A Pézenas itinerary should take advantage of the local wines, the beauty of the nearby coast as well as the hinterland, and a region proud of its long history.

Day 1: Soak Up the Renaissance

Pézenas remains architecturally steeped its 17th century past with few concessions to modern development. Wander through the old town, centered on the Place Gambetta, to admire magnificent stone archways, staircases, niches, and courtyards on streets whose names reveal their former economic activity - Old Cheese Shop Street, Old Tripe Shop Street, or Fair Street. The court-appointed 17th century playwright, Molière (the French Shakespeare), spent some of his formative days along with his theater troupe in Pézenas. A multimedia presentation at the Hôtel Peyrat traces the history of his life and work.

Day 2: Visit a Vineyard

Dozens of vineyards in the fields outside of Pézenas offer tastings. The Mediterranean climate gives the wines of the region a strong personality, especially the reds. The whites are good with the fish and seafood that arrives fresh daily from nearby fishing villages.

Day 3: Head for the Coast

Pézenas is a mere 12 miles off the Mediterranean coast with its sandy beaches, oyster beds, modern resorts (including one of Europe's largest nudist colonies in Cap d'Agde), and a scenic route starting at Sète that encircles the Bassin de Thau , a lagoon separated from the sea by a narrow spit of land.

Day 4: Head for the Hills

Take a hike in the rugged Parc Régional du Haut Languedoc or descend into the labyrinth of the Grotte des Desmoiselles to view spires of stalagmites and stalactites that create an underground fairyland. A hair-raising drive into the Cirque de Navacelles is recommended for the brave. This geological formation was created by an oxbow bend in the River Vis that eventually dried up leaving an "island" of sand and silt and some of the only arable land for miles around on the former river bed.

Day 5: Discover Urban Languedoc

The university town of Montpellier or its smaller sister, Béziers, each make good urban outings from sleepy Pézenas. The former is about 30 miles northeast, the latter 15 miles southwest.

Day 6: Float or Bike Along the Canal du Midi

Before the 17th century travelers wanting to get from France's Mediterranean region to the Atlantic coast had a dangerous 30-day sail around the Iberian Peninsula. The construction of the Canal du Midi shortened the trip by two-thirds and made it considerably safer. Today, barges leisurely ply the waters of the canal and bikers follow easy paths that parallel the canal.

Day 7: Carcassonne

A little further afield - about 60 miles from Pézenas - is the famed walled city and UNESCO World Heritage site of Carcassonne. Be sure to get a good view of the city from afar where the impact of its remarkable medieval architecture is best appreciated.