• Pézenas, historic town
    Provided by: Office de Tourisme Cap d'Agde Méditerranée: D. Meaux

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Cap d'Agde: a marina in the Mediterranean

Cap d'Agde: a marina in the Mediterranean

The Cap d’Agde is a large marina on the Mediterranean made up of small basins, where life is punctuated with regattas, competitions and nautical events such as the Salon Nautique in autumn during All Saints weekend. It features state-of-the-art equipment in a protected environment. It offers 3.300 stands and can accommodate boats from 6 to 35 metres. The port of the Cap d’Agde is Blue Pavilion certified (the eco-label which guarantees the quality of water) and the flagship port of the Odyssea project for the development of sustainable marine industries, targeting ecotourism, river tourism and culture.
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The crafts of restoring heritage and theatre

The crafts of restoring heritage and theatre

The Métiers d'Art centre of Pézenas was designed around the theme of restoring heritage through wood, iron and stone crafts and, as necessary for Molière, the crafts of the theatre. Restoration crafts are essentially stonework, metalwork and woodwork with artisans that have labels allowing them to work on the restoration of historical monuments. Theatre crafts are currently located in Agde with a prop person who was trained at the Comédie Française. Other trades relate to restoring heritage such as gilding with fine gold, restoring paintings, creating and restoring stained-glass windows, and restoring antique furniture and upholstery.
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Medieval heritage destination

Medieval heritage destination

Most of our towns and villages have a mediaeval origin; we find elements of this heritage in Agde (piece of ramparts and cathedral), Pézenas (Tower of Peyrat, Faugères gate), at Vias (old dwelling), Castelnau de Guers (the Castle), Saint-Thibéry (the abbey), the circular villages of Saint-Pons de Mauchiens, Caux, Nézignan l’Evêque and Nizas. The rural chapels of Saint-Jean de Bébian, Saint-Martin de la Garrigue, Saint-Martin de Conas and Saint-Adrien d’Adissan bear witness to this past, together with the fortified mills of Roquemengarde and Conas or the painted ceilings of the Brignac hotel in Montagnac.
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Classical heritage destination

Classical heritage destination

The end of the French Wars of Religion gave way to a period of peace and prosperity in France. For many towns, this meant that the mediaeval walls were gradually abandoned to make room for expansion, with the development of promenades and avenues. The mediaeval fairs of Pézenas and Montagnac still held a strong passion and the richness of these cities resulted in the construction of many residences that can still be seen today. Agde saw a similar boom and its residences were built in basalt; this was also the case in Vias and Portiragnes. The churches are decorated with altarpieces (Pomérols, Pézenas) and furniture. You can discover these treasures with guided tours and a free tour map and audio text.
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Nature-loving and ecologically responsible

Nature-loving and ecologically responsible

Cap d’Agde is increasingly active in favour of ecology with the Bagnas National Nature Reserve, "Les Posidonies du Cap d’Agde" (Cap d'Agde Posidonia) a Natura 2000 Preserved Marine Park, beach protection, green routes and a network of cycle tracks. Its Beach Quality Plan guarantees clean bathing water and coastlines in Cap d’Agde. Neighbouring Vias and Portiragnes, Pézenas and Saint-Pons de Mauchiens are also working to preserve endangered species and wetlands. With the wetland of Grande Maïre in Portiragnes or the nature reserve of Roque-Haute between Agde and Béziers. Do you know that bats have a Natura 2000 protected area in Pézenas and that the lesser kestrel now only nests in Saint-Pons de Mauchiens. At Bagnas, there are 250 protected bird species: stilts, ducks, flamingos, herons, birds of prey and other migratory birds...
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The protected sector of Pézenas

The protected sector of Pézenas

A jewel of architecture, with various facets of the Middle Ages (a mediaeval Jewish quarter), Renaissance, but above all, 17th-century architecture, including many residences nestled into the streets of bygone age. It’s a town inhabited by the ghosts of Molière, the Prince of Conti and many others, and currently home to craftsmen, artists and entertainers. Three theatres continue Molière’s tradition while also showing modern creations, with cultural festivals throughout the year.
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The Canal du Midi

The Canal du Midi

Inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO the canal can be discovered from the water at the slow pace of a floating barge or during a wonderful walk along its shady banks. You'll discover the only round lock, also made of basalt, with 3 different levels of water; a technical feat built in the 17th century. In Vias, the Ouvrages du Libron (Works of Libron) are a technical feat that ease the flow of water into the sea. At Portiragnes, the Canal is bordered by 4 km of cycle paths, and joins the towns with the beach. It passes through a unique natural area inhabited by birds, bulls and Camargue horses. Boat rentals, canal boat trips, floating guestrooms, you have such a wide range of options to discover the Canal du Midi in your own way. In summer, the music cruises departing from Vias or Adge let you discover the canal with music and wine tasting.
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The vineyard of Hérault Méditerranée

The vineyard of Hérault Méditerranée

Wine growing is present throughout Cap d’Agde and its wines can be tasted in local villages in the Hérault-Méditerranée area along the "Wine Growers' and Fishermen's Route". These are more than 90 cellars and wineries to welcome you throughout the year. Vinocap, the largest open-air wine tourism exhibition in the south of France, will be held on Cap d'Agde's quayside on Ascension weekend, on the quays of Cap d'Agde. In the summer, the “Estivales” of Pézenas take place on Friday nights from late June to late August for you to discover the wines of AOC Pézenas, with an open-air festive atmosphere.
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Leisure and amusement parks

Leisure and amusement parks

In Cap d’Agde Mediterranean, everything has been designed for a holiday with family or friends. Safe beaches, the chance to enjoy all kinds of activities under the water, on the water, in the trees, along bike paths, along the Canal du Midi, in the forest and even in the air. To name a few: Europark, Aqualand, Dino-Land, Cactus Park, Forêt d’Acrobates, Agd’Aventures, Azimut Aventure…. Beach clubs and entertainment in the accommodation are there for everyone, and especially children, to enjoy their holiday to the full. In the evening, young and old alike come together at the local fairs. Young people can enjoy the nightlife thanks to the many bars and clubs in Cap d’Agde Mediterranean.
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Destination for wellness

Destination for wellness

For wellness, choose Cap d’Agde Mediterranean. You’ll be choosing a protected land of natural spaces, a coastline stretching across... km of well-kept beaches and a high-quality marine environment that for 30 years has been greatly cared for. Every year, there is a wide range of treatments available in relaxation, wellness and beauty facilities. Fitness centres, spas and masseurs offer their services by the seaside or in the towns and vineyard villages. With intimate spas in the best hotels, high-end open-air facilities and high-tech aquatic centres, you can enjoy a cocooning ambiance, cosy surroundings, a sporty or zen atmosphere, with children or without!....the choice is yours with these high-quality services. Here are a few ideas to get started: Balnéocap, Spa Farret, Archipelago the City of Water Aquatic Centre and Spa, Beaumont-Spa, Palmyra Beauté at Hotel Palmyra, Natureva Spa, the Spa of Hotel de la Distillerie.
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20th century heritage destination

20th century heritage destination

The Cap d’Agde has a “20th century heritage” label, a distinction that honours buildings and major urban centres built between 1900 and 1975. Built in the 1970s by Jean Couteur a great seaman, lover of the sea and founding architect, “Port Saint-Martin” will be the first district of the seaside resort to take off as part of “Mission Racine” (a government project for the seaside tourist development of Languedoc-Roussillon). A great port opened out to the sea and a flagship site to explore.
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Ancient heritage destination

Ancient heritage destination

The Musée de l’Ephèbe of underwater archaeology of Cap d’Agde is unique in France, it displays treasures once swallowed up by Adge's waterway: rivers, lakes and sea. All these objects, which include the most important collection of bronze statues found in situ bear witness to the town's past wealth and charm. Pinet features a section of the old Roman road, Via Domitia. You can walk on a small section of the road and look at the explanatory panels. Elements of the former Oppidum d’Aumes (former proto-historique habitat) can be seen in the small church in the village square. Excavations have uncovered a Roman villa on the site of the Auribelle, not far from Pézenas. A sarcophagus was found in Castelnau-de-guers, a copy of which can be seen at the Town Hall.
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Nature destination

Nature destination

Some nature reserves and wetlands can only be explored with guides in order to preserve their rich fauna and flora. They are true havens of peace and serenity, where the birdsong is all you can hear. Armed with binoculars or a camera, you can catch a rare moment. If you're keen to find out about the marine environment and discover its flora and fauna, you have various options: diving is available from age 5 upwards, a trip in an eco-friendly catamaran or out at sea, an underwater trail... For those who are passionate about the forest, you can enjoy the tree-top trails at a height of 1m to 15 m at 3 different sites.
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Wine destination

Wine destination

The Languedoc region has been producing wine since Antiquity and the field of winemaking has continued to this day with men and women who are proud of their profession, which is also their passion. Come and meet them in their wineries and cellars! They have endless knowledge about their vines, cultivation method (organic, sustainable or biodynamic), wine and production. They are present at certain events: Vinocap, Estivales, evening events and winemaker markets Some of them host photo exhibitions or have theatre performances in their cellars. Come and knock on the doors of the 93 winemakers who welcome in the public! Some were born here, others come from far away. Karen Turner-Pageot, a winemaker in the St-Jean de Bebian domain in Pézenas received the “Sakura Women's Wine Award” for best winemaker of 2017. Others come from Russia and have invested in our vineyards. Now, thanks to everyone’s effort, Cap d’Agde Mediterranean wines have gained international acclaim and are exported all over the world.
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