The geography, climate, and departments of Languedoc Roussillon, South France

Languedoc is huge - stretching from Spain in the south to the Rhone in the East. The region's three major mountain ranges mean that the terrain and climate of Languedoc are surprisingly diverse. Such physical diversity has led, over the years, to political, economic, culinary and linguistic diversity.

Of the Languedoc region - The Times had this to say:

“This Cinderella of the south was once overshadowed by gorgeous Provence and the brash Côte d’Azur. Now, she stands as their equal, displaying a discreet charm that her more-visited siblings lost long ago."

- The Times, October 12th, 2008

In our '5 Languedoc Departments' page, we outline the major traits of, and differences between Languedoc Roussillon's 5 departments (Lozere, Gard, Herault, Aude and the Pyrenees-Orientales). Their strengths and weaknesses. Their vital statistics. Because you'll find the very Catalan Pyrenees-Orientales is a world away from the sleepy dairy farms of Lozere.

In our 'Terrain and Climate Types' page, we explain how Languedoc's landscapes change, from flat, hot coastal plain to rolling vineyards, to soft arable farmland to the west, and the great mountain ranges of the Pyrenees, Cevennes and Black Mountains.

We also explain how each terrain type brings with it quite significant changes in weather. If you though all of Languedoc was Mediterranean, think again. Knowing what's what can have a huge impact on where you choose to house-hunt or holiday.