Fans of the Da Vinci Code film or the book which inspired it, The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail, might already feel quite familiar with the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France - much of the action of both books starts here. Until the twentieth century the language of the Languedoc region was Occitan and like the inhabitants of Barcelona the Roussillon people spoke Catalan. Languedoc-Roussillon is the land of troubadours, poets and mystery.
Even if you prefer your reading to be a little more high brow there is still plenty to draw the traveller with an appetite for fine food to Languedoc-Roussillon - not least the subtropical climate, lying as the region's southern shore does on the Mediterranean sea. With approximately three thousand square kilometres of vineyards there is three times as much land devoted to grape cultivation than in Bordeaux.
Languedoc Rousillon stretches from N?mes in the north (Languedoc) through Perpingnon and onto the Spanish border (Roussillon). It is the biggest wine region in the world producing more wine than the whole of the USA and known because of its hot sunny Mediterranean climate as the 'Australia' of France. It is also the oldest wine region in France. It is thought the Greeks planted the first vines here about 500B.C. with production being later refined by the Romans.
The terroir of Languedoc-Roussillon is varied indeed from dense clay to sandy rock which, combined with the climate, make it a region where a good number of grape varieties can be grown with relative ease. Even so, when it comes to whites, Chardonnay reigns supreme for wines exported from the region to the rest of France and further afield. It is used in the Vin de Pays d'Oc and the deliciously sparkling Cr?mant de Limoux. Blanquette de Limoux is a wine native to Limoux area in Languedoc that lays claim to being the oldest sparkling wine producing region in the world. This sparkling wine with a zest apple cider tones is made from the Mauzac variety of grape which was once the most abundant of all the varieties grown in Languedoc-Roussillon. Its cultivation is now in decline globally. Chenin blanc and Sauvignon blanc whites of the region compare well to those from elsewhere in France.
The cuisine of the Languedoc-Roussillon region has distinctly Mediterranean flavours and menus highly seasonal. The region produces an abundance of its own, excellent quality olives mainly in the woodlands of the Uz?ge. Tangy tomato sauces flavoured with locally produced olive oil and herbs such as thyme and sorrel accompany any number of meats - mostly imported into the region.
With much of the region's land given over to crops be that grapes, olives and more the lack of heavy creams and dairy laden sauces should come as no surprise. Cassoulet, a hearty dish of pork, sausages mutton or lamb and/or preserves goose all in a casserole with haricot beans is a traditional Winter dish of Toulouse whereas wild boar will be found in the more mountainous regions of Languedoc-Roussillon during this season and into early spring.
Preserved meats such as that of duck have a depth of flavour that is well juxtaposed with the ripe juicy tomatoes and nutty olive oils of the region - confit de canard being the perfect example. Of course in an olive growing region such as Languedoc-Roussillon you can expect to see dishes featuring tapenade on most menus. With wild boars in the region you might well assume there to be truffles too. Languedoc-Roussillon won't disappoint and many are the regional dishes infused with this distinctive flavour - everything from humble omelettes to the long preserved meat and game. Beware though, these dishes don't come cheap!
There are three camp sites in Languedoc-Roussillon that are open throughout the year:
Val d'Aleth Camp site
Camping La Garenne
Camping Lac du Salagou
The family run Val d'Aleth camp site is located alongside the river Aude making it just perfect for a spot of trout fishing and at the base of the mediaeval walls of the town of Alet making it perfect for sightseeing. The camp site itself has just thirty-seven hard standing or grass pitches for motor homes, tents or caravans. Well behaved furry friends are welcome. Each pitch has the option of a four, six or ten amp electrical hook up and there are on site sanitary and hygiene facilities and the camp site is accessible to disabled holiday makers too. The site also offers B&B facilities.
This small camp site has a wealth of facilities that include a shop, WiFi, launderette with dryers. Mountain bike hire, ice pack freezing on request and even a library. Boules, fishing and beautiful river views can all be enjoyed from Val d'Aleth camp site and nearby there is access to tennis courts, white water rafting and wonderful caves to be explored. You might even want to take a dip in thermal mineral pool.
If you do like to be near the seaside then Camping La Garenne is just forty minutes from the beaches of Languedoc-Roussillon. This is a much bigger camp site with seventy-three pitches for motor homes, tents or caravans or wooden chalets available to hire or you could even rent a tent. This well equipped camp site is pet friendly, and has all the facilities you would expect: ten amp electrical hook ups, water points, WiFi, on site shop, snack bar and laundrette. The hygiene facilities are wheel chair accessible and there are mother and baby facilities too.
Even larger still is the Camping Lac du Salagou. This municipal site has 388 pitches for Motor homes, tents, caravans and rental gites and mobile homes. The camp site is located just 150 metres from the shore of 750 hectare lake Salagou and is surrounded by thousands of hectares more of luscious landscapes and scenery. This is the ideal spot for lovers the great outdoors. Campers can enjoy canoeing, sailing, pedalos and if you wish to stay dry there are well defined hiking and mountain biking routes.
Wine routes of Languedoc-Roussillon
The Cabard?s wine route
The vineyards of Cabard?s invite visitors to taste their wines of the 'Vent d'Est, Vent d'Ouest'. The name refers to the winds which allow the Mediterranean Syrah and Grenache grapes with the Atlantic Merlot and Cabernet varieties to be grown and blended in the area, the only Languedoc AOC to do so. Starting about 10km north of the city of Carcassonne and the Canal du Midi, the Cabard?s wine route allows visitors to explore the vineyards and trails with other botanical treats by foot, on horseback or by mountain bike. On a clear day panoramas can be seen of the Pyrenees to the south and 'La Montagne Noire', or the Black Mountain's calcareous slopes to the north. The experience is one of great authenticity as wine production in the area is not widely exported or aggressively marketed in France or abroad. Instead come to relax and enjoy the local hospitality and passion for the unique blends of Red and Ros? wines produced in the area.
The Minervois wine route.
Bordered by the Canal du Midi to the south and 'La Montagne Noire, to the north The Minvervois wine routes strecthes westwards from Narbonne as far as Carcassonne in the west. Slopes of consisiting of schist, limestone, sandstone and white marble are drained by a series of rivulets running from La Montagne Noir. These varied soil compositions, combined with the climate that transitions from Mediterranean to a more humid Atlantic influence in the West and altitudes all the way up to 500m provides a fascinating variation amongst the 200 or so vinyeards in the region. There are several options to follow in this varied region. Relics of the 16th century religious wars are plentiful in the Castles and Caves route around Bouilhonnac, Malves, Bagnoles, Villarzel, or Villegly. You could also follow the route of the Canal Du Midi, a world heritage site on the Route of Silence.
The Corbi?res wine route
Taking a more southerly route from Carcassone to Narbonne through the town of Lagrasse will take you through the heart of the Corbi?res wine route. Lagrasse, dating from the 8th century, has a strong medieval influence so typical of the region. It is an ideal place to stop for lunch and to visit the abbey, eplore the ancient narrow streets or enjoy one of the many picnic spots along the River Orbieu.
The Malep?re wine route
West of Carcassonne The Malep?re wine route takes you through the heart of Cathar country. Protected by the Pyrennees, Malep?re looks out over the Luaragais plain. Starting at the village of Castelnaudary, world capital of the Cassoulet, the classic stew of French cuisine, you can take the circular village route to explore the architectural beauty and ancient heritage of the area, some of it dating back to the Romans.
Wine routes, caravan sites open all year round, cheese routes and special features on many of the delights offered throughout the French regions can be found at Caravan Insurance Gurus. Looking for caravan parks in France, then this site also has this information.
http://www.caravan-insurance-gurus.co.uk/
pacific standard time northern mariana islands summer time coolio ricky rubio day light savings time peter paul and mary
কোন মন্তব্য নেই:
একটি মন্তব্য পোস্ট করুন