Gourmet products
In the five departments of the Languedoc, gastronomy is king. Symbol of the generosity of its chefs, it is distilled in products, of more or less long conservation, which can be brought back after a stay in the region.
The honey. We can already underline that Languedoc-Roussillon is an important honey producer. Because of the diversity of the environments and their layering, many varieties of honey can be produced, especially since many beekeepers practice transhumance. There are many names: honey from the Cevennes, the Causses, Mont-Lozère, Roussillon... If your trip takes you to Narbonne, the best thing to do is to bring back one of these jars. The local honey distinguishes itself from its neighbors thanks to its very fine texture and its color close to white. Very old, it was considered the most famous honey in France between the 12th and 20th centuries. The other emblematic product that is easy to preserve, and therefore to bring back, is without a doubt the olive oil. One can hardly do better as a representative of the south! After having walked through the fields of olive trees and contemplated a good number of mills still in activity, you will be tempted - and rightly so - to bring back an extract of these local productions.
Some sweets from the Languedoc region may also be suitable, notably the Grisettes de Montpellier. A mixture of honey and licorice, these small round sweets, specialties of the Languedoc capital, date back to the Middle Ages. According to some historians, the recipe was found in an old grimoire. In Pézenas, we will bet more on the famous berlingot. Unlike its contemporaries, the one of the city of Piscénoise is rather rectangular or oval, striped with alternately translucent or opaque bands. One finds some with all the flavours.
As for the cookie, you will love the caladon, a honey and almond based tile, in the Gard, and more precisely in Nîmes. In Roussillon, it is the rousquilles that you should bring back. This small Catalan cake, delicately flavored with anise and lemon zest, is the emblematic pastry of Northern Catalonia. If the Americans, with their donuts, have managed to copy the shape, the secret of the recipe remains untouched.
Otherwise, you can also stop by one of the many bakeries in the region before leaving, to offer your loved ones fresh products such as regional cakes or local brioche. For example, if you are in Béziers, you will be tempted to bring back a Biterroise, the local brioche. Flavored with orange blossom, this delicacy is filled with apple marmalade or custard. Béziers also disputes the paternity of a speciality attributed to the city of Molière: the small pâtés of Pézenas. This historic recipe was brought to Béziers in the middle of the 18th century by the Indian cooks of Lord Clive, Viceroy of India, who was resting in Pézenas. Unusual, this famous sweet and salty preparation is made of minced mutton with brown sugar, a combination that cannot be found anywhere else. In theAude, you can bet on the millas, a typical cake of the West of the Aude made with corn flour. Similar to a big thick pancake, it is finished at home, in an oiled frying pan. Otherwise the limos will also do very well. Speciality of Limoux, this brioche historically prepared for Epiphany is covered with candied fruits and filled with cream. Finally, in the Gard region, you can't resist bringing back a fougasse fromAigues-Mortes, a beautiful brioche made of light dough flavored with lemon and orange blossom.When it comes to liquids, you will be spoiled for choice. The region's wine list covers an impressive array of brightly colored products, which you'll find in vineyards and multiple cellars. Ask for advice, they will find your happiness. Otherwise, try a Noilly-Prat, a Frontignan or a Carthagène, typical spirits of the Languedoc.
Beautiful objects
If the region is a champion in terms of gastronomy, other purchases, which do not depend on greediness, are possible: postcard, artwork by a local artist, instrument typical of the region (Languedoc oboe, flaviol...), etc.
Otherwise you can also fall for one of the tourist elements that make up the richness of this environment. For example, on the Carcassonne side, you will be recommended to visit the many medieval-inspired souvenir shops. They will allow you to buy, for the youngest as well as for the others, knight's costumes, rare objects and thematic books.
As for local know-how, everything will depend on your appetites. In Perpignan, among all the specialities, garnet jewellery seems to be the most emblematic. With their pretty red stone mounted on a golden support, they are good representatives of the region. More unusual, and surely less expensive, are the whips of Sorède, the international capital of the whip and the whip made of hackberry wood. This unique speciality in the world will enchant riders. With the same wood, a craftsman from the Gardois region of France makes Sauve forks, rare objects that are part of the regional heritage.
In the Catalan region, you can't miss the weavings and espadrilles. Catalan weaving is an old tradition that developed especially in the 19th century. Stripes, geometrically patterned friezes, predominantly red, are the main characteristics of this production, which is still made in two workshops in Saint-Laurent-de-Cerdans and Arles-sur-Tech. The fabric, very resistant, is used to make the deckchair canvas and linen of table ; it is also naturally found on the famous espadrilles, Catalan sandals with rope soles, essential for any sardana dancer worthy of the name. In the shops of both workshops, you can buy some nice items: tea towels, bibs, bottle aprons, tablecloths and towels.
