Why Languedoc? Well, for a start, try the oysters, the fine produce in unspoiled country markets, the many undiscovered vineyards and the fascinating and varied cuisine in a location bounded by blue seas and castle covered hills.
Introduction
Stretching from Provence to the Pyrenees, the Languedoc region has occupied a strategic border position since Roman times and is awash with historical reminders of those times. These days it’s best known for its vineyards, which produce a third of France's wines - excitingly most of these are unrestricted by France’s more rigid classification systems.
The cuisines and ingredients used in Languedoc Roussillon are surprisingly varied, perhaps because of its position in Europe and the powers who have controlled it. The best known regional dish is cassoulet, that ultimate comfort stew of bean and sausage but it’s also an excellent place to sample fresh oysters and mussels which are cultivated in the shallow lagoons on the coastal strip.
Discovering the hidden wines of the of the Languedoc
Discovering the hidden wines of the of the Languedoc
Why Cook and Drink Here?
The markets overflow with excellent local ingredients: Bouzigues oysters, Collioure anchovies, olives, seafood, duck and foie gras, beef from the Camargue, truffles from Uzès, fresh fruit (Céret in Roussillon is the cherry capital of France), lamb from the Lozère, charcuterie and goat cheeses from the Cévennes and much more.
Languedoc produces more wine than any other region in the world- to be fair, back in the day much of it could have been used as floor cleaner… BUT, no longer. Wines from the Corbières, Minervois, Fitou and Côteaux-du-Languedoc now range from good to outstanding. Reds from St Chinian and Pic-St-Loup can be remarkable, while Picpoul-de-Pinet is the zingy, astringent white to accompany your shellfish (its name literally means "lip stinger").
Sample fresh oysters and mussels off the boats, cultivated in the shallow lagoons on the coastal strip
Sample fresh oysters and mussels off the boats, cultivated in the shallow lagoons on the coastal strip
What makes this trip special
Even now, swathes of the Languedoc hinterland remain largely undiscovered, but it’s just starting to grow in popularity. It’s been named one of the best regions in the whole world to visit by Lonely Planet, boasting “Anyone who’s tasted the region’s fabulous food and fine wines really won’t need any extra reasons to visit”.
This still a region where you can truly get the feeling of an untouched and unspoilt version of Southern France. A place where the food experiences are truly unique, and where you are welcomed into the kitchens, vineyards and farms by locals passionate to share their love for the local cuisine and produce with you.
Enjoy looking for fresh ingredients in the market and participate in a cookery class on Languedoc cuisine
Enjoy looking for fresh ingredients in the market and participate in a cookery class on Languedoc cuisine
Where you'll stay
Let's Go
Upcoming dates
6 – 10May 2021
was £1699
£1599
23 – 27Sep 2021
was £1699
£1599