"From the 10th to the 13th centuries, this powerful and independent region ruled most of southern France between the Rhone River and the Pyrenees mountains. The brutal Albigensian (Cathar) Crusades began here in 1208 and ultimately led to Languedoc's demise and eventual incorporation into the state of France.

The name languedoc comes from the langue (language) its people spoke: Langue d'oc ("language of Oc," Oc for the way they said "yes") was the dialect of southern France; langue d'oil was the dialect of northern France (where oil, later to become oui, was the way of saying "yes"). As Languedoc's power faded, so did its language.

The Moors, Charlemagne, and the Spanish have all called this area home. You'll see, hear, and feel the strong Spanish influence. I'm lumping Aibi in with the Languedoc region, though locals don't think of it as true Languedoc.

While sharing many of the same attributes as Provence(climate, wind, grapes, and sea), this sunny, intoxicating, south-westernmost region of France is allocated little time by most travelers. Pay homage to Toulouse-Lautrec in Aibi; spend anight in Europe's greatest fortress city, Carcassonne; scamper up a remote Cathar castle; and sift the sand in Collioure."