If you're looking forward to an elegant yet adventurous holiday, a Montpellier vacation in Southern France may be what you are looking for. Montpellier is the capital city of France's Languedoc-Roussillon region and tourists are usually drawn by the city's rich history, temperate climate, magnificent architectural buildings and pristine beaches.
Montpellier vacation homes are conveniently located near the city's main attractions. You can choose to spend your day in the countryside and taste different kinds of wine in the vineyards or read a book along the shores of Mediterranean Sea. Popular nautical activities include canal boating, canoeing, fishing, sailing and windsurfing.
Canal Boating
The best way to explore Montpellier and the whole Languedoc region is through canal boating. There are 3 canal systems in the area that encompass miles of countryside and vineyards. Canal du Midi is the longest and the most famous of the 3 canals.
You can launch your canal trip at Castelnaudary, home to the region's famous dish of duck stew with sausage and beans. Pass through Carcassone where the world's largest fortress can be found. After passing through Trebes, the little village of Le Somail is next in line. If you're a book lover, drop by Le Somail and raid some books in the village's famous book shop. Once you're in Agde, you will most likely encounter fishing villages and seaside restaurants where you can dine for lunch or dinner. You can also choose to go to Narbonne and see the Archduke's Palace and Cathedral.
Most canal guided tours will take approximately 2 hours and start at €10.50 (about $14.20) per person.
Canoeing
There are around 7 rivers in the Languedoc-Roussillon region that offer canoeing activities to vacationers. Most of the rivers are shallow and the rapids are relatively tame, making it safe to tag your children along. Top canoe centers usually tour these rivers; Tarn, Ardeche, Ceze, Gardon, Herault, Orb and Aude. You can bring picnic boxes onboard and enjoy the rock formations as you float down the river. Canoe rates start at €10 per person depending on the distance covered.
Sailing and Windsurfing
Despite Languedoc's lack of coves and islands, the sunny weather and steady, strong winds of the region make it a perfect venue for sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing and sand sailing activities. Sailing centers popular among tourists are Club Natique de Naussac-Langogne, Base de Plein Air du Salagou, Centre de Loisirs du Lodevois and Club de Voile de Castelnaudary. There are around 20 more yacht clubs in the region that offer guided tours to visitors.
Fishing
The Languedoc region is surrounded by hundreds of lakes, rivers, salt-water lakes and streams that house a wide variety of fish species. You will most likely find the Rainbow Trout, Black Bass, Eel, Barbell, Arctic Charr, Longnose sucker, River Salmon and Crucian Carp.
Some lakes and rivers are protected and certain species may not be allowed for fishing parties to hook during certain seasons. Fishing passes can be obtained at Carte de Peche Vacances or through newsagents.
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