THE REGION
Languedoc-Roussillon
Known simply as "the Languedoc", this historic coastal region in southern France extends from Provence to the Pyrenees Mountains and the border with Spain. It is now part of Occitanie. The regional capital, Montpellier, is just 50 minutes away but this feels like a world of its own.
ON YOUR DOORSTEP
The village of Brissac
This charming old village is split into two parts: Brissac-le-Haut ("upper" Brissac) and Brissac-en-bas ("lower" Brissac). Brissac-le-haut is built on a hill around a castle with a population of less than 40 people. It’s a peaceful, sleepy village with only the sounds of cicadas and gentle chimes of the castle bell tower.
Brissac-en-bas is built on the valley floor. It's a larger village with a population of about 350. There is a boulangerie (where you can get your daily baguettes and basics such as butter, cheese and milk), a small groceries store, a gourmet restaurant called Le Jardin Aux Sources, and L’Arboussède restaurant by the church which serves lovely, simple three-course lunches for a reasonable price.
The green-roofed church is at the centre of the village, next to the car park (for those who don't want to walk for their morning croissants) and the village green and tree-shaded 'sources' (natural springs) which cool the area in the summer and were the source of Brissac's prosperity for many hundreds of years.
The village also has a good kids' play area, with wooden climbing frames built to look like the local wildlife, plus swings and slides.
THE NEAREST TOWN
Ganges
Only 10 minutes away by car from Brissac, this historic town brims with local culture and natural beauty. Unspoilt by tourism, the streets are shaded by the 13th-century Church of Saint-Pierre and historic stone houses. Each corner you turn reveals another layer of its colourful past, with medieval houses and remnants of ancient fortifications. Strolling through its narrow streets feels like stepping back in time.
Ganges has all the shops you'll need, including several cafés, a diverse selection of restaurants, and a large supermarket. Every Friday, it hosts a large local market showcasing a vibrant celebration of regional produce, including fresh cheeses, fragrant herbs, and handcrafted goods.
Nature enthusiasts will love the surrounding Cévennes National Park. The dramatic landscapes, marked by rugged cliffs and verdant valleys, offer endless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring. The clear waters of the Hérault river invite you for a refreshing dip or kayak experience, while the wonderful cascading waterfalls provide a serene backdrop for contemplation, picnics and photography.
THE WIDER REGION
Exploring further afield
If you're looking for larger towns to explore, slightly further afield are the charming cities and landmarks of Montpellier, Nîmes, Pont du Gard, and Avignon that each offer a rich tapestry of history, culture and scenery.
Montpellier, known for its vibrant atmosphere and historic architecture, boasts elegant boulevards and lively squares, such as the Place de la Comédie. The medieval city of Nîmes is just as captivating with its well-preserved Roman monuments, including the magnificent Arènes and the Maison Carrée.
A little further away, the Pont du Gard stands as a marvel of ancient engineering. This iconic Roman aqueduct, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Gard River, is a testament to the ingenuity of the past. Meanwhile, the city of Avignon, renowned for the majestic Palais des Papes, offers a glimpse into the grandeur of papal history.
Each of these destinations offers a unique and unforgettable journey through time, art and architectural wonder, making them excellent additions to your holiday itinerary.
Closer by, there is the enchanting monastic village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, the Knights Templars' fortified village of La Couvertoirade and the extraordinary Cirque de Navacelles, which is a large erosional landform (like a gargantuan meteor crater), and much more waiting for you to explore.
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