The Languedoc-Roussillon region has many things to see, all within an easy day trip of Faugeres . Also within reach: Provence, the lower reaches of the Massif Central, important sites associated with the Albigensian Crusades, and the Pyrenees. A list of highlights and favourites:
Aigues Mortes A well-preserved fortified Crusader port
Albi Birthplace of Toulouse-Lautrec; the most complete collection of his work hangs here, at his namesake museum
Arles A quintessential Provençal town, with a Roman amphitheatre still in use
Avignon France's largest festival takes place here from mid-July to mid-August, at the magnificent Palais des Papes, home until 1403 of the 10 non-Roman popes. Wine lovers will want to sample Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of the finest Rhône wines, grown nearby.
Béziers Hostilities in the Albigensian Crusades began here in 1209 with the slaughter of 20,000 townspeople. 30 mins from Faugeres. Hosts a daily covered market, a weekly flower market, and a monthly antiques market.
the Canal du Midi A serene and tree-lined 17th-century engineering wonder, this 149-mile waterway is now a popular cruise for tourist barges.
Carcassonne Many-turreted, "restored" to movie-set perfection, this 12th-century double-walled citadel town is one of France's most-visited attractions.
Collioure Artists have flocked to this sun-baked, very Spanish-feeling little fishing port, the adopted home of the late nautical novelist, Patrick O'Brian.
Perigord, Quercy and Gascony Equally famous for truffles and Lascaux cave drawings, this region attracts summer crowds to pretty medieval towns and pilgrimage sites. A good overnight destination a few hours drive away.
the Gorges du Tarn Take a 15-mile slice of America's Grand Canyon and add medieval villages and some very challenging roads. A breathtaking sight.
the Hérault River Swift, powerful, tumbling through deep limestone gorges, the Herault makes a dramatic entrance on to the plain west of Montpellier. Along the river's length, two underground wonders: the Grotte des Demoiselles and the Grotte de Clamouse.
Lagrasse A monastery town, hidden in the Corbières, now home to many artists
Lac du Salagou Bathe, wind-surf, fish or hike at this dramatic lake set amidst geologic wonders
the Mediterranean A forty minute drive from Faugeres you'll be spreading your blanket on white sand beaches. Europe's largest nudist colony resides at Cap d'Agde.
Montpellier Less than an hour from Faugeres this cosmopolitan city offers a rich assortment of restaurants, shopping, architecture and museums.
NÎmes A prosperous town, flush with festivals, museums and notable architecture including a vast Roman amphitheatre
Pézenas 20 minutes from Faugeres ,charming Pézenas has a very walkable Renaissance core, with interesting shops. It also offers the nearest ATM. The town is a major antique center, with dozens of dealers. A summer-long arts festival offers numerous distractions. The town square hosts a lively market every Saturday.
Parc Régional du Haut Languedoc For hikers and nature lovers, France's second largest national park is less than an hour away
Pont du Gard An engineering masterpiece 2000 years old, this virtually intact Roman aqueduct spans a yawning chasm 157 feet deep.
Provence Herbs, sun, fortified hilltop villages, and sparkling bays: Peter Mayles' books have intensified the popularity of this delightful region, first colonized by the Greeks in the 7th century BC.
the Pyrenees Wild boar still thrive in the forests, which are laced with hiking trails. In the winter the mountains are a popular skiing destination.
Sète France's second-largest fishing port, this industrious town's quays are lined with restaurants.
St-Guilhem-le-Désert Steep, crooked medieval streets surround the superb Romanesque church in this tiny, monastic town tucked into a mountain ravine. Many artisans have set up shop here.
Spain Barcelona is three hours drive.
Toulouse Known for its red brick construction, this ancient city rewards walkers with one architectural masterpiece after another.
