Best Attractions in the Languedoc  Although the Languedoc-Roussillon region is best known for its splendid Mediterranean coastline, travel a little inland and you will find a totally different character with plenty to add a bit of variety to the ubiquitous bucket and spade holiday.  Not only will you find beautiful scenery such as the rolling Corbiere hills, the Parc National de Haut Languedoc, or the Pyrénéean mountains, but there is also incredible history to be found with the medieval fortress town of Carcassonne and the dramatically situated Cathar castles.

Les Orgues d’Ille

Location: Take the D2 north of Ille-sur-Têt and cross the river (sometimes just a dry river bed in the summer months).  Take the 2nd exit from the roundabout and drive to the car park on the right hand side.

General Info:  Tickets can be purchased from the small booth in the car park.  Make sure you buy them as they get checked when you reach the access to the actual site.  2006 prices when we visited were: €3.50 for adults, €2.50 14 – 18 yr olds, €2 10 – 14 year olds….and under 10s free.

Description: A small but fascinating geographical attraction in a delightful setting.  The erosion of rock over thousands of years has led to the creation of the Illes (see picture).

Our recommendations:  Plan to spend 1-2 hours here, ideally on a cooler day as the site is quite enclosed so it is a sun trap with limited breeze!

For the children: Nothing specifically for them although they will be able to run off some energy!  On a hot day you could follow this visit with a trip to the man made beach on the lake at Vinca, a few km to the west.