For many years, water channels have been the most important trading highways of the south-west of France, because they connected the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean, connecting in Toulouse. It is not surprising that many cities located next to them began to prosper. In this article, we suggest that everyone with your favorite France is from an unusual angle. We talk about iconic bridges, gateways and aqueducts, which are considered a miracle of engineering thought.
Set
The construction of the Southern Channel in the 17th century contributed to the intensified development of this Oxitan town. Set has become one of the largest ports of France – it is here that the channel enters the Mediterranean Sea, connecting it with the Atlantic Ocean. The city is located between the sea and the coastal lake what was affected by its appearance: it is all dotted with channels, for which he received the nickname “Venice of Languedoc.” Seth is famous for its fish restaurants and oyster farms, and the beach line here extends 15 kilometers. Among the deserving attention of the attractions of the set is the hill of the Mon-Sen-Cler with panoramic views of the city and the bay, the sea cemetery, the indoor gastronomic market climbed the Moliere Theater and the sea museum. Since 1666, the annual August Sétoiss tournaments have been held here: two enemy, each of which is in a boat and armed with a spear and a wooden shield, they have been beaten to the fall of one of the rivals in the water.
Where to stay in the set:
- In the two -star hotel Hotel Sables d’OR (score 9.0) – from 7,000 rubles per day*.
- At the Chambre d’Hifes Les Terrasses de Saint Clair (score 9.7) – from 16,800 rubles per day*.
- In the guest house La Singulière (rating 9.5) – from 19,300 rubles per day*.
Castelnodari
A small commune, located between the Toulouse and the karkason in the very heart of the country of Lorago, grew around the castle in the 12th century. Here, on May 19, 1681, the luxurious opening ceremony of the Du Midie channel took place, because it was in Castelnodari that his largest pool with an area of 7 hectares was located. Among the significant places of the city are the four gateways of Saint-Rosh, the Kyugugel Mill, the Church of Saint-Michelle, the Notre-Dam-de-La-La-La-La-La-La-La-Wap, the old pharmacy of the 18th century and the Bel Air distiller, where you can observe the production of essential oils from fragrant southern grasses, including Lavender and Toulouse violet.
Treb
The tiny village of Treb cannot boast of the abundance of iconic historical attractions, but the channel next to it is especially beautiful. It is a stop here is a stop due to the restaurant Le Moulin de Trebes, marked by the Michelin guide: it is equipped in the building of an old mill and offers visitors to try the modern variation of oxitan cuisine and vintage wine. Especially good is the stew Ensavei, caramelized calf cheeks and foie grades medallions.
AGD
One of the oldest cities in the south of France, located in the Ero Department, is halfway between Bezie and Seth. In antiquity, it was a large port in the south of Gaul, and at different times it was owned by the Romans, and the Saracens, and the Vikings. In the Middle Ages, construction was carried out from a local dark basalt: the most remarkable building is a harsh one-napled Cathedral of St. Etienne of the XI century, more similar to the castle. AGD is located near the Lyon Gulf of the Mediterranean Sea, from the city you can get to two popular resort zones, Gro-D’AGD and cap-d’Agd; The latter is famous for nudist beaches.
Where to stay in the agd:
- In the apartments zoralie (score 9.5) – from 10,000 rubles per day*.
- In the Villa Rasoa Hotel (score 9.7) – from 10,400 rubles per day*.
- In the guest house Maison d’HifeTes Naturiste Villa Bella Sun & SPA (score 9.4) – from 17,300 rubles per night*.
Bezier
A little at a distance from the channel, on the Orb River, is the famous resort city, whose history begins from the 7th century BC. A rich past left a lot of historical monuments in Bezier: the ancient amphitheater, the Cathedral of St. Nazaria of the VIII century, the Egyptian gardens, the Church of St. Madeleine of the XI century and the Church of St. James of the X century, the old bridge, the Museum of Georges Brassance; Even a simple walk around the city will give pleasure, because there are many beautiful buildings and neat parks. Also in Bezier, many colorful festivals are held annually. In April, in honor of the Feast of St. Aphrodise, camels are driven through the streets, Carnival Nadal is taking place before Christmas, in mid -August, they organize the battles of bulls during the extravaganza and the fireworks are allowed, in October, they celebrate the holiday of young wine – Bozhole Nouvo. There is even a festival of gateways, during which the reconstruction of the opening ceremony of nine gateways vonseran (it usually celebrates it in June).
Where to stop in Bezier:
- At the Mercure Béziers (rating 7.5) – from 9,300 rubles per day*.
- In the three -star hotel, Hôtel Le XIX (score 9.5) – from 13,300 rubles per day*.
- In the La Villa Guy & SPA – Les Collectionneurs (score 9.6) – from 19,800 rubles per night*.
Narbonn
The 2500-year-old city of history and art was once the capital of the Narbonne region of Gaul, where the kings of the Visigoths, and then the entire Languedoc (here were the residences of the archbishops). Today’s Narbonn is considered the capital of local winemaking – in the vicinity of the city there are famous vineyards of Corbières, and pink wines are made from local grapes. The pearl of the city is the Cathedral of the Holy Juust, laid down in 1272, which was never completed, since at the time of construction in the early 1300s it was considered too risky to protect the city to demolish the Roman fortress wall located nearby (as a result, the cathedral has no nave). This is the only cathedral in the Gothic style on the Mediterranean coast, comparable to the cathedrals of northern France, it is known for unusually high choirs. The Basilica of the Saints Paul and Sergius is one of the first examples of the flame of the Gothic in the south of France, in the palace of archbishops today is the local history museum and city hall, and in the old bakery Patisserie Combot you can try a local specialty – the Bushons Languedoka made on the biscuit with a tonsil with Mindalu and Kedrovic nuts.
Where to stay in Narbonne:
- In the Bateau Fellowsip Botel (score 9.8) – from 11,300 rubles per night*.
- The Villa Sur La Colline Avec Terrasse et Jacuzzi (estimate 10) is in the recreation house – from 20,000 rubles per night*.
- In the four -star hotel Hife LE mosaïque (score 9.8) – from 25,300 rubles per day*.
Lyo Somay
The life of this village with a population of almost 500 people for several centuries directly depends on the waterways of France: even today, almost all residents of Lyo Somay are engaged in fishing, or water tourism, or servicing of gateways. Today, the settlement is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the most beautiful local locations date back to the construction time of the Du Midie channel. Among them is an old “donkey” bridge with a semicircular arch, a chapel in which the pilgrims and travelers once stopped, the building of the Courtyard of 1684 and the “glacier” – a two -story vault. In Lyo Somay is a large port with yachts for rent.
Arena
The town is considered the capital of prunes: indeed, you will not try such a sweet anywhere in the world. It’s worth calling here in order to see the navigable bridge channel overwhelmed over the Garonnaya River, the Cathedral of St. Caprospheria with the 12th century apse and the Dominican Monastery of Notre-Dame-de-Jacoben. In the former private mansion of the Renaissance era, there is an art museum with the paintings of Goya and the Impressionists, also on its territory you can see the Roman mosaic found during excavations on the central streets of the Azhenen.
If you are lucky to be here in the warm season, we recommend that you get to the Castelmoron-Sur-Lot commune and swim to the Blacksli Museum (and there, in turn, to taste all possible sweets).
Cozy and interesting villages were built around, in each of which interesting structures can be found. In the charming village of Pudenas, you will find a luxurious castle built in the 13th century, and then in the XVII century transformed into a palace in the Italian style. It is surrounded by a park with an area of 10 hectares, drowning in flowering plants. Not far from Azen is a village of Pujol, who is considered one of the most beautiful villages of the Department of Lot-i-Garronna. We also advise you to look into Barbast, Mesan, Dura, in the stalactite caves of Lasturnel and to the castle with the luxurious park Chateau de Furnel.
Where to stay in Azen:
- In the apartments Studio Pont-Canal (estimate 8.6)-from 6,000 rubles per day*.
- In a hotel with the Chambre d’Hifes et Spa (9.6 rating) pool – from 8,000 rubles per night*.
- In the three -star historical hotel Hôtel Château des Jacobins (estimate 8.6) – from 15,000 rubles per night*.
Marmand
This town is famous for its vegetables and fruits, and in particular – tomatoes (even Tomato Fiesta was held here and the own type of tomato was grown). According to legend, Marmand was founded by Richard the Lion Heart in the place of the Roman castrum as Bastida. Soon he crossed the power of the county of Toulouse and with him turned out to be the arena of the Albigo Crusade against the Cathars – the local heretical sect. You can be transferred to the past by visiting the Gothic Church of Notre Dame, the facade of which is decorated with a magnificent rose window, and the interiors retained the stucco molding of the Baroque era. Not far from her, Boshamp’s gardens were spreading – a magnificent example of topiary art. And we recommend that lovers of water entertainment and families with children in the Central Aquatique Aquaval large -scale water park.
Where to stay in Marmande:
- In Appartement Studio Avec Terrasse Privatisée (estimate 10) – from 7,100 rubles per day*.
- In the three -star hotel Auberge du Lion D’or (rating 7.7) – from 10,000 rubles per night*.
- In a three -star hotel with the Citotel Hôtel Le Capricorne (8.6 rating) – from 10,500 rubles per night*.
Langon
Langon is a large port on the Garonn Canal, which once even rival with the center of the new Aquitaine – Bordeaux. Here, market trade and winemaking flourished. Today, the most famous vineyards of Sotern and Graves are still preserved around Langon. The city has two churches of the XII century-Notre Dame and Saint-Mereva. It will be interesting for travelers to visit the neighboring communes-La Rool and Bazas, also in Langon, a bicycle path leading to the arcson bay through picturesque fields and vineyards begins.
Where to stay in Langon:
- In the two -star hotel Hotel Alienor (score 9.0) – from 7,000 rubles per night*.
- In the three -star hotel Hotel Claude Darroze (score 9.2) – from 8,000 rubles per night*.
- In the hotel B&B Hôtel Bordeaux Langon (rating 8.4) – from 10,000 rubles per day*.
*Prices are relevant at the time of publication.
