Languedoc-Roussillon, land of wine tourism

For the amateur wine traveller, Languedoc-Roussillon is a region worth visiting, and revisiting, having far too many places to see within a single stay!

Visit vineyard south of France

The world's oldest and biggest vineyard, Languedoc-Roussillon in the South of France has opened up its winemaking world to tourism. Explore the regions of the Rhône Valley, the Languedoc, the Corbières, the Minervois, the Roussillon and so many more, whose names speak volumes to lovers of great wines: meet the men and women who fashion these winemaking landscapes; discover and appreciate the nectars with those who produce them, Languedoc-Roussillon in the South of France invites you to enjoy a friendly shared experience around wine and the arts of the vine.

Choose your itinerary, stop off in one of the many estates bearing the South of France quality label, and enjoy a charming stay in one many Cercle Prestige establishments. In Languedoc-Roussillon, each region will seduce you in its own way.

The Wine and Taste Academy in Roquemaure (county of the Gard) is an example departure point for a tour dedicated to wine and tourism. Located at Château de Clary, right in the heart of the Lirac vineyards, this interesting spot opens its doors to encounter and exchange. Guided by oenologists and experts of the olive-oil industry, the visitor is able to discover the grape types of the southern vineyards, the different varieties of olives and more generally, the wealth of Languedoc-Roussillon.

Vinipolis, in the heart of the Picpoul de Pinet wine area, just 10 minutes from the Italy-Spain motorway and the Cap d’Agde-Pézenas exit, Vinipolis, created by the Florensac wine cooperative, is unique in the Languedoc. This complex extends over two levels, each of 900 m², and was created by the Florensac wine cooperative. It articulates around a resolutely modern selling area, and a brasserie-type eating area known as the Bistrot d’Alex, serving a straightforward and wholesome Mediterranean cuisine, made from local produce.

Along the Pyrenean route, the wine tourism trails pass through the City of the Vine and Wine [Cité de la Vigne et du Vin] in Gruissan (Aude county). Its aim is to introduce the vine and wine world through a recreational tour adapted to all ages.

At the end of the visit, wine tasting and discussions can be had by all, in the company of the wine-growers, each of them, without doubt, just as passionate as Pascal Borell, the young Catalan Chef having taken over “La Maison du Terroir” in the heart of the Maury vineyard (Pyrénées-Orientales county), yet another of the major wine-tourism spots. There you will find a gourmet restaurant and a cellar inviting you to taste a wealth of local produce, the whole site being naturally set in a wine environment, with “Casotes” dotted here and there (wine-grower’s stone huts).

Yet this is only a starter of what the holiday menu might be, centred around the vine in Languedoc-Roussillon. Don’t miss the summer festivals and shows bubbling with wine enthusiasm !

One example is the festival of wine colours [Couleurs vigneronnes] in High Languedoc, which allows you to discover in July and August the scenery, the history and the way of life that stems from a wine culture where festivities take pride of place. Then come the traditional stopping points, such as in Berlou, where one can admire the archaeological and palaeontology collections in the freshness of the wine cellar (guided tour).