Languedoc-Roussillon Road Network and Travel
Let's take the most of the South West of France and travel to Languedoc-Roussillon by car! Driving throughout this region steeped in culture and history is indeed the best holiday deal.
Languedoc-Roussillon region is a very popular region in summer. Both French and foreign holidaymakers long for spending their holidays there. That is why you should pay attention to the road traffic while driving to this region in July or August because you could easily be stuck in traffic jams!
To reduce your waiting time on busy roads and motorways, you can check traffic conditions on Bison-Futé Website. The Regional Centre of Information and Coordination of Roads will inform the travellers about potential accidents, engineering works and weather conditions impairing driving. You can also tune in the Radio Traffic station on 107.7 for updated information.
Generally speaking, French motorways are much less congested than British ones, but the disadavantage is that French motorways are not free (belonging to private companies). You will indeed have to pay some fee at motorway tolls to use the preserved roads.
| Travelling to Languedoc-Roussillon by Road | |
|---|---|
| Main motorways | A9: connects Lyon with Barcelona, going through Nimes, Montpellier, Beziers, Narbonne and Perpignan. A61: from Toulouse to Carcassonne and Narbonne. A75: links Paris to the Mediterranean coast reaching Montpellier and Beziers surroundings. |
| **Distances*** | Driving distance from Paris to Nîmes: 712 km (7h20) Driving distance from Paris to Montpellier: 750 km (7h40) Driving distance from Paris to Perpignan: 880 km (8h50) Driving distance from Paris to Carcassonne: 768 km (7h50) |
| Useful contacts | Car Rental: https://www.hertz.fr, www.avis.fr, www.rentacar.fr, www.europcar.com, www.easycar.com Traffic Information: www.autoroutes-trafic.fr, www.infotrafic.com, www.bison-fute.equipement.gouv.fr Itineraries: |
Below are some tips, depending on the places where you want to go in Languedoc-Roussillon region:
- The cheapest way to drive to the South of France using motorways is to take the A75, which is still mostly free. Moreover, this motorway takes you into Languedoc-Roussillon region across the stunning Millau Viaduct. You can stop off at the bridge's visitors centre and get some pieces of information about its construction.
- If you're driving down to the Carcassonne, Narbonne or Perpignan areas (south of Languedoc-Roussillon region), we suggest you to use the A61 via Toulouse.
- Whichever motorway you choose to drive to this region, you can stop in Lyon, Toulouse, Nîmes or Béziers and take time to visit these wonderful cities.
