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Not only does Languedoc-Roussillon boast breathtaking sun-soaked landscapes and world-class eating and drinking, but each slice of this Provence-complementing province has its own distinct flavour. Soak up the vineyards of the Uzège, ogle the awe-inspiring Pont du Gard and take in superb Roman relics in Nîmes. Then spice up your time away by dipping into a calendar of cultural treasures old and new in Uzès and Montpellier.
Centred on the carte-postale-parfait Place aux Herbes, mediaeval Uzès’ fruits aren’t just the ones available at its acclaimed twice-weekly Provençal market. Harking back to a 17th and 18th-century silk-production heyday when it was home to the Duchy of France, Uzès promises magnificent mansions and glorious churches – spectacular spots that regularly enjoy a new lease of cultural life when they play backdrop to events throughout the summer.
Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and romantic boutique hotels in Languedoc-Roussillon
The communal areas of the tranquil Jardins Secrets hotel in Nîmes are littered with books, photographs, musical paraphernalia and aviaries full of tiny singing birds.
With its imposing doorways, shady courtyard, and stone floors, this 18th-century townhouse hotel captures the essence of old-town France – then brings it up to date with tasteful modern touches.
The restored 17th-century Couvent d'Hérépian in the heart of High Languedoc, this enchantingly gardened boutique hotel’s handful of suites feature vaulted ceilings and period details – and have kitchens too.
Monte-Arena's lavender-packed gardens, ancient stone fireplaces and an immaculate French fountain make this grand 15th-century countryside, country-hide house such an elegant Uzès escape.
This chic L'Hôtel Particulier in the ancient city of Arles has crisp-linened beds and Provençal furniture in its huge whitewashed boudoirs.
Transformed from crumbling old French house to enchanting, bohemian chambre d’hôte, Les Sardines aux Yeux Bleus is a heart-stoppingly serene boutique gem within a traditional Provençal stone hamlet.
Clos du Léthé in picturesque Provençal wine land has been transformed from crumbling farmhouse to luxury guesthouse – and filled with contemporary art and globally curated artefacts. It's a simply charming chambre d'hôtes.
Domaine de Verchant is a butter-coloured mansion of a boutique hotel set on its own wine-producing estate.
A classic countryside maison de maître transformed into an intimate, idyllic guesthouse, Le Trésor is a rustic Ariége retreat, ideal for living that lazy Languedoc life…
Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.
Uzès has a hectic calendar, with a festival to suit all tastes: 1 May May Day Flower Festival in Uzès. 2–29 June Printemps des Comédiens (www.printempsdescomediens.com) brings global theatre and circus performance to Montpellier. June Artists and choreographers from all over the world arrive in Uzès for its Modern Dance Festival (www.Uzès danse.fr) and Festival Internationale Montpellier Danse in the region’s capital. July Nîmes Festival is a colourful celebration of culture, contemporary and classical (www.festivaldenimes.com). Late July Classical Music Festival (http://nuitsmusicaleuzes.org). September It’s all about the bullfighting at the Féria de Pentecôte, which lasts for five days in Nîmes. October The Montpellier Mediterranean Film Festival is an important date on the global-cinema calendar. November The Festival d’Abrivado – a Camarguais bull race at Ste Marie de la Mer – sees dozens of kamikaze cowboys charging across the beach.
Delicious olive oils, tapenades, terrines, spices and sweets are even available to order online from this top-notch deli-café and shop on the main square of mediaeval duchy Uzès (www.enviedeterroirs.com). Stop off for lunch or a light, super-casual summer supper and try a tartine or two…
5 Place aux Herbes, 30700 Uzès
A coffee and light lunch stop at the rear of an antiques shop, with an outside terrace. Home-made ice-cream, cakes, sharing platters and sandwiches. Closed Mondays.
30 Boulevard Charles Gide, 30700 Uzès
Traditional French fare at a great value bar-café. Outside tables have a view of the Mairie; inside, beer is on tap under vaulted ceilings. Lunch 12–1.30pm; dinner 7.30–9.30pm.
2 Place Albert, 30700 Uzès
A pretty paved café under the arches, perfect for a coffee and pastry pit-stop.
18 Rue du Blanchard, 30700 Uzès
A celebrated Michelin-starred showcase in Montpellier for the cooking of the Pourcel brothers, where foodie pilgrims are nourished spectacularly by brilliant reinventions of Mediterranean flavours.
11 Avenue Saint Lazare, 34000, Montpellier
Keep an eye peeled for the rusting orange vintage tractor that marks the location of this unpretentious and intimate restaurant in a converted farm building. Tabletops are made from old wine-cask ends, and an open kitchen serves a simple three-course menu that changes daily depending on what the chef finds in the local markets. Two choices for each course include seasonal comfort food such as velouté of squash with cep mushrooms and duck’s liver.
Sanilhac, near Uzès
A charming white-linened restaurant with three rooms (as the name suggests) – each with differing decor and ambience; the middle room is panelled with an open fire. There’s also a stunning courtyard for alfresco dining. Closed Mondays.
18 Rue du Blanchard, 30700 Uzès
This courtyard restaurant in Nîmes has a relaxed, romantic atmosphere, and serves excellent fish dishes.
9 Rue de L’Etoile, 30000 Nîmes
This terraced farmhouse restaurant in Nîmes is a top choice for organic and vegetarian food.
16 Avenue de l'Ecluse, 3000, Nîmes
For a vaulted ceiling and stripy tablecloth experience, with earthy honest dishes of the season and fantastic wine recommendations, book yourself into this Uzès gastro-treat. Lunch: 12h–14h30; dinner 19h–20h. Closed Mondays.
6 Rue Entre les Tours, 30700 Uzès
This inventive bar-restaurant in Nîmes is perfect for late-night mojitos and flamenco.
11 Rue Bigot, 30900, Nîmes
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