OCCITANIE PYRENEES MEDITERRANEAN – A SUD DE FRANCE DESTINATION
The region of Occitanie stretches from the stunning foothills of the Pyrénées to the wild marshlands of the Carmargue and up into the remote Cévennes Mountains in the north. Jammed full of history and tradition, there are no fewer than eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. One of the simplest but most natural ways to enjoy a holiday in the Occitanie region is to do what the locals do so well. Slow down and take time just to breathe and be.
TOP 5 FOR 2017
The Marché du Lez à Montpellier
‘Dynamic’ Montpellier has a new hub. A village within the city, a creative contemporary hotspot bringing together shops, second-hand shops, farmers’ markets, restaurants, and start-ups. ‘The Marché du Lez’ is housed in old industrial and agricultural premises and features a printing house, a farmhouse, and warehouses located on the banks of the River Lez.
The Wine Tourist Routes
Occitanie/Pyrénées Méditerrannée is the oldest and largest wine-growing region in the world, and through the Sud de France Wine Tourism Club, winemaking has been opened to tourism. This club covers remarkable wine cellars, vineyards, and accommodations located in the heart of the vineyards. Producers, owners, and hosts all share their know-how and passion with visitors.
Nîmes, UNESCO World Heritage Candidate
City for 2018 Nîmes offers one of the most comprehensive representations of Roman civilisation in the west. Monuments such as the ‘Maison Carrée’, the ‘Temple of Diana’, the Auguste and France Gates, the Magne Tower, and the Castellum aquae supplying water from the Nîmes aqueduct are outstanding examples. Being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site will give recognition to the work carried out by the city to restore Nîmes’ legacy.
Grand Rigaud Museum Reopening in Perpignan – June 2017
The refurbishment of the Rigaud Museum by acclaimed architect Stéphane Barbotin-Larrieu is set to open in June. The large cultural space will include two historic monuments from Perpignan: the Hotel Mailly and the Hotel de Lazerne. The reopening will be celebrated with an exceptional exhibition, ‘Picasso and Perpignan’, recounting Picasso’s stays between 1953 and 1955.
La Grande-Motte: 5* hotel and Puces du Design
The Grande Motte resort is developing into a luxury spot. This coming spring, this famous sea resort will see the opening of its first five star hotel: Hotel de la Plage. The hotel will also be the home of renowned and Michelinawarded chef Jean Luc Rabane.
NEED TO KNOW
Montpellier’s city centre is located only 13 kilometres away from the beaches. Best way to get there is jump on a bike and ride along the Lez and through Lattes to Palavas-les-Flots.
FOR THE DIARY
- 10 December 2016 – 28 May 2017 New exhibition: Art and Material – A gallery of sculptures for touching, Musée Fabre – Montpellier
- 02 – 10 June Fééries du Pont du Gard
- 13 – 25 June Festival of Living Architecture – Montpellier and La Grande Motte
- Date TBC Opening of new luxury guesthouses: Le Mas de la Chapelle – Uzès
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