The region offers much more than just sun, sand and sea; the Pyrénées-Orientales offers easy access to skiing, while the Aude hinterland offers the intoxicating spectacle of Corbières and the Minervois vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. Beyond are the rugged mountain walks of the Haut Languedoc national park and the Cevennes - with majestic views over the Pyrénées, the Mediterranean and the Alps!

The locals seem to set their watches to the sleepy pace of the holiday barges as they wend their way along the Canal du Midi from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean via Toulouse and Sète. The region has a wealth of riches; from antiquity’s Roman arena at Nîmes and aquaduct at Pont du Gard, to the medieval period’s craggy Cathar castles and the perfectly restored citadel of Carcassonne. Add to the mix the extemely youthful, forward-looking city of Montpellier – the capital – and you have a region which knows how to embrace the future while respecting its past.

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON DEPARTMENTS: Aude, Gard, Hérault, Lozère, Pyrénées-Orientales

From without, Carcassonne is a fairy-tale like vision of fortified battlements, ramparts and turrets perched on high above the river Aude. But breach these once impregnable defences and this complete medieval city comes to life before your eyes. The citadel forms a spectacular backdrop to the fireworks display on 14 Juillet and Les Spectacles Médiévaux in mid August.

For children of all ages, La Maison Hantée is guaranteed to have the hairs on your neck – and possibly your head – standing on end. As you pass from darkened room to darkened room you sense the presence of those you cannot see, you feel someone or something breathe on your neck, you’re touched by a disembodied hand or caressed by an invisible admirer. Listen to the screams of those already within before crossing the threshold. Not recommended for those of a nervous disposition. Top tip: try not to wear white, invest in some military style night-vision optical equipment and hide just as soon as you can.

Officially one of the most beautiful villages in France, Lagrasse is an unspoilt gem nestling in the foothills of the Corbières between Carcassonne and Narbonne. With its cobbled streets and medieval houses little seems to have changed since medieval times and its ambiance has attracted many painters, sculptors and potters who have converted dwellings into studios and exhibition spaces. The central market square plays host to farmers’ markets, craft fairs and bric-a-brac sales and there are countless opportunities for al fresco dining and watching the world go by.

Visit the old Benedictine abbey dating from the time of Charlemagne or cool off at the delightful bathing and picnic spot on the river just below the abbey.

Pont du Gard

The fact that you can still walk across this 2000 year old bridge which bestrides the wide valley below, bears testimony to the ingenuity and longevity of Roman engineering. The Pont du Gard is comprised of three tiers of continuous arches - the uppermost of which was the aquaduct carrying water from the springs at Uzès to Nîmes. Truly spectacular and a wonder of the ancient world.

Aude and Ariège are dotted with defensive castles perched precariously atop rocky outcrops; they were home to the persecuted Cathars, a 13th Century non-violent, vegetarian and sexually abstinent Christian sect.

They were no match for the extremely violent, lusty, meat-eating Crusaders who were dispatched by the King of France and the Pope to topple them. The latter helpfully promised the Cathars’ lands to those who put them to the sword and offered the butchers the Lord’s forgiveness in advance of their deeds. Bless him.

20,000 Cathars were slaughtered in Beziers, 140 were burned to death at Minerve and 225 died defending their last fortress at Montségur – the castle remains and serves as a stark warning to those thinking of embracing a life of pacifism, vegetarianism and sexual abstinence. Life’s too short.

The Parc Régional du Haut Languedoc is the second largest national park in France. In stark contrast with the gentle coastline, it offers spectacular scenery stretching eastwards from the Montagne Noire, a mountainous region between Béziers and Castres, up into the Cévennes. St-Pons-de-Thomières is the entrance into this wilderness world of mountain and forest which is dotted with trails for walking and riding. Take the D908 from St-Pons through the park passing through the village of Olargues.

The best way to explore the mountainous Cerdagne between the Pyrénées-Orientales and Spain is by taking a seat on Le Petit Train Jaune. If you’d like to ski or walk amidst mountains, lakes and forests of pine and chestnut, arrive early and climb aboard at Villefranche-de-Conflent. From here you will climb on narrow-guage tracks via gorge and viaduct to Mont Louis, the ski resort of Font-Romeu and journey’s end Latour-de-Carol.

If Montpellier comes across as a young, vibrant and forward-looking city, small wonder – a quarter of its population is under 25! Just take to the streets to feel the buzz of Languedoc-Roussillon’s capital.

You have not visited Montpellier until you have sat on a café terrace on the Place de la Comédie – it’s one of those places where you see more sitting still than you do walking around. Amidst the whirl of distractions don’t forget to admire the elegant 19th century opera house and Fontaine des Trois Graces.

Red wines include Corbières, Minervois, Faugères, Fitou, Banyuls, Coteaux du Languedoc and Vin de Pays d’Oc. Rivesaltes produces sweet white Muscats and rich, port-like reds.

Paris à A10 à A20 à Toulouse à A61 à Carcassonne

Paris à A10 à A71/E11 à Clermont-Ferrand à A75 à Montpellier à A9 (east to Nîmes and west to Perpignan)

London Waterloo/Ashford à Eurostar à Paris Nord à Metro à Paris Gare de Lyon à (TGV) → Nîmes à Montpellier à Perpignan.

Eurostar Lille Europe à Perpignan

Motorail Calais à Narbonne

Contact Rail Europe (08705 848848, www.raileurope.co.uk) for details