The Old Pharmacy in Magalas
TheMidi region of the Languedoc
Set between the Black Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Magalas is at the heart of the Midi region of the Languedoc.
The area around Magalas is rich with sights to see and things to do……..beaches, markets, wine tasting, walking, swimming, canoeing, shopping and sightseeing.
Visit Carcassonne with its world-renowned castle, Montpellier, historic Pezenas, beautiful beaches, and local festivals.
The Languedoc-Roussillon is one of the most fascinating areas of Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea to the east and the Pyrennean Mountains to the south. It benefits from an exceptional climate and has an unusually rich wildlife, a spectacular coast, and surprising history.
Things to see include mountains, rivers and lakes, ancient cities, and villages, cathedrals, and castles, notably the famous mountain fortresses popularly known as Cathar Castles.
In recent times it has become a popular French holiday destination, with long sunny days, superb beaches, and a myriad of tourist facilities.
The area abounds with many miles of walks, National Parks and wildlife reserves (such as the nearby Camargue and the Cevennes), thermal springs and spas, grottoes and caves, and vestiges of the Languedoc's long history. Greek and Roman architecture graces the larger towns and cities, and everywhere are reminders of the Cathars, and the papal Crusade against them.
There are many different activities from sporting to cultural in the Languedoc region. Sports include a wide range of land sports, water sports, air sports, mountain sports, winter sports, golf, hunting, shooting, hawking, and fishing. There are also numerous cultural activities, along with French regional food specialties, and Languedoc wines.
Local festivals range from bull-running in the local villages to the ancient carnival in Limoux and from water-jousting in the port of Sete to celebrating the 'Vendange' or harvest festival in September.
The Canal Du Midi is a lovely shaded haven for walking and visiting many pretty villages,or just watching the boats go by.
Beziers is a bustling market town, with views over the River Orb from its impressive cathedral. Its 'Feria' in August sees the whole town go wild and bullfight mania take over the town and surrounding region.
Its splendid old market hall is a haven for those who want to sample the best of local produce, and in the nearby old town restaurants and cafes line the pavements.
Pezenas is a truly charming medieval town and its Saturday market is an absolute must especially in summer. It has a maze of winding streets full of antique shops and art galleries and a wonderful Jewish Quarter.
This wonderful renaissance town is full of quirky shops, buskers and local people and life ! It has its own festival, at the end of February or early March, called ‘Le Poulain’.
Montpellier,the fourth largest city in France (about an hour away) is the place for truly metropolitan shopping and sight seeing. Its pavement cafes make a perfect setting for people watching and just soaking up the atmosphere of Mediterranean France. The Antigone area is an architectural delight.
Le Neuf Ecluses (the famous and spectacular nine locks on the Canal Du Midi at Foncerranes, on the southern outskirts of Beziers) is well worth a visit, and has a café which is good for lunch.