Languedoc-Roussillon, France
The Languedoc-Roussillon is a historic region in southern France, which is today divided into two regions-South Pyrenees and Languedoc-Roussillon. It extends from the Rhône to the Pyrenees and from the coast to the hills of Seven, Corbier and Minervaux. A vast area with such varied scenery, it is no less impressive than Provence and the Côte d'Azur. The name of the area derives from the name Occitanie (today's southern France) and the Occitan language Langue d,Oc (translated as 'the language of the Oc'), or Languedoc, which is the name of the area. The oldest population here are the Iberians, followed by Etruscans and Phoenicians from Carthage, Greek colonists, Celts, Romans. From the 10th century, these lands became the centre of the movement of the followers of the Bulgarian Bogomils-Cathars. Declared heretics by the Pope, the Albigensian Crusade was launched against them and the area, which with unheard of cruelty succeeded in destroying the Cathars and subduing the province. The country was surrendered to the French king Louis VIII in 1271. However, despite losing its political independence and autonomy, the province of Languedoc retains its specific language and customs to this day.
The region is one of France's oldest wine-producing regions, known as the 'wine lake'. The vineyards stretch from the foothills of the Pyrenees all the way to the Rhone Delta. The population of Languedoc-Roussillon is around 2.5 million. The capital is Montpellier. The area is saturated with remains of Roman and Romanesque architecture. There are many fortresses and castles here whose ruins impress with their past grandeur-Carcassonne, Nîmes, the wonder of Roman engineering skills, Pont du Gard and many others.
One of them is the ancient settlement of Rennes-le-Château. The modest stone refuge of the Abbe Beranger Sonnier has been converted into a museum. Of interest here are the wax figures of the Abbé and his maid Marie Denarneau. The furnishings of the dwelling and some of the abbot's belongings are preserved in the museum. The tower, also built by the abbot, offers a magnificent view. The limestone hills of Languedoc-Roussillon abound with interesting caves.
The Clamouz cave was discovered in 1945 and has not yet been explored. It is a huge complex of stalactites and stalagmites. There are many rock draperies on the walls and ceiling. In the so-called "Hall of Red Niagara", the rock formations are coloured red by the minerals that have accumulated on them over thousands of years.
Fontrabuse Cave has galleries 1 km long, in which there are beautiful colored rock formations, flashing in the artificial lighting. Devez Cave is famous for its sculpted limestone figures.
Demoiselle Cave is the most freer of all. The cog railway ride passes by various interesting formations, the most impressive being the huge Vierge Hall.