Vineyard wine tastings, gourmet tours, farm visits, fairs and shows, just a few of the possibilities for exploring the gastronomic specialties of Languedoc-Roussillon.

You’re in the land of sunshine, where wine is king. Coteaux du Languedoc, Côtes du Roussillon, Minervois, Saint-Chinian, and Fitou ennoble your meals and make your aperitif merry. Or perhaps you prefer the sweet Muscat vintages of Lunel, Banyuls, or Maury de Rivesaltes?

Before you choose your wine, you must consider the menu. Do hearty dishes tempt you? Order a savoury macaronade or a meaty gardiane from authentic taureau de Camargue! Have you ever tasted petits pâtés de Pézenas? Visit Molière’s birthplace and try something special. These unique, spool-shaped little meat pies hide a sweet and savoury filling under their golden crust.

Favour seafood? You’ll be in heaven with an anchoïade, a rouille de seiches (cuttlefish stew) with its aïoli, or spicy tielles. Don’t forget an icy platter of oysters fresh from the Bassin du Thau. And why not stop over in Bouzigues to taste their brasucade?

Once you’ve reached Nîmes, treat yourself to a rich brandade de morue, and while you’re at it, sample picholine olives and tapenade, superb on crusty bread or with fresh pélardon goat cheese.

As you continue your travels to Lozère, you’ll find Aubrac beef, Lozère lamb, tripoux, and spectacular aligot on every menu. Don’t forget a little side-trip to Castelnaudary for their famous cassoulet with Lauragais beans and preserved goose or duck.

 And for afters? Tiny gariguette strawberries, some crumbly rousquilles, or a fougasse d'Aigues Mortes redolent of orange blossom? Would you rather plump for the creaminess and crunch of a crème catalane? Who could blame you? 

The rootsy food of Languedoc-Roussillon is flavourful with olive oil, vegetables, garlic, and herbs, for quintessentially Mediterranean dishes.