Top Travel Picks in Languedoc

First published: July 15, 2014 by Kathy Morton 1

We spend much of the year on the road, exploring the best that France has to offer. These days we are lovin’ Languedoc. Why? It’s a bit off the beaten path and offers a plethora of things to do, see and taste. Here is a little sampling of our recent travel finds.

Chateau Capion: A hidden gem in the Languedoc, this vineyard offers a unique way of tasting wine. Instead of starting in the cellars, clients experience a “Walk of the Senses” with a hike through the vineyards. During the peaceful 35-40 minute walk, they’ll stop five times to see, hear, smell, touch and then taste the terroir in their glass of Coteaux du Languedoc wine. 34150 Gignac France, Tel: + 33 04 67 57 71 37; [email protected]

Abbaye de Fontfroide: Not too far from the Spanish border, this former Cistercian abbey has been restored to its original splendor and has recently opened its restaurant for dinner during the summer. Take time to smell the roses with a stroll through the expansive rose and herb gardens, admired by many. Lunch can also be taken in the former sheep stable while sipping some of the Abbaye’s Corbières wine. 11100 Narbonne, Tel: + 33 04 68 45 11 08

Hostellerie Provençale: In the trendy town of Uzès, everything the city has to offer is easily accessible from this small, intimate and charming hotel. Don’t miss the chance to have lunch or dinner in the warm ambiance of the restaurant, where the exceptionally friendly owners also cook and serve gourmet dishes of traditional and regional cuisine. Definitely worth a detour. 1 rue Grand Bourgade, Uzès, Tel: + 33 04 66 22 11 06

Le Domaine d’Auriac in Carcassonne: Stay in this alluring townhouse, built in the 19th century on the foundations of an abbey and just a short drive from the fortified medieval village of Carcassonne. The 5-star hotel features a swimming pool, tennis court, golf course, gastronomic restaurant, bistro, and gorgeous garden. Clients will never want to leave the luxury of this place. 2535 Route de Saint-Hilaire, 11000 Carcassonne, France, Tel: + 33 04 68 25 72 22

Baudon de Mauny in Montpellier: Refined bed and breakfast in an 18th century recently renovated house is ideally located in the pedestrian center of Montpellier. Eight outstanding rooms, designed for comfort and relaxation makes a guest feel like they are living like a local in luxury. The manager, Thibault, is most accommodating. A true find. 1 Rue de la Carbonnerie, 34000 Montpellier, France, Tel: +33 04 67 02 21 77

Les Truffières d’Uzès: Michel Tournayre, third generation trufficulturalist, invites visitors to go behind the scenes of the world’s most secretive business and discover truffle hunting in a Mediterranean environment just outside of Uzès. During guided tours in the shade of half-century-old oaks, he’ll talk about the mysteries of the truffle. In a tasting session that follows, clients will begin to acquire an appreciation of the gastronomic attributes and its palatal properties of the “black diamond” in terms of wine and food. (Contact [email protected] for more information)

La Table des Cuisiniers Cavistes: This winsome restaurant, tucked behind Les Halles in the center of Narbonne, highlights a dizzying variety of regional wines. Chef Marc Schwall works with local products to create dishes that pair perfectly with the Languedoc wines. 4, Place Lamourguier, Tel: +33 04 68 32 96 45

Kathy Morton and Debra Fioritto, certified by Atout France as “France specialists,” are travel planners for New York-based Tour de Forks. Recipients of the Julia Child Endowment Fund Scholarship, they design personalized epicurean adventures in France. Past clients include Ina Garten of Food Network and Barefoot Contessa fame. Join Tour de Forks for an uncommon epicurean adventure in France. For more information, visit: www.tourdeforks.com. Tel: 212.327.3424