The long sandy beaches of the Languedoc and Roussillon coastlines contrast starkly with the Côte Vermeille (Ruby Coast), which has a craggy shoreline battered by the waves, with fishing ports and marinas tucked away in coves sheltered from the storms. The sea here seems to glint in every conceivable shade of blue. In Ancient times, this was the coast that was chosen on which to found small maritime cities; the 20C has made them tourist hubs. Will their authenticity and charm be safeguarded in the 21C?