The abundance of walking routes from Languedoc accommodation

One may associate the Languedoc region of France with many things, from an intriguing musical and literary heritage to fine wine and perhaps even Montpellier HSC, the Ligue 1 football club. However, when it comes to holidaymaking, there are few better reasons to book Languedoc accommodation than the many walking opportunities in this part of the world.

If you are not a seasoned rambler, you might be pleased to know that there's a good choice of short-distance walks in the Languedoc. The French are passionate about their walking, to the point that there are now thousands of walks marked out across the region, generally between one and three hours long. Trees and rocks often carry painted markings to assist you along the route. You can find out more about these walks by picking up the 'Topo Guides' - Topo-guide des Sentiers de Randonee - that you'll find in the tourist offices of most villages.

Languedoc is an extremely diverse region geographically, which might make your walk more stimulating, but it can also bring certain dangers. Therefore, particularly if you are not highly familiar with the area, we'd advise that you avoid the steeper mountainous terrain or flat coastal parts in favour of the 'foothills' areas with their gorgeous rolling hills and vineyards.

However, it's also possible that this isn't your first walking adventure from Languedoc accommodation, making you feel ready for a longer distance walk. There are several 'official' longer walks in this part of France, with one of the most famous being the Sentier Cathar, or the Cathar Trail. This name refers to Catharism, the dualist religion that took particular root in the Languedoc and other parts of Europe in the Middle Ages, but which eventually incurred the Catholic church's wrath.

Those embarking on the modern Cathar Trail begin at the sea before walking westwards along the Pyrenees foothills, encountering Cathar castles along the way. Eventually, walkers - frequently accompanied on the route by horse riders - end up in Foix in the Mid-Pyrenees region.  There's also a European long distance path, E4, that passes through the Languedoc region. Starting in the south over the Pyrenees, it progresses through the Black Mountains near St Pons, also coming close to the likes of Prades, Lagrasse, Carcassonne, Lodeve and Le Vigan en route to Provence.

Of everything that can be done from Languedoc accommodation, there can be few simpler - but also more satisfying - activities than those done by foot.

Editor’s Note: La Souqueto (http://www.lasouqueto.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.