Great Things to Do Near Archway
Discover Pézenas
Take a leisurely stroll around your local town, an utterly charming place with much of historic interest, and a lovely atmosphere thanks in part to its antiques and arty shops. Stop for a drink or lunch in one of the many cafés and restaurants.
Taste the local wines
In such a key wine-growing area, it would be almost a crime not to sample some Languedoc wines during your visit! You can even take a vineyard tour to see a little behind the scenes and meet the vintners.
Game set match!
There are tennis courts in Pézenas. Don't forget to bring your racquets with you!
Day at the beach
With its 6km of fine sand, family-friendly Marseillan-Plage can be reached within half an hour. Just along the coast, Agde is a pretty town and popular seaside resort with several beaches, and also a large water park which might be a draw especially for the younger members of your party!
The harbour town of Sète
Head down to Sète, where an authentic fishing village feel prevails. Unusually perched on a narrow strip of land between a large enclosed lagoon and the wide Mediterranean, with a canal between the two passing through the town, there seems to be water everywhere you look! Unsurprisingly therefore it is nicknamed the 'Venice of the Languedoc'. Drawbridges and swing bridges cross the canalways which are lined by colourful buildings, and it is fascinating to watch the comings and goings of the brightly painted boats around the fishing port and the pleasure craft in the marina. Maritime traditions have survived here, and a famous sailing festival is held in April, called Escale à Sète.
Walking and cycling
Bike hire is available in Pézenas and there is plenty of opportunity for cycling as well as walking in the surrounding countryside, which is characterised by rows of vines. Families will find easy-going routes suitable for all ages alongside the Canal du Midi.
A picture postcard walled city
As you approach Carcassonne, the sight of the medieval cité sitting atop its hill guarded by multi-tower ramparts won't fail to inspire. This superbly restored fortified town is a real delight to behold, with its fairytale turrets and cobbled streets full of boutique shops and inviting restaurants. It also has a dramatic history to discover, with stories of siege and tragedy as well as trade and prosperity. For all these reasons, it is deservedly popular, so we recommend getting there early in the day.
Market day
Every Saturday morning, local traders set up their stalls in Pézenas for the large weekly market, a riot of colour and activity. Browse the wares, taste some regional specialities, and buy fresh produce for your meals back at the villa.
Get to know Molière
Pézenas has a special connection to the playwright, Molière, who spent time here with his travelling theatre company. A festival celebrating his works is held every year in June. You will come across various mentions of Molière around the town, including his famous armchair which can be seen in the Vulliod Saint Germain museum.
Visit Narbonne
Take a day trip to this attractive and interesting city which was once a seaport but now lies about 15km inland due to centuries of silt pushing the shoreline out. However, the Canal de la Robine offers a pleasant waterside setting for a stroll. After working up an appetite, the large covered marketplace, Les Halles, is a great place for soaking up the atmosphere whilst sampling some tasty morsels. In the afternoon, take in the sights which include a partially built cathedral, the medieval bishop’s palace with museum and art gallery, and the Horreum, a Roman underground warehouse.
Water sports
... can be enjoyed on the coast at Cap d'Agde (sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddling, canoeing, kayaking, jet-skiing and rubber ring tow rides) or on the lake at Marseillan (canoeing & kayaking, boat hire).
Face to face with dinosaurs...
The 'Musée des Dinosaures' near Mèze makes for a fun day out, an 'open air museum' which feels more like an animal sanctuary with different dinosaurs to discover in a natural setting. It is open every afternoon.
If you have a taste for adventure...
Perhaps particularly to keep your older children and teenagers entertained, but anyone with a taste for adventure can head for the Gout d'Aventure activity centre about 12km east of Pézenas. They offer archery sessions, a ‘Go Ape’ style treetop obstacle course with rope bridges etc. and more adventurous sports such as canyoning, canoeing, rafting, mountain biking, via ferrata, climbing and caving.
Amusements and theme parks
At Marseillan-Plage there are several attractions on the same site, including Pirateland water park, mini-golf, go-karting, a paintball and laser game centre, and an evening amusement park with funfair rides.
Teeing off
Keen golfers can try the 18 hole course at Golf Saint Thomas near Béziers, or the 27 holes at Cap d’Agde.
Birdwatching
The Etang du Bagnas is a small but lovely lake nature reserve which is good for birdwatching. There are limited routes accessible on foot or by bike through the reserve, or you can stop at the viewpoint just outside of Marseillan Ville.
In and around St Guilhem le Désert
The medieval town of St Guilhem le Désert is well worth a visit for its lovely setting, its Romanesque abbey and its ruined castle. And in nearby St Jean de Fos, you can visit the Argileum (a pottery museum) and La Grotte de la Clamouse - either take a guided tour through the caves to see the superb stalacmites and stalagtites, or explore via zip lines and tightropes!
