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Canal du MidiBest 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.

Le Petit Train JauneLe Petit Train Jaune

Location: The Petit Train Jaune runs between Villefrance-de-Conflent and Latour-de-Carol.  Best approached from Perpignan via the N116.
General Info: Tel Enquiries: 08 92 35 35 35.  €34 Euros return fare for the whole 63km.  Shorter routes are possible (see the SNCF website for details).  The SNCF (French Railways) official Train Jaune web site.

Description: The “Petit Train Jaune de la Cerdagne" runs along a 63km route, climbing steeply from Villefranche-de-Conflent to Bolquère and then crossing the plateau of the Cerdagne to Latour-de-Carol.  Bolquere is the highest station in France at 1593m
Our recommendations: Although expensive for a family, there is some dramatic scenery here.  The cost can be managed if you don’t go all the way.  The best scenery is towards the Mediterranean.
For the children: 63km is a long way to sit on a train – don’t travel the whole distance and have a break part way along to make a day of it.

Our favourite attractions in the Languedoc:

        - Aqualand
        - Argeles Aventure
        - Canal du Midi
        - Cirque de Mourèze
        - Fort de Salses
        - Jardin d’Ariane Maze
        - Lac de St-Ferréol
        - Les Orgues d'Ille
        - Le Petit Train Jaune
        - Monto Z’Arbres Activity Park
        - Parc de Haut Languedoc
        - Sigean Nature Reserve

External websites offering information on the Languedoc:

-
Languedoc - this is an absolutely brilliant website offering loads of information on this region of France.
- Corbieres Country - useful tourist information on the region in the extreme south east of France.
- Cathar Country - website on the Pays Cathar.
Chosen by our children:

     - Top Ten Holiday destinations in France