Languedoc-Roussillon: A Mediterranean Gem in Southern France

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryan]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah/dey-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va ?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous ?
  [byehn/eh voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais ?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar luh meh-nyoo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours !
  [oh suh-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en !
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police !
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un docteur !
  [ah-peh-lay uh dohk-tuhr]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shet-ay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd zhoost]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte ?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shehr]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix ?
  [poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il ?
  [kehl uhr ay eel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [dees ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kehl ay lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah cart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahnd ay luh proh-shay (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Languedoc-Roussillon's history dates back to ancient Roman times when the region was known as Gallia Narbonensis. The Romans established the city of Narbonne in 118 BC, making it the first Roman colony in Gaul. The Via Domitia, a major Roman road, was constructed to connect Italy with Spain, passing through this region and facilitating trade and cultural exchange. Roman architectural marvels like the Pont du Gard, a well-preserved aqueduct, and the ancient city of Nîmes with its amphitheater, still stand as testaments to this era.

In the 12th and 13th centuries, Languedoc-Roussillon became a center for the Cathar movement, a Christian dualist or Gnostic revival that the Catholic Church deemed heretical. This led to the Albigensian Crusade (1209-1229), a brutal campaign initiated by Pope Innocent III to eliminate Catharism. The fortified city of Carcassonne and the Château de Montségur are key historical sites where significant battles took place. The crusade had a lasting impact on the region, leading to the integration of Languedoc into the French Crown and the establishment of the Dominican Order.

During the Middle Ages, Languedoc-Roussillon thrived as a region of prosperous market towns. The walled city of Aigues-Mortes, founded by King Louis IX in the 13th century, served as a departure point for the Seventh and Eighth Crusades. The town of Pézenas became a bustling commercial hub, known for its fairs and markets that attracted merchants from across Europe. These towns were often characterized by their grand marketplaces, Gothic cathedrals, and intricate townhouses, many of which still stand today.

In 1659, the Treaty of the Pyrenees was signed, ending the Franco-Spanish War (1635–1659) and significantly altering the political landscape of Languedoc-Roussillon. The treaty resulted in the cession of Roussillon and northern Catalonia from Spain to France, integrating these territories into what is now the Pyrénées-Orientales department. This event marked the end of centuries of conflict between France and Spain over these borderlands and heralded a new era of peace and prosperity for the region.

Languedoc-Roussillon has a long history of viticulture, but it was in the 19th and 20th centuries that the region underwent a significant transformation known as the Wine Revolution. The introduction of the railway system allowed local winemakers to export their products more efficiently, leading to an economic boom. However, the region also faced challenges such as the phylloxera epidemic that devastated vineyards in the late 19th century. Today, Languedoc-Roussillon is one of France's largest and most diverse wine-producing areas, known for its innovative approaches and a wide variety of wine styles.

In recent decades, Languedoc-Roussillon has experienced a modern cultural renaissance that has revitalized its towns and cities. Montpellier, the region's capital, has become a vibrant center for arts, education, and innovation, attracting students and professionals from around the world. The restoration of historical sites, coupled with the promotion of cultural festivals such as the Festival de Carcassonne and the Feria de Nîmes, has helped to preserve and celebrate the region's rich heritage while embracing a dynamic and forward-thinking future.

Languedoc-Roussillon is accessible by various means of transport. The region is served by several airports including Montpellier-Méditerranée, Béziers Cap d'Agde, Carcassonne, and Perpignan-Rivesaltes, offering both domestic and international flights. High-speed trains (TGV) connect Paris to Montpellier, Nîmes, and Perpignan, with connections to other cities in the region. The region is also well-connected by major highways, making it accessible by car.

Within Languedoc-Roussillon, public transportation includes regional trains (TER), buses, and trams, particularly in larger cities like Montpellier. Car rental services are widely available and provide flexibility for exploring more remote areas. Bicycles are also a popular mode of transport, especially in the countryside and along the coast. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber operate in urban areas.

The official currency in France is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller businesses and rural areas. ATMs are readily available in cities and towns. Currency exchange services can be found at airports, major train stations, and in city centers.

Languedoc-Roussillon is generally a safe region for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Areas around train stations and busy tourist spots can be prone to pickpocketing. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. High-crime neighborhoods are rare, but it’s wise to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number works for police, medical emergencies, and fire services. Major cities in Languedoc-Roussillon have hospitals and medical facilities. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual, especially when dining out. Avoid overly casual attire in more formal settings. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites. Dress modestly and behave respectfully. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trains and buses. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Bonjour' (Good day). A handshake is common among acquaintances. Eating & Drinking: Do try local wines and cuisine. Don’t expect to rush through meals; dining is considered a leisurely activity.

Experience Languedoc-Roussillon like a local by visiting local markets such as the Marché des Arceaux in Montpellier for fresh produce and regional specialties. Engage with locals in small towns; they are often very welcoming and willing to share their culture. Don’t miss the local wines; the region is famous for its vineyards. For a unique experience, explore the Canal du Midi by boat or bicycle.