Languedoc-Roussillon

A pleasant canal shaded by hackberries, populated by swans and lined with noble private residences leads from the fountain garden to square Antonin. — Michelin Guide

The glass-fronted Carrée d'Art (directly opposite the Maison Carrée) was designed by British architect Sir Norman Foster as its neighbor's stark contemporary mirror. — Fodor's

Lovely and forlorn in the middle of a busy downtown square, this exquisitely preserved temple strikes a timeless balance between symmetry and whimsy, purity of line and richness of decoration. — Fodor's

This is as pure and well-preserved Roman temple as you will find anywhere in France. — Michelin Guide

this fascinating museum dedicated to the Roman world reveals the sewage systems in an Ancient Roman town, the Roman lifestyle, and detailed information regarding the construction of the Nîmes aqueduct. — Michelin Guide

The city’s fine-arts museum has a fairly pedestrian collection of Flemish, Italian and French works, although it’s worth a look for the fine Roman mosaic, Marriage of Admetus. — Lonely Planet

Housed in the 17th-century bishop's palace opposite the cathedral, this museum shows off garments embroidered in the exotic and vibrant style for which Nîmes was once famous. — Fodor's

The real draw in the ville basse, this museum houses a nice collection of porcelain, 17th- and 18th-century Flemish paintings, and works by local artists. — Fodor's

This shattered Roman ruin dates from the 2nd century BC. — Fodor's

One of the gems of the Pyrénées, this medieval abbey's sturdy, crenellated bell tower is visible from afar. — Fodor's

On the first floor, an exhibition dedicated to the Sète poet and philosopher Paul Valéry houses a display of first editions, manuscripts, water colours and drawings. — Michelin Guide

This museum blends contemporary works made of everyday objects and folk art; Argentine botanical artist Liliana Motta uses common plants and weeds from around the world to decorate the garden. — Travel + Leisure

Most of the items come from the ramparts of the walled town and show the prestigious past of the former capital of Gaul in Narbonne. — Michelin Guide

Now the Casa Pairal, a museum devoted to Catalan art and traditions, is housed here. — Fodor's

Note the frilly wrought-iron campanile and dramatic medieval crucifix on the Cathédrale St-Jean. — Fodor's

The Spanish influence is evident in Perpignan's leading monument, the fortified Palais des Rois de Majorque, begun in the 13th century by Jacques II of Majorca. — Fodor's