Haut-Languedoc

The lesser-known region of Haut-Languedoc is a far cry from the busy coastal resorts. This region is all about nature and wildlife with its rolling mountains, beautiful scenery, lake beaches, mountain rivers and the most picturesque villages. Whether you are looking for a genuine relaxing holiday in nature or just a day out from the coastal buzz, this region is only about an hour away from the main Languedoc beaches. Relax at the numerous refreshing mountain rivers or lakes, enjoy stunning views from the hilltop restaurants or absorb the history of medieval villages. For a more active day go for a trek through this beautiful area, sail or windsurf on a mountain lake or try out kayaking or white-water rafting on one of many rivers.

Things to See and Do in the Haut Languedoc

Beaches and Swimming Lakes

If you don't fancy a drive to the coast but are looking for somewhere to swim, relax, or just cool off during the hot summer months, there are a couple of popular places in the Haut Languedoc.

• Lake Salagou is a man-made lake with several beaches and campsites. There are facilities for families as well as refreshments and restaurants and equipment hire for waterports enthusiasts.
• At Roquebrun you'll find an idyllic beach on the edge of the river, with canoe and paddle board hire available. A short walk from the beach is the village, where you'll find restaurants, an ice-cream parlour, some and picturesque buildings.

Towns & Villages

The most well-known town of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, famous for it's cheese and a popular day out for wine and food lovers, is just one of many interesting locations to visit in this area. Other places work visiting include:

• Bédarieux is a town in the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park, overlooked by the Espinouse mountain and Orb river. As well as being a great base for walking and cycling it is something of an entertainment hotspot, with over 40 food, music, and arts festivals during the high season.
• Gabian is a picturesque Languedoc village built by the Romans around a defensive "circulade" - or snail shell shape. Here you'll find the Château-Abbaye de Cassan, which hosts concerts and events throughout the year.
• Hérépian is small village close to Bédarieux which is an excellent base for walking or cycling and also home to a foundry, where the Granier have been making bells since the 16th Century.
• Lamalou Les Bains is a popular spa town with markets, shops and other amenities. Located in the High Languedoc National Park it makes an excellent base for walking and trekking - or for a relaxing day at the spa.
• Laurens is home to a 12th Century château (now the Mairie) and, as part of the Faugères AOC, a renowned wine-producing area. 
• Lodève, once one of the most important areas of the textile industry, is a quiet town with a textiles museum, a fascinating old apothecary, and a busy year-round calendar of concerts and short festivals.
• Nizas is another town built around a "circulade", with a reputation for fine wine care of the Domaine de Nizas, run by the American vigneron John Goelet.
• Olargues is rated as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France. Perched on a rock and almost encircled by the River Jaur, Olargues cannot have changed overly much in the last 500 years. The village is remarkably well-preserved and to wander through its narrow lanes discovering its ancient houses with the sound of the river in the background is a joy.
• Pézènes-les-Mines is a charming village that has hardly changed in hundreds of years. Away from the hustle and bustle, it is a paradise for anyone wanting to spend their holidays amongst the wildlife, flora and fauna of the Midi away from the more touristy areas near the coast.
• Roquebrun is a great destination for a family day out. You'll find restaurants and a ice-cream parlour in the village and can enjoy a rest on the river beach, on the banks for the River Orb, which is perfect for cooling off and safe for paddling. Gardeners and plant lovers would enjoy a walk to the Mediterranean Gardens at the top of the village, which showcases the native plants of the region.
• St Guilhem-le-Désert has an interesting heritage and is a location on the famous Pilgrim Trail of St Jacques de Compostelle. For a relaxing day away from the crowds, take a stroll through the village then swim in the river that runs through the Gorge de l’Hérault.

Events and Festivals

Although inland and away from the main coastal resorts and villages, the Haut Languedoc is known for it's many and varied festivals, many of which are held throughout the year. Some of our favourites are:

• Chestnut festivals, which are held throughout the region in October or November to celebrate the lowly sweet chestnut; once a dietary staple of the local populations. Two of the better known events are in St-Pons-de-Thomières and Olargues.
• Les Transes Cévenoles, held in the town of Sumène, is a contemporary and world music and street art festival that takes place on the last weekend of July. There are free shows throughout the day - music, plays and street circus - and, from 8:45pm, la Place du Plan hosts open air concerts.
• The Medieval Volo Biau Festival takes you back in time to celebrate "The Flying Bull" - the totemic animal of the town. Held on the 13rd and 14th of July in the village of Saint-Ambroix near Alès, the small town transforms itself into a Medieval village and all its residents dress up for the festival. As well as the medieval market and the tavern, a number of companies with their acrobats, comedians, troubadours and falconers bring the streets and squares to life with historic re-enactments and shows. The festival ends with the flight of the ‘Caïet bull’ and a large firework display.
• Transhumance Festivals are a regional tradition where the shepherds walk their herds along ancestral paths to and from the mountain pasture at the start and end of summer. During the festivals you can expect processions of ‘dressed up’ herds, demonstrations of skills, shearing, sheep dog demonstrations and traditional shepherds’ meals.

Outdoors & Activities for Families

• Grottos. The limestone mountains of the northern part of the Languedoc are riddled with springs and sources which over millions of years, have worn away great caves and galleries. Grotte de Clamouse and Grotte de Labeil are two of the many grottoes in the region open to the public, complete with stunning stalagmites and stalactites.
• Kayaking is also a popular activity, with many hire locations along the banks of the River Orb. The kayak hire at Tarassac is a good starting point for your first time, taking you 7km downstream to Roquebrun, where you can rest before making the return journey.
• Mas Rolland, Montesquieu is a goat farm, very popular with families as you can get involved in farm life; helping with milking and rounding up the herd, then taking some freshly-made cheese back from the shop.
• The Mediterranean Garden Roquebrun, which is open from March to November, is perched at the top of the village and showcases the native plants of the region. Combine a stroll through the village with a paddle on the river beach and an ice-cream for a relaxing day out.
• Walk, hiking, cycling, and horse riding are all popular activities here and most towns and villages have signed paths and trails. The best place to find out about them are in the local town halls (Mairies), in the tourist information offices, and many are also listed on the internet. For more demanding walks there are many loops that join up with of the long-distance St Jacques de Compostelle walking trail that passes through the Haut Languedoc.

Sights and Attractions

• The Causses and Cévennes UNESCO site is a vast area with plenty of activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. From Alès, you might go to Anduze and catch the little steam train to St Jean du Gard. This is a lovely scenic route that chugs through tunnels and over viaducts and will give you a flavour of the beautiful Cévennes Mountains.
• The Cirque de Navacelles is a curious geological formation caused by the meandering and erosion of the Vis River and forms the largest canyon in Europe. Walk to the top and back or admire the dramatic scenery from the bustling town. 
• The Millau Viaduct crosses the Tarn valley and is famous as the World's tallest bridge. At 343 metres it is higher than the Eiffel Tower. Drive over the bridge (there is a toll) on the motorway or discover it on foot or even by taking a kayak along the river below.

Find a Holiday Villa or Gite in the Haut Languedoc

Choose one of the destinations below to view our range of holiday villas, chateaux, and apartment rentals. If you're not sure which area would suit your best or you have specific needs, you can always contact us and one of our team will be able to help you with your search.

FIND A HOLIDAY PROPERTY IN THE HAUT LANGUEDOC

Featured Holiday Homes in the Languedoc

Rose Retreat at Domaine du Pin

• 2 bedrooms, sleeps 4

Rose Retreat is a beautifully renovated 2 bedroom gite with aircon, located on a quiet Domaine with a large garden, and a wonderful shared swimming pool. Shared hot tub, outside gym equipment, firepit and more.
View details

Seafront Apartment Grau Agde

• 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6

Apartment with 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom only 10m from the beach and all amenities on the doorstep. Bright open living room with large floor to ceiling windows and balcony with beautiful sea views.
View details

Maison Enserune

• 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8

Superb, spacious house with private pool and terrace. Village location on the Canal du Midi. Internet access, UK satellite TV. Games room with TV set up for PS3 games. Air-conditioned. 4 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms. Sleeps up to 8.
View details

Maison Belles de Mai

• 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6

Tastefully furnished villa with private pool and garden. 5 minutes from the beaches and harbour side restaurants (10 minute walk). Air conditioning, UK satellite TV and Internet. 3 bedrooms / 2 bathroom. Sleeps 6.
View details

Villa Herepian

• 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8

Beautiful villa in Herepian, based in the Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Languedoc with gorgeous views and a lovely swimming pool. Internet. 4 bedrooms / 3 bathrooms. Sleeps 8. Saturday to Saturday bookings only during the high season.
View details

The Garden Apartment

• 1 bedrooms, sleeps 2

The Garden Apartment is a tastefully furnished 1 bedroom apartment, complete with a private swimming pool and garden. It is located only 5 minutes away from the beaches and harbour-side restaurants.
View details

Shangri-La

• 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6

Shangri-La is the perfect holiday home for a relaxing and hassle-free family holiday with all amenities on your doorstep and only a 10-minute drive from the Mediterranean beaches. Private heated pool, air conditioning, fibre speed wifi and a fusion of French-Asian decor. Child-friendly.
View details

Les Hautes Terres

• 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6

Beautiful villa with 3 bedrooms, large heated swimming pool with pool alarm, summer kitchen and views over the countryside, vineyards and village. UK satellite TV, internet and air con in bedrooms. Walk to shops, restaurants and bars. 3 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms.
View details

Wild Boar Retreat Grande

• 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6

Wild Boar Retreat is an absolutely stunning mountain retreat, located in the midst of 2 hectares of land in the countryside of Bédarieux. There are 4 separate properties in this retreat, each one as beautiful and original as the next. With a private infinity heated salt water swimming pool complete with a cave and waterfall.
View details

Villerouge la Crémade

• 6 bedrooms, sleeps 12

Villerouge la Crémade is a 19th Century Mediterranean villa, nestled amidst beautiful vineyards, located in Fabrézan in the Languedoc. With a private heated swimming pool, a children's play area and more - this property is the perfect place if you're looking to mix old with new, in a comfortable and luxurious environment.
View details

Le Moulin de Villeneuvette

• 6 bedrooms, sleeps 14

Ideal for families or large groups that are looking for a holiday together, yet with their own privacy. This property is one large house that is separated into 2 living spaces with separate entrances. With a private swimming pool, beautiful grounds and a wonderful interior, this is a fantastic place to spend some quality-time with loved ones.
View details

Domaine Saint Hilarion

• 7 bedrooms, sleeps 14

The perfect mix of luxury and history, surrounded by vineyards. Domaine Saint Hilarion is a stunning 18th century manor that sits on 20 000m2 of private park. This property is the perfect place for wine-loving families and groups due to the surrounding working vineyards. Ideal for weddings!
View details

Stone Villa Pezenas

• 6 bedrooms, sleeps 12

Immaculately presented stone house with large, heated swimming pool, big well laid-out pool area and 6 bedrooms, located on the edge of Pézenas in the countryside. The villa was renovated in 2015, lovely Mediterranean garden with mature plants and trees. Suitable for weddings. Pets welcome. Walking distance into Pezenas.
View details

Moroccan Paradise Grande

• 5 bedrooms, sleeps 10

This property is on the edge of the historic village of Puissalicon, with its chateau, local shops and bar. Huge living spaces with lots of light, vast open-plan living room, dining room and kitchen all in one. Swimming pool and large terrace. 5 bedrooms / 3 bathrooms. Downstairs double bedroom with en suite bathroom suitable for elderly and wheelchair-friendly.
View details

Villa Masefield

• 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8

This is a recently built 4 bedroom/3 bathroom villa in a wonderfully quiet village setting with fantastic views. Large private pool. Air-conditioning throughout and a solar cover on the swimming pool. Fast internet. Air conditioning in all bedrooms. The villa is not suitable for children under 5 years of age. Small dogs allowed. Suitable for people with reduced mobility.
View details

Maison Olivier

• 6 bedrooms, sleeps 12

Lovely house in wine making village. Close to shops and 20km to beaches. Private swimming pool and large garden. 6 bedrooms / 3 bathrooms. Sleeps 12. 800 metres walk to the centre of the village as well as to the closest supermarket.
View details

Mas-des-Hirondelles

• 9 bedrooms, sleeps 22

Mas-des-Hirondelles in an absolutely stunning 17th century property, beautifully decorated inside and out, and offers lots of amenities including a private swimming pool, and a private tennis court, internet access, air conditioning and satellite TV. The grounds are very large and full of beautiful views and plants.
View details

Villa Sangha

• 5 bedrooms, sleeps 10

Exquisite luxury Mas in Saint Andre near Argeles-sur-Mer with private heated pool and large Mediterranean grounds. The main house has 4 bedrooms and there is a further bedroom in the pool house. Aircon in all bedrooms. Short 10-minute drive to beaches of Argeles-sur-mer and 15 minutes walk into the village of Saint Andre.
View details