Great Days Out in Languedoc Roussillon
Aqualand (St Cyprien)
This water park is set in 5 hectares of green fields and is surrounded by palm trees. It has lots of slides, chutes and water features to keep all the family amused. Try the zebra slide and get the whole family on the Congo River run together.
www.aqualand.fr/Collioure
This beautiful little village on the coastal route towards Spain is best reached by way of a boat trip from the port at Argelès. There is a small beach fringed by lovely seafood restaurants, the Copa Cobana is particularly good. Explore the little cobbled streets that hold many treasures, street painters, local artists galleries (Ateliers) and souvenir shops. You will also find the Royal Castle, 13th-17th century, overlooking the harbour, it was originally residence to the kings of Aragon and Majorca - well worth seeing!
Réserve Africaine de Sigean
This large safari park situated between Perpignan and Narbonne is home to over 3800 animals over an area of 300 hectares. Their emphasis is on three areas; conservation, education and research. Their final objective is to offer to visitors the pleasure of seeing for themselves how animals really live in the wild.
Grottes de Canalettes
The Grottes de Canalettes are well worth a visit. An underground path takes you five hundred metres along inside the caves. You will see a fantastic array of stalactites and stalagmites as well as 'The White Chamber', the lake, the 'Crystal Horse' and the 'Angkor Temple'. In July and August don't miss the nightly 'Son et Lumière' show.
www.grotte-grandes-canalettes.com/Perpignan
At the heart of all Roussillon roads lies the ancient capital of the Kings of Majorca, Perpignan. One of the most beautiful palaces in Europe has its home in Perpignan, situated at the top of the hill named 'Puig del Rei'. Perpignan maintains a huge amount of its Catalan culture and as such is a bustling, vibrant city with many shops, restaurants and also the international market of St. Charles.
www.perpignantourisme.com/La Vallée des Tortues
The Valley of Tortoises is situated in two hectares of wooded parkland, come and be part of the wonderful world of the tortoise! There are over 40 different species of tortoise to entertain you; you'll definitely be amazed!
Villefranche de Conflet - The Yellow Train
Departing from Villefranche de Conflet, the Yellow Train is one of the most popular attractions in the area. The train takes you up into the Pyrenees and offers tremendous scenic views across the mountains. The train stops several times en route at places of interest. The shops at Bourg-Madame are said to be worth a look! The Yellow Train also allows you to reach the starting point of numerous walks, climbs and rambles in the most ecological way!
Le Canigou
This 2784m peak is snow-capped for most of the year and visited by Catalonians from France and Spain who still light their Midsummer Eve bonfires on its summit. Unless you are an experienced hiker and fancy the six hour return walk from Mariailles to the peak, the best way to visit this magnificent mountain is by way of Jeep or Land Rover excursion which can be arranged at Vernet-les-Bains.
Béziers
This traditionally Catalan city has a long and interesting history. Béziers and its surrounding areas make up the capital of Languedoc-Roussillon in terms of wine producing; there are museums dedicated to it! The city has a beautiful bridge and cathedral and is also very much in touch with its roots and traditions - bull fighting is still practiced in an arena on the outskirts of the city.
www.ville-beziers.fr/Montpellier
Montpellier is a modern, fresh city. Yet it also has a great deal of history which is visible in the beautiful architecture around the city. The views over the city from the Peyrou are magnificent. There is a huge variety of museums, shops and restaurants in Montpellier and you can easily get around by using the modern tram service.
www.ville-montpellier.fr/