Traveling Lite: Languedoc

Although it sometimes plays like Rick Steves-lite, the series Traveling Lite, hosted by Brad Thor, offers enough off the beaten path sights to warrant a look from both novice and seasoned travelers hungry for new destinations. I watched the episode on Languedoc, which is located in the south of France. Beginning at Nimes, "France's Roman city," Thor points out some of the most beautifully preserved Roman architecture outside of Italy, including the Pont du Gard, a stunning 1st century bridge (that attracts 1.5 million visitors each year); the city's huge (seats 23,000) amphitheater; and the Maison Carree, a temple built to honor Emperor Augustus' adopted sons. In addition to Nimes, the program travels to the college city of Montpelier (where evening rollerblading is a big hit), pops in to look at the non-lethal bullfights at Aigues-Mortes, and ponders the fate of the Cathars at Carcassonne (during the Inquisition, the question of how to recognize the heretics was met with the response, "kill them all; God will know his own"). Although Thor (whose charm button occasionally seems turned up one notch too high) generally opts for breadth over depth--this is a true whirlwind tour with no onscreen text providing place names--the video does a creditable job of not only pointing out the attractions but genuinely whetting viewers' appetites to go and see the sights for themselves. It should be noted that the series is underwritten by Rail Europe Group, and includes expected endorsements of rail travel, but the promo is general, brief, and relatively unobtrusive. Recommended. Other titles in the 13 part series are: Athens & The Greek Islands; Barcelona, Spain; Berlin, Germany; Budapest, Hungary; Geneva, Switzerland; Lisbon, Portugal; Lucerne, Switzerland; Madrid, Spain; Rome, Italy; Venice, Italy; Aquitaine Region & Bordeaux, France and The Salzkammergut Region & Salzburg. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)