Cap d’Agde

Feel Cap d’Agde with our top 5 sensory experiences…

See the medieval fortress in Agde, an ancient town with Greek origins

Hear the calls of 250 species of migrant birds at the Réserve Naturelle du Bagnas

Smell the centuries-old pine trees shading the beautiful La Tamarissière beach

Taste oysters, mussels and razor clams at the Thau basin oyster farms

Touch the sea-growing Posidonia plant during a dive in the extraordinary ‘Natura 2000’ protected marine area.

Situated at the meeting point of the Canal du Midi and Hérault rivers with the Mediterranean, Cap d’Agde offers a window onto the real, hidden and authentic south of France and is part of a vine-cloaked area that extends to neighbouring Pézenas and the Val d’Hérault. Historic towns and characterful villages have sprung up along the length of the River Hérault, making Cap d’Agde a great place to base yourself to experience the whole area, easily accessible from the airport at Béziers.

Bird enthusiasts will be in their element at the Réserve Naturelle du Bagnas with its 250 species of migrant birds, while families will enjoy exploring the Sentier underwater trail along the volcanic cliffs and numerous leisure activities on offer at the 11 beaches of this family-friendly resort. The protected marine area ‘Posidonia Cap d'Agde Natura 2000’ covers an area of 6,000 hectares, harbouring important natural resources such as the Posidonia plant and the Coralligène underwater ecosystem – this is a great place to make your first dive. And if you’re a history buff, you’ve come to the right place – Cap d’Agde boasts an extraordinary 2,600 years of history. It forms a seaside cluster with Agde, an ancient town of Greek origin with a medieval fortress; le Grau d'Agde, a traditional fishing village; and La Tamarissière, a beautiful beach in the shade of a centuries-old forest of maritime pines. In the surrounding area, the Ville d’Art et d’Histoire of Pézenas and the fortified medieval town of Carcassonne are well worth a visit.

Foodies and wine lovers should follow the Route des Vignerons et des Pêcheurs winding its way through olive groves and vineyards; sample excellent crus in cool wine cellars, and oysters, mussels and razor clams in the salty air of the Thau basin oyster farms. If you prefer fresh water to the sea, the new Archipel aquatic centre and balneotherapy centres will be welcome retreats – and there’s always golf and tennis. Come nightfall it’s party time in Cap d’Agde, where evenings can be spent with friends on the quaysides and in the casino and nightclubs. And from Easter to October there are festivals and traditional celebrations, concerts, regattas and water jousting tournaments to enjoy.

Cap d’Agde