Mer Méditerranée

The characteristically blue Mediterranean Sea was called "Mare Nostrum", "Our Sea" by the Romans when they occupied Gaul.

Languedoc has inherited this affectionate name, on the lips of the multitude now living on its lands.  A string of small ports form a veritable net along the coast.  In summertime, these ports are lively with the summer festivities in the image of Mediterranean craft arts: joute combats (boats and lances) and coloured boats.

In clear weather, one can see the Latin sails, lasting symbol of the triumph of the Roman Empire… the Languedoc Mediterranean has inspired painters and writers alike, such as Paul Valery whose statue now looks over the Mont Saint Clair (Sete), the marine cemetery from the songs of Georges Brassens when he begs to be buried on the beach in Sete.  This Mediterranean that "dances along the bright gulfs " was home to one of the last contemporary troubadours in his youth, Charles Trenet, the father of French song.

The Languedoc and Mediterranean has built itself around the vineyards over 2000 years, and its culture is rooted in the souls of its inhabitants with a love of wine passed down from generation to generation in such a wide variety of land creating specific, rich and great wines. From the granular Picpoul, to the limestone and clay Corbieres and Coteaux du Languedoc, the Languedoc vineyards are the oldest, the most modern, the liveliest and the most prestigious heritage; shared light of this contrasting land.

Source : The Languedoc-Roussillon regional committee of tourism