Wines, Lagoons and Fortified Villages

Saint-Gilles rose to prominence as a pilgrimage site in the 11th century, centered around the cult of Saint Giles. It became the fourth most important pilgrimage destination in the Christian world, after Rome, Jerusalem, and Santiago de Compostela. Today, its magnificent abbey church,listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site,is well worth a visit, along with the Romanesque House Museum.

In the heart of the Camargue, meet herds of free-roaming bulls and horses. Visit a local ranch to learn about the work of the “manadier” and his guardians.

At the heart of the Camargue Gardoise, near the Costières vineyards, Gallician offers access to the Scamandre Nature Reserve with boardwalk trails through the marshes.

Dock your boat beneath the majestic 13th-century ramparts of Aigues-Mortes, a fortified medieval town between land and sea. Stroll through its 1,640-meter-long walls with five towers, including the famous Constance Tower. Discover its religious heritage, taste a glass of “Vin de Sable” on a sunny terrace, or try the local fougasse bread. Nature lovers will be captivated by the pink waters of the Aigues-Mortes salt marshes.

Only 6 km from Aigues‑Mortes’ river port. Though navigation via rental boats isn't allowed in the channel, you can cycle along the canal. Le Grau‑du‑Roi is mainly known for its Plage de l’Espiguette,a 10 km stretch of sandy beach with 12‑m dunes, evoking a “beach at the end of the world.” The seaside resort offers family-friendly activities: visit the harbour and old lighthouse, enjoy nautical sports, visit the Seaquarium, maritime museum, Palais de la Mer, and the Salins du Midi salt ponds.

Canal jousting and seaside village charm Nestled between the Mediterranean and wild lagoons, this fishing village still retains its old-world charm. Watch the morning ionic spectacle of fishermen unloading their catch and don’t miss the famous Languedoc-style joute nautiques (boat jousting) tournaments. Nearby attractions include the humorous Albert Dubout museum, a steam-train museum, and a casino.

In Sète, the Rhône to Sète Canal joins the waters of the Thau Lagoon. Nestled at the foot of Mont Saint-Clair and connected to the mainland by two sandy strips, the town charms visitors with its canal-lined districts and colorful facades. From the Thau Lagoon to the Mediterranean, fishermen, sailors, and oyster farmers keep this maritime city vibrant. From the heights of the Quartier Haut to Pointe Courte with its tiny clustered houses, and along the quays, discover historic and modern Sète: the Richelieu Citadel, the International Museum of Modest Arts, the Georges Brassens Center, and the famous water jousting on the royal canal. While there, expand your culinary vocabulary by sampling local specialties like tielle, macaronade, monkfish tray, cuttlefish stew, zezettes, and fescati on sunny restaurant terraces.

Near Port Cassafières and Portiragnes, you cruise through wetlands. Whether walking along the nature trail or from your boat, keep your eyes open,you’ll spot various migratory birds like flamingos and grey herons. In this Camargue-like landscape, you may also see herds of Camargue horses and bulls. For horseback exploration, stop at the Ranch Les Gaillardels by the Canal du Midi. Thrill-seekers can visit Azimut Aventures (within walking distance from Port Cassafières) for tree climbing or canyoning. To relax afterward, enjoy a swim at Portiragnes-Plage (4 km away).

Vias embodies the charm of typical Mediterranean villages, with its circular layout, colorful facades, and quaint streets full of architectural heritage: ramparts, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, and the former Bishops of Agde’s residence. Families can access the seaside resort of Vias-Plage or end the day at Europark,the largest fixed funfair in France,with 80 attractions set right by the canal.