Unforgettable Places in Southern France
Orange, Carcassonne, Beziers and Marseilles.
The diversity of small towns and larger cities that curve up around the coast of southern France, also known as the Languedoc region of Provence, is stunning. The lack of homogeneity makes for a constant sense of surprise and delight as the tourist passes from Arabic quarters to seaside resorts, Roman ruins to 11th century castles.
Orange
An agricultural market centre, Orange was founded by Charlemagne and was conquered in 1672 by Louis the Fourteenth. It boasts lovely cobbled streets, quaint stores, well appointed hotels, a museum and most thrillingly, one of the few Roman amphitheatres left in the world. Take a day to visit this ruin on a self-narrated tour, featuring a film and a walk through the still-in-use theatre, marked by a statue of Caesar Augustus. Orange is also home to a smaller Arc de Triomphe, carved with intricate battle scenes.
CarcassonneBuilt around the Canal du Midi, this ancient town is divided into La Cite and the more sprawling La Ville Basse below it. La Cite is dominated by the impressive Carcassonne Castle, first commenced during Roman times and fortified by the Trencavel family during the 11th c. The fortress was a key site throughout the Albigensian crusades. One can take a guided tour of the ramparts that focuses on this violent time of battles, tortures and uprisings. There are also charming cafes and gift shops, while the town itself features Louis XIV fountains and many sports bars.
Beziers
Also on the Canal and formerly dominated by the Trencavel family, Beziers was burned to the ground in 1209 during the Crusades, the whole town butchered and the Cathedral of Saint Nazaire destroyed. Coming up from the bus depot, one will walk through Les Places des Poets, a beautiful lake full of rare geese and other birds, surrounded by gardens and busts of famous authors. The town itself is characterized by winding streets, wrought iron balconies, Turkish restaurants and an exotic sensibility. Many visitors arrive in August to enjoy the ancient bullfights during the Feria festival.
Marseilles
The oldest city in France and the third largest, Marseilles is located right on the ocean between the Old and the New ports. Inhabited by colourful Tunisian and Algerian communities, the city is rich with music, sport and culture. Areas like the Panier feature ancient streets with narrow high houses and crowded fruit and fish markets. Wine and food is affordable and the people exuberant. See the 17th century Fort St Jean and attend events in the neolithic caves dating back to 6,000 BC.
The Arc de Triomphe in Orange
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