Europe's hottest new gay holiday destination - close to Montpellier in the south of France

“This Cinderella of the south was once overshadowed by gorgeous Provence and the brash Côte d’Azur. Now, she stands as their equal, displaying a discreet charm that her more-visited siblings lost long ago."

 

 

The Languedoc region in the south of France is fast becoming one of Europe’s most popular gay holiday destinations. Montpellier is recognised by the French as the ‘San Francisco of France’ - the country’s second gay city, and home to a vibrant bar, café, restaurant and sauna scene. The region’s beautiful beaches, with their fine sand and hip beach clubs, attract gay men from all over France and Europe every summer.

 

The Languedoc region is the south of France as it ought to be - unspoilt, wild, beautiful and not (yet) ruined by over-development. Superb weather (over 300 days of sunshine a year), gorgeous and rugged landscapes dotted with pretty wine-making villages, and miles and miles of sandy beaches make it the perfect place to escape the pressures of modern life.

 

To explore the best that Languedoc has to offer - use the map to the right. Simply hover your mouse over the 'attractions'.

 

Unlike a lot of gay guest houses that are only open during the summer, we're open most of the year. Languedoc benefits from over 300 days of sunshine a year, so you're very likely to get sunny weather while you're here - even if you come in winter. Each season has it's pros and cons - so here's a summary of what each time of year offers:

 

SPRING: March - May

Cool - to warm, sunny with some showers. Flowers everywhere - almond and cherry blossom, broom, poppies... Clear air - with views of the snow-capped Pyrénéss. Great for walks, sightseeing, seafood on the coast, wine tasting. Fewer crowds, so easier to get around. Cinq & Sept's pool is heated from May 1st.

 

SUMMER: June - September

Warm then very hot. Perfect for swimming. August gets very busy - with holiday makers pouring in from all over Europe. Beaches very busy. Lots going on, such as outdoor concerts & wine tastings.

 

 

 

 

AUTUMN: October - December

Warm then cool. Very sunny with some rainy days. But the rain never lasts long. Vines turn red, orange and gold - absolutely stunning, as the vines stretch as far as the eye can see. Quieter - so easier to get to beaches. Perfect for sightseeing, wine tasting, walks, biking. Cinq & Sept's pool is heated in October.

 

WINTER: January - February

Sunny but cold. Not much rain. Beaches completely empty - so perfect for long walks, and seafood on the coast. Very quiet and tranquil. Drive to the Pyrénées for a day of skiing.

Roujan is the biggest and buzziest of the small wine-making villages that encircle Pézenas. The village's 'raison d'être' is wine - vineyards spread out as far as the eye can see, and much of the populace is involved in the growing and harvesting of grapes and the production of the 'Coteaux du Languedoc' vintages produced here.

 

The village offers two excellent bakeries, two supermarkets, two butchers, a pharmacy, post office, ATM and two café / bars. Roujan also gives you easy access to superb walks (through the vines or 'garrigue') and bike rides (we can lend you bikes). There's also a village tennis court should you fancy a game - and we'd be happy to lend you racquets and balls.

 

Pézenas was once the capital of Languedoc, back in the 1600s. Today, evidence of the town's past importance is visible everywhere - in the impressive, stone-carved façades of the town's buildings - decorated with gargoyles, ornate balconies and heavy wooden doors.

 

Hugely popular with holiday makers and residents alike,  Pézenas has always proven a big hit with our gay friends - with its maze of interesting shops, good restaurants, and on-street cafés. The Saturday morning market is now legendary, and a great place to sample scores of local cheeses, tapenades and charcuterie.

Languedoc's beaches tend to be huge - long and deep, with fine sand (rather than the pebbly beaches of the Cote d'Azur). Most have a 'gay section' and many are naturist - and 'dune-action' can be found behind most beaches should you be looking for it.

 

A number of 'beach clubs' spring up each year along many of Languedoc's beaches, attracting both local  gay men - and those on holiday. They offer excellent food, drinks brought to your sun lounger, and even massages - and turn into night clubs - replete with DJs, lights and the latest music.

 

Languedoc's cuisine offers our gay visitors the country's best oysters and seafood, and typically down-to-earth country recipes featuring lots of pork, duck, olive oil, salads and chèvre cheese.

 

You'll find a wide range of restaurants in the area - from elegant 'chichi' bistros to friendly village cafés (our favourite offers 3-courses and wine for only €12.50!) to seafood restaurants overlooking the Med.

 

Languedoc's markets are also an Aladdin's cave for any food-lover, piled high with locally-grown olives, creamy chèvre cheeses, fresh vegetables and fruit (always seasonal), and lots of fresh fish.

 

The capital of Languedoc, Montpellier, is only 50 minutes' drive away, and is France's 2nd gay city after Paris. It offers lots of great gay bars and cafés, and a couple of good saunas.

 

Every summer, thousands of gay holiday makers from Paris and the north travel down to hit the coast. Most beaches have a gay 'area' - typically within or beyond the naturist section. Many are backed by dunes that offer all sorts of adventure.

 

The region's smaller cities, Nîmes, Perpignan, Béziers, Narbonne and Carcassonne all have their own gay bars and saunas - and of course, Barcelona is only 3 hours by car or train away, should you want to do some really serious clubbing.