The cosmopolitan city of Montpellier offers Mediterranean living at its finest. The charming, sun-kissed squares are the perfect setting for long lunches and sipping on local wine. Stroll through the iconic Place de la Comedie at the heart of the city and spend hours getting lost in the network of tiny, medieval streets dotted with cafes and boutiques. The city has some excellent eateries too, including 3 Michelin starred restaurants to feast in.

Situated along the Santiago de Compostella, this legendary village has attracted pilgrims and tourists for many years. Saint Guilhem le Desert seems unchanged by time, which is especially evident in its proud 9th century Benedictine abbey, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set up high in a lush green valley, you can ascend to the top of the village for breathtaking views. Explore artisan shops along the winding, cobbled streets. Or simply relax in ‘Place de la Liberte’, a lovely setting for a coffee beneath the shade of an enormous plane tree, thought to be over 150 years old.

The extraordinary Canal du Midi has over 150 miles of navigable canals and one of the South of France’s most famous sites. Linking the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, this 17th century masterpiece is an iconic site of the Languedoc region and UNESCO listed. It passes through charming towns and villages including Beziers and Le Somail. If you’re feeling energetic, why not hire bicycles and cycle alongside the canal? Be sure to stop and refuel with a bowl of local cassoulet – delicious!

Wine lovers will be in paradise in the Languedoc, the largest producing wine region in all of France. Driving around, you will see rows upon rows of rich coloured vines garnishing the landscape of the region. Take your pick from a variety of grapes that range from reds to effervescent whites. From muscat to Blanquette de Limoux, you are sure to find a winning tipple. There are many grand chateaux that will welcome you for tasting, as well as smaller cellars. Whichever you choose, it’s best to book ahead to guarantee your spot.

Set between lagoons and the Mediterranean, close to Narbonne, stands the village of Gruissan. It’s a small holiday resort with a casino, bars and restaurants around the marina. The beach is a wide expanse of golden sand that stretches for miles. Often uncrowded, the sand is fine and there are watersports on offer in the summer months.

Palavas-les-Flots is a charming old-fashioned seaside resort, very popular with locals. It’s not far from Montpellier and offers a great option for those staying in or near the city. As well as the sandy beach that stretches over 4 miles, there is also a marina perfect for ambling along, plus a pretty canal lined with cafes.

Cap d’Adge is the seaside counterpart of Agde, a picturesque town south east of Beziers. The beaches are of an excellent quality and offer many options, such as the long bays of Rochelongue and Roquille to the wilder settings of La Crande Conque. The resort is also well known for its nudist section, one of the largest of its kind. Children are also well catered for here, with a waterpark offering hours of entertainment.

This wide Blue Flag Beach backed by dunes is vast and sandy. Close to Beziers, it rarely becomes overcrowded thanks to its size. There are often watersports on offer and nearby you’ll find a large nature reserve, home to dunes, lagoons and marshes teeming with rare species. You’ll find paths amongst the wetlands, perfect for walking and cycling.