Great Things to Do Near La Plage
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.
Hit the beach!
With the beach literally at the end of your street, we think this is where you will spend a lot of your holiday! It's a lovely stretch of sand with a few cafes and restaurants nearby along the seafront. Take your gear and set up for the day, or just nip for a quick swim before breakfast.
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).
Discover Agde
Agde is the second oldest city in France, with an attractive old centre to stroll around. Its nickname ‘La Perle Noire’ (the Black Pearl) references the distinctive local black volcanic rock used in the construction of its historic buildings. The Hérault river runs through the centre of the town with a pleasant waterfront.
The Canal du Midi starts in Agde
Built in the 17th century, this is the world’s oldest commercial canal, recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site. It stretches 240km to Toulouse, where it joins the Canal de Garonne, thus linking the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean. Boat trips and tours run along the canal, and there is a shaded cycleway and footpath beside it.
Walking and cycling
Bike hire is available in Cap d'Agde and there is plenty of opportunity for cycling (or walking) around the cape with great sea views, or 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.
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.
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.
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.
Day out in Pézenas
This town just inland of Agde is an utterly charming place with much of historic interest, and a lovely atmosphere thanks in part to its antiques and arty shops. Stop for refreshments in one of the many cafes, find an interesting souvenir in a brocante shop, and discover the playwright Molière's connection to the town at the local museum.
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.
