Best Attractions in the Languedoc  Although the Languedoc Roussillon region is best known for its splendid Mediterranean coastline, travel a little inland and you will find a totally different character with plenty to add a bit of variety to the ubiquitous bucket and spade holiday.  Not only will you find beautiful scenery such as the rolling Corbières hills, the Parc National de Haut Languedoc, or the Pyrénéean mountains, but there is also incredible history to be found with the medieval fortress town of Carcassonne and the dramatically situated Cathar castles.

Cirque de Mourèze / Lac de Salagou

Location:  For the cirque, follow the D908 out of Clermont l’Hérault in the direction of Bédarieux.  The cirque is off to the right after 4km.  For the lake follow the D156 from Clermont.

General Info:  In 2006 when we visited, he tourist office car park cost €2 and access to the Parc des Courtinals was €4 per adult and €2 for ages 5 – 14.

Description: The whole area around Clermont l’Hérault is very attractive - highlights are the Cirque de Mourèze for it’s fascinating rock formations and the Lac de Salagou which offers water sports and lake side swimming.

Our recommendations:  If you want a short visit to the Cirque de Mourèze then the Parc des Courtinals is worth paying for.  But if you have more time then go to the top of the village and walk for free!  Take water and a good map (there are some simple free maps available from the tourist info office in the town).

For the children:  At the Parc des Courtinals there is a treasure hunt available free of charge in the summer months for 4-12’s to find Roman numbers hidden among the rocks. There is a prize of am ice-cream if you succeed. There are further games for older children but they may need a better understanding of French.  There are some pedaloes available for hire at the Lac de Salagou which are more popular!