The South of France is a truly superb holiday destination. Laguedoc - Roussillon is one of the most relaxing places I've visited. Go in the summer and you are almost guaranteed sunshine, add the fruit, breads and cheeses along with a heap of lovely villages and you have an ideal holiday spot.
We drove from Scotland by taking the ferry from Rosyth to Zeebrugge (sadly an option that is no longer available). Splitting our fortnight or so in two we initially stayed in a small village called Lagrasse. On the way down we visited the stunning Millau Viaduct and this was to be a sharp contrast to the equally stunning Pont Du Gard.
From Lagrasse a host of visits are possible. One of our favourites was the PONT DU GARD ... Arguably one of the finest pieces of construction that the Romans produced. Some 2000 years on it can still take your breath away, and it was apparently in use for over 400 years. We visited on a blisteringly hot day where the temporary shade offered by the visitor centre was really welcome and folk were enjoying the river.
The olive tree that you pass on the way to the bridge is stunning too. A nice blend of the natural and the built environments in one marvellous site.
Other highlights of this holiday including going to the seaside town of Collioure, visiting the charming old town of Narbonne, the near disney-like Carcassonne and the wonderful Cathar Castles perched on seemingly impossible summits. When we left this area it was to go to Provence and we took the opportunity to call in on Aigues-Mortes.
A great area to relax in and the little backroad between Lagrasse and Limoux are not to be missed.
