the capital of the Lauragais has become the centre of fluvial
tourism for the region. The city is famous for its Cassoulet, a stew of beans and specially prepared duck.
Well worth visiting is the church Saint Michel dating from the beginning
of the 14th
century with its 56 m high bell-tower and Renaissance portal as well as
a
gothic house with a beautiful 16th century stone cross. The courtyard
was constructed during the 16th century; it accommodates the
archeological museum.
Once Castelnaudary was a city of windmills; nowadays only the well
preserved Moulin de Caguruel is left; it is located on the hill Pech,
from
where one has a splendid view of the flat Lauragais region and the
endless sunflower fields.
Office de Tourisme, Place de la Republique, Tel:+33-(0)46823-0573 | E-Mail
Toulouse
This city - located in Aquitaine - with the flavour of violets is the
largest in the Roussillon and its brick-wall buildings are located along
the
two banks of the river Garonne. This city is charming, festive,
colourful,
and both noisy and quiet. High-tech industry, office towers at the
edges, ancient
palaces, churches and cathedrals in the centre of the radially built old
city.
An endless list of places of interest: just start walking, go for a
stroll, past the bridges, walk the brick-walled dikes or the quiet
promenade
on the banks of the Garonne. Another of Toulouse’s jewels is the
Capitole with
its large yard and, nearby, the basilica Saint-Sernin, an ancient
pilgrimage
church, or the Hôtel de Bernuy (1504-1530), where a grammar school is
located nowadays.
http://www.toulouse.com
Limoux
Carnaval, Cathars, and Blanquette - that's Limoux this typically small
city
having been founded by the Romans at the river Aude. Coffee bars, many
shops,
nice bistros and restaurants. The city is famous for its textile
industry
and - much more - for its carnaval - which is celebrated on each Sunday
from
January until Palm Sunday; and - last, but not least - its Blanquette de
Limoux,
a wine that started to sparkle in 1544 - long before Champagne was
discovered. Many nintners invite you to taste their wines. The fate of
the Cathars can be learned visually in the Catharama - being a mediative
trip through the history of the South. Walking the small streets of the
old
city and along the river of the Aude will be enjoyed, as well as a visit
to
the Cooperatives of the vintners;w here you will taste it - this unique
Chardonnay, Toques et Clocher. During the auction of Chardonnay
held each year in April you'll meet the great ¨chêfs de cuisine and the
friends
of Chardonnay from all over the world.
Worthwhile visiting is the museum Petiet with an impressive collection
of
archeological finds from the valley of the Aude, as well as paintings
from
the 19th and 20th century. Limoux' latest attraction is the Piano Museum, unique in France.
This city is an ideal starting place for trips
along
the Route des Cathares in the Departement of the Aude, Land of the
Cathars.
Office du Tourisme, Promenade du Tivoli, Tel: +33-(0)-46831-1182
