press kit - cap d'agde
TRANSCRIPT
LE CAP D’AGDELA CITÉ D’AGDELE GRAU D’AGDELA TAMARISSIÈRE
www.capdagde.com
PRESSKIT
The Best MediterraneanOF
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Quel fond pour les deux enfants ?Plage ? Ville ? Autre ?
4 DESTINATIONS
SO NATURE
100 % LEISURE
THE CALL OF THE OPEN SEAS
ROOTS AND THE LOCAL REGION
CONTENTS
PRESS CONTACTLaurence RICHARDTel: +33 (0)4 67 01 03 84Mobile: +33 (0)6 12 70 69 68Fax: +33 (0)4 67 01 04 05 E-mail: [email protected]
www.capdagde.com
Office de Tourisme BP 544 - 34305 Le Cap d’Agde CedexTel: +33 (0)4 67 01 04 04 Fax: +33 (0)4 67 26 22 99E-mail: [email protected]
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4 DESTINATIONS
LE CAP D’AGDE 10 districts, 10 different atmospheres, and all the pleasures of the Mediterranean. Between the port and the beaches, Le Cap d’Agde offers several different holiday districts, whose architecture in the traditional colours of Languedoc villages blends harmoniously with the beauty of the natural environment.
LA TAMARISSIÈRESituated on the coast, opposite the Grau d’Agde, in the shade of a two-hundred-year-old pine forest, la Tamarissière is an oasis of peace and tranquillity in a preserved natural environment; the ideal place for holidays close to nature, right on the sea shore.
AGDE, THE GREEK CITYAs early as the 5th Century B.C., the Phocaeans and then the Greeks shaped the city of “Agathé Tyché” (Good Fortune). Over the centuries, thanks to maritime trade, Agde became a prosperous city, which today boasts 26 centuries of history and many archaeological treasures.
LE GRAU D’AGDEThe authentic charm of a traditional fishing village. Situated on the left bank of the River Hérault, this picturesque little village with a friendly family atmosphere has retained all the charm and colour of a traditional seaside resort; a bustling and authentic village.
Agde, a city of many facets. The city perimeter embraces the historic old town with 2,600 years of history and a remarkably rich architectural heritage, an internationally-renowned tourist resort and two traditional villages whose quality of life is the envy of all. These assets make Agde a truly unique city on the Mediterranean coast. It is a vibrant constellation of different areas: the historic centre of Agde, Le Cap d’Agde, Le Grau d’Agde, La Tamarissière.
300 DAYS OF SUN PER YEARIncluding 193 from March to October, with an average of 23 days in April, 24 in May, 26 in June, 29 in July, 26 in August and 24 in September. The temperatures are typically warm, with an average of 22°C in May and 25°C in September, and an average maximum of 29°C in July and August.
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4 DESTINATIONS
A VIBRANT CONSTELLATION OF DIFFERENT AREASTo preserve the quality of life and enable Agde to remain
the emblematic city that people cherish so deeply, the
City has developed an urban plan which respects the
area’s balance and promotes its heritage and natural
advantages.
The plan is based on two key priorities: promoting the
personality of each area while strengthening the overall
cohesion. As such, the qualities that form the identity of
each district are safeguarded and promoted, while
facilities and infrastructures are renovated and moder-
nised, to create uncluttered living areas where nature is
omnipresent and urbanisation controlled.
However, while the various districts must retain their
specific identity, they also need to be linked together to
develop overall community cohesion. This is the aim of
the green belt which is being created around the city.
This is also the objective sought through the major
facilities that have recently been built, or which are in
progress: multi-disciplinary healthcare centre, schools,
crèches, Court House and Legal Advice Centre, Water
Park, extension of the golf course from 18 to 27 holes,
etc.
All these various aspects are central to the plan, which
aims to preserve Agde’s high quality of life.
Agde (24,972 inhabitants as at 1st January 2013) is located at the crossroads of
major traffic routes between Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand, Toulouse and Barcelona.
Agde and its resorts are in a unique location in France, where freshwater meets sea water. The coat of arms of the city of Agde, first registered in 1697, combines the waves of the Mediterranean, the River Hérault and the Canal du Midi.
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THE CALL OF THE OPEN SEAS
WATER, AN ENDLESS SOURCE OF PLEASURE CAST OFF AND ENJOY THE MANY WATER SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES ON OFFER Sailing and cruises, boat hire, excur-
sions on the sea, the river and around
the port, sailing courses, fishing, scuba
diving, rowing, canoeing, donuting,
fly-fish rafting, jet skiing, kite-surfing,
wind-surfing, para-sailing, water-
skiing, stand-up paddle-boarding,
wake-boarding, etc.
ACTIVITIES UNUSUALTHE UNDERWATER TRAIL It follows the cliffs through shallow
ravines created by ancient volcanic
activity. This 400m trail is signposted
and allows you to discover under-
water wildlife, flora and landscapes
either by snorkelling or walking up to
your waist in water; the depth ranges
from 0 to 5 metres.
This unique, educational trail gives
you the ideal opportunity to take
your own underwater photos.
THE “TOES IN THE WATER” MORNINGS AT THE AQUARIUM They are aimed at young children.
The aim is to introduce them to the
sea world through a close-up expe-
rience of marine life.
A VOLCANIC DIVING SITEScuba diving is one of the many acti-
vities proposed by specialist clubs,
of which five are members of the
Group of Professional Diving Schools
of Le Cap d’Agde (GEPPCA). Created
in 2002, the GEPPCA promotes eco-
logical diving aimed at protecting
the environment and making divers
aware of basic rules to safeguard the
sites.
There are some ten diving sites,
suitable for children or adults, begin-
ners or experienced divers. They
enable you to discover the marine
life and flora that is specific to Le
Cap d’Agde, at depths ranging from
5 to 25 metres. It really is the ideal
place for beginner divers. On other
sites, you have to go down 20 metres
to find the species that can be seen
at a depth of just 5 metres here.
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A UNIQUE MARITIME HERITAGETHE “BRESCOU FORT”has been listed on the French sup-
plementary Historic Monuments
Inventory since 1981. It is situated on
the only volcanic island in the Gulf
of Lions, just 1,500 metres from the
coast. Originally built in 1586, then
destroyed on the order of Louis XIII,
it was rebuilt in 1680 based on plans
designed by Vauban. In the 18th
Century, it was used as a State prison
until 1851.
HIGH QUALITY NAUTICAL FACILITIESA MARINA of 4,100 berths divided between
three entities proposes a comprehen-
sive range of services: the port of Le
Cap d’Agde (3,100 berths), Port
Ambonne (300 berths), and the
banks of the River Hérault (700 berths).
THE NAUTICAL CENTRE It's the rallying point for lovers of the
sea and nautical activities: lessons,
rentals (in school holidays), club and
training.
A modern and varied fleet of boats
is available for nautical activities
for people of every level and age,
whether for individuals, groups, or
families. The centre has the “French
Sailing School” label and provides
intensive courses taught by a quali-
fied team. They manage all types of
courses, from introductory to
advanced lessons, individual lessons
or occupational training.
The Nautical Centre has the “South
of France Tourism” and “National
Tourism Quality” labels.
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Since 1987, the “Pavil-lon Bleu” (Blue flag) has been hoisted above the marina. This environmental label
guarantees the quality of the water. The port also has the “Ports Propres en Languedoc-Roussillon” (Clean Ports of Languedoc-Roussillon) label. It is also ISO 14001 certified, testifying to the port’s continuous improvement in environmental management, and ISO 9001 certi-fied, for quality management.
NAUTICAL HIGHLIGHTS*
Spring:• French Sailing Federation
Championship • Fun Explorers Objective Atlantis
(photo treasure hunt underwater)• French Jet skiing Championship • ‘Week-end Bleu” (Introduction
to various nautical activities)
Summer:• Sea Festival
• Illumination of Brescou Fort• Unidentified Floating Objects
World Championship
Autumn: • Autumn Nautical Fair• Festival of sound and images at sea
Throughout the year: • Regattas
* Selection
Le Cap d’Agde has the “FRANCE
STATION NAUTIQUE” (French
nautical resort) label, certifying the
quality and safety of the nautical
activities organised.
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SO NATURE
14 KM OF BEACHES
11 supervised beaches stretch for 14 kilometres along
the coast (including 1 naturist beach). The advantage of
this long beach front is that there is always a beach near
the place you are staying, generally accessible on foot
using the specially laid-out footpaths.
The beaches offer many different settings: long and
wide at Richelieu, with black sand at the foot of the
volcanic cliff at the Grande Conque in Le Cap d’Agde,
bordered by the pine forest and near the nature reserve
site of Les Verdisses at La Tamarissière, or near the
centre of the village at Le Grau d’Agde.
In addition, the variety of beaches cater for everyone’s
tastes; some are just natural, some are specially laid out
(sun-loungers, leisure activities, refreshments, services).
In the middle of the coast’s white sand, the lava from the
volcano of Agde created one of the most beautiful basalt
beaches of the Mediterranean: the beach of the Grande
Conque. A wild site with steep cliffs, the perfect place to
enjoy the fresh air and invigorating effects of the seaside.
CURIOUS AND DEMANDING, PROTECT BIODIVERSITY The Bagnas National Nature Reserve, Saint-Loup Mountain, the Natura 2000 marine site and the underwater path, the aquarium, strolling across the vineyards or along the Canal du Midi or the Hérault River, soft transport paths... Nature suits your every wishes.
Protected by the “BEACH QUALITY PLAN” which
aims to safeguard the marine environment and
dunes, while enhancing user comfort, the beaches
are part of the region’s heritage. The City of Agde
makes significant investments for their preserva-
tion: construction of dykes, addition of sand, dune
protection, etc.
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THE CANAL DU MIDI AND THE ROUND LOCK OF AGDE
During the reign of Louis XIV, the age-
old dream of building a canal to link the
Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean
became a reality, thanks to the genius
and energy of Pierre-Paul Riquet
(1604 – 1680), the “salt tax collector”,
who devoted his life and fortune to
building the canal.
It took fifteen years (1666 to 1681) to
build the 240 kilometres of canal and
the 328 engineering structures.
The “Canal Royal du Languedoc”,
which became known as the Canal du
Midi after the French Revolution, was
inaugurated on 15 May 1681, a few mon-
ths after the death of Pierre-Paul
Riquet, who never saw his work com-
pleted.
The canal crosses 3 regions (Aquitaine,
Midi-Pyrénées and Languedoc-Rous-
sillon), 5 départements (Gironde, Lot-
et-Garonne, Haute-Garonne, Aude and
Hérault) and 70 municipalities. It goes
from Toulouse to the Thau Lake.
Since December 1996, it has been listed
among the 962 UNESCO World Heri-
tage Sites (38 of which are in France).
During the fifteen years it took to build
the Canal du Midi, Pierre-Paul Riquet
made Agde the last stage before the
Thau Lake and Sète by building a
unique engineering work: this is the
only round lock on the canal. This
technical and architectural feat was
built with basalt (volcanic rock). It links
three different levels and allows boats
to turn to take one of three possible
directions: to Toulouse, to Agde and
the sea, or to the Thau Lake via the
River Hérault. Just before the round
lock, the Port of Agde, which was made
by simply widening the Canal (12 toises
= 23.40 m), today welcomes many
leisure boats.
In the 17th Century, the “Hôtel de
l’Administration du Canal” (Canal
Administration Building) was built in
the port. The Canal engineer and the
toll collector worked here.
The ENGINEERING WORKS ON THE LIBRON RIVER in
Vias, where the Canal du Midi meets the Libron, which
runs into the Mediterranean. The river would frequently
burst its banks, which caused many problems for naviga-
ting on the Canal du Midi. The mobile aqueduct bridge is
a unique piece of engineering due to its construction
techniques and hydraulic characteristics. It was built in
1858 by the engineer Urbain Maguès. An impressive sys-
tem of mobile aqueducts allows the water from the river
to pass over the canal during flooding without interrup-
ting navigation. The series of sluice gates, the toothed
crown gears and chains blend into a wild landscape.
CLOSE BY
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SAINT-LOUP MOUNTAIN (113 M)
is an ancient volcano located at the extreme south of the
Auvergne volcano range. Today, it is a protected nature
site with many indigenous Mediterranean plants. The
mountain offers a unique view over the coast and
hinterland and still has vestiges attesting to its strategic
position: an ancient semaphore station and the “Tour des
Anglais” (17th Century) to warn against raids by pirates or
the English.
The volcano last erupted 750,000 years ago, giving the
City of Agde its iridescent grey colour and its basalt
monuments. It shaped the coast, creating small islands,
bays and cliffs.
THE BAGNAS NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE
Listed as a reserve since 1983, the park covers 560 hec-
tares and is made up of the “Grand” and “Petit” Bagnas
lakes. What makes the Reserve particularly interesting
is its rich birdlife. Almost 250 species of migratory or
nesting birds have been observed in the park. Guided
tours are organised to allow visitors to observe the
Reserve’s wildlife, without disturbing it.
CYCLE AND WALKING PATHS FOR GETTING AROUND IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY WAY
The network of cycle and walking paths that criss-cross
the municipality is a great tourist and environmental
asset. It is extended each year to meet the expectations
of both holiday-makers and residents.
The “Cycle and walking path guide” maps out the 43
kilometres of paths already in operation, which link the
City of Agde, Le Cap d’Agde and Le Grau d’Agde.
The ultimate goal is to create a green belt which will
connect every part of the municipality with cycle and
footpaths.
The “Posidonians of Le Cap d’Agde” NATURA 2000 MARINE SITE
The Natura 2000 site covers 6,113 hectares
of sea. The area is home to many natural
riches, such as the Posidonian and the
Coralligenous, as well as important heritage sites:
Brescou Island, the rocky bed of the Grande Conque
and the «Roche Notre-Dame». The site also attracts
the majority of leisure boating, diving, and fishing
activities.
The “Natura 2000 Charter” ensures professionals,
residents and visitors adopt eco-responsible beha-
viour and respect the site’s fragile natural habitats and
the quality of the water. The Natura 2000 site is
managed in close collaboration with local users and
stakeholders.
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THE VAL D’HÉRAULT NATURE PARK AND ZOO IN SAINT-THIBÉRY
This ecological nature park covers 15 hectares. It is home to over 1,000 animals and
300 species, which are almost all endangered and protected. It has the largest
collection of birds in Europe, with species that are unique in France. The “Val d’Hérault
nature park” is also a “contact zoo”, which recreates natural habitats and plunges
visitors into ecosystems from around the world, in close contact with the animals.
The park organises daily educational workshops (up to 12 sessions a day in peak sea-
son), a treasure hunt and a show called the “Féerie des Oiseaux” (Bird Fairytale).
CLOSE BY
NORDIC WALKING
While the name of this activity
may sound rather strange in our
southern region, you will quickly
discover it is a fun, athletic acti-
vity that allows you to enjoy the
surrounding nature. Nordic walk-
ing involves walking with ski
sticks. While being a gentle acti-
vity, it makes you use 90% of
your body’s muscles. It combines
well-being and fun while enabling
you to discover the surrounding
nature in an environmentally-
friendly way.
Supervised by a qualified trainer,
it is an ideal and original way to
discover the beautiful views from
the pine forests of the Saint Loup
Mountain and Saint Martin Moun-
tain overlooking Le Cap d’Agde.
EXPERIENCE NATURE CLOSE UP
Take a cruise on the Canal du Midi,
follow a guided visit of the volcanic
landscape, discover the Bagnas Natio-
nal Nature Reserve on foot, by bike or
on horseback, follow the circuit of the
“Traversée de l’Archipel” (Trail across the
Archipelago) on foot, by bike or on roller-
skates... the hardest thing is choosing
what to do! And let’s not forget a host
of other leisure activities, such as golf,
the Aquarium, forest adventure trails,
visit to a bull-breeding farm, etc.
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ROOTS AND THE LOCAL REGION
AGDE, THE GREEK CITYAgde is the culminating point of the Auvergne volcano range. Marco Polo nicknamed it the “black pearl of the Mediterranean” due to its unique geology: indeed, basalt (volcanic rock) is ever present.
2,600 YEARS OF HISTORY
Cretans, Egyptians, and Phoenicians
landed successively on the region’s
shores. In 580 B.C., Greeks from
Phocaea found haven on the shores
and baptised what was just a rocky
outcrop at the time: “Agathé Tyché”:
Good Fortune. They founded a tra-
ding post which prospered through
maritime trade.
Since that time, Agde has lived for
and thanks to the sea. Impressed by
the site’s geographic and maritime
environment, Richelieu decided to
create a large, central port in the
Gulf of Lions in the 17th Century. He
launched the construction of a dyke
that would go as far as Brescou Fort,
but the project was stopped at his
death in 1642, and today just 200
metres of the dyke remain.
The City of Agde is one
of the oldest cities in France
Built from the volcanic rock of the
Saint-Loup Mountain, the city’s
architectural harmony is unique in
the region. As you amble through the
maze of ancient streets, you discover
the city’s astonishing heritage and
southern charm.
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THINGS TO SEE AND DISCOVER
Tourist circuit around the old City of
Agde: town-houses from the 16th and
17th Centuries, typical old streets,
sculpted doorways; Renaissance
stairways; the “Maison du Cœur de
Ville”, the former Consulate and former
covered market; the Place de la Belle
Agathoise; statue of Terrisse the Priva-
teer; the Fountain of the Republic; the
Heritage Gallery on the “Ilot Molière”
(Molière Island), etc.
The ancient ramparts
When the Greeks founded Agde,
they built ramparts which surroun-
ded the city, going up the Prome-
nade. The remains of these ancient
ramparts near the River Hérault date
back to the 4th Century B.C. The
current ramparts were built in Medie-
val times and follow the line of the
ancient ramparts. Halfway up the
walls, there is an ancient crest with 4
waves which was placed there by
Protestants during the Wars of Reli-
gion. Behind the ramparts, there is
the box-shaped layout of the Greek
city (streets in rectangular blocks).
The Promenade
The Promenade is bordered by plane
trees which provide welcome shade,
making it the ideal place to relax and
meet on warm summer days. At each
end there is a fountain:
• the Fontaine de la République, ins-
talled in 1995 thanks to a public
fund-raising initiative. The statue is
a copy of the one made in 1909 and
removed in 1941, in order to be
melted down, since the govern-
ment of Vichy had launched a
campaign to recover non-ferrous
metals;
• The Fontaine de la Belle Agathoise,
made in Carrara marble, African
marble and basalt is an allegory of
the city, a symbol of the ancient
Agathé.
In the middle of the Promenade, the
bust of Claude Terrisse was made in
1874 in honour of the courageous
privateer. Born in 1598, he carried
out many missions as the king’s pri-
vateer under the reign of Louis XIII
and Louis XIV before being elected
Consul of Agde. When he died, he
left his fortune to the poor. Since
that time, he has been considered
as the city’s benefactor.
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An underground ice-cellar
Located at the highest point of the
City of Agde, the Place de la Glacière
is named after an underground
ice-cellar built on the site in 1680,
inside the ramparts. This rare histori-
cal facility was designed to conserve
ice collected in winter (for domestic
use). It consists of a cylindrical well in
basalt, measuring 6.80 metres in
diameter and 8 metres in height.
Saint-Etienne Cathedral
The cathedral was built between
848 and 872 and fortified in 1173. It is
one of the most beautiful Roma-
nesque fortified churches in the
region. Its keep is 35 metres high and
the thickness of the walls ranges
from 2 to 3 metres. The crenellations
and the machicolation made the
fortress impregnable. The current
building sits on the ancient founda-
tions of a 5th Century Christian
church which was destroyed on the
orders of Charles Martel.
The Place de la Marine
and the statue of Amphitrite
The whole “Marine” district bears
witness to the maritime traditions of
Agde. In the past, the port was a
flourishing business centre. Today,
the only activities that remain are
fishing and naval construction. The
mooring rings and nets along the
basalt docks, the former depot and
the typical fisherman’s houses in the
Rue de la Poissonnerie remind us of
the city’s important seafaring past.
On the Place de la Marine looking out
over the waves, the statue of Amphi-
trite symbolises Agde’s maritime
vocation. The statue was originally in
Paris (on the Trocadero), and was
given to the city in 1936. The nume-
rous mini-shrines with statuettes of
the Virgin Mary dotted around the
district bear witness to the piety of
the fishermen and sailors.
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WATER-JOUSTING dates back to
antiquity. Egyptians, Greeks and
Romans all organised these events,
which were re-enactments of naval
battles. In the 17th Century, they
were organised on special occasions
and were major popular celebra-
tions, with music from trumpets,
drums and oboes, for example when
the Duke of Montmorency visited
the city.
The jousting is reminiscent of
knights’ tournaments in the Middle
Ages. Today, jousters, named knights
of the “tintaine” (the platform on
which they stand) still compete in
this somewhat strange battle on
their red and blue boats.
Water-jousting is a genuine local
institution. The highlight is the
Languedoc Trophy which takes
place on the first Sunday of every
August on the River Hérault, at the
foot of the cathedral. The best
jousters in the region take part in
the event.
The Château Laurens
and the Park of “Belle Isle”
This 12-hectare estate became an
island in the 17th Century, during the
construction of the Canal du Midi
which forms one of its boundaries,
along with the River Hérault and the
Canalet (small canal). In 1898, Emmanuel
Laurens, a rich man and avid traveller
from Agde, inherited the Domaine de
Belle Isle from his father. He decided
to build a “villa palace” on the estate
which would symbolise his travels.
Emmanuel Laurens loved the arts
and modernity. He built the castle in a
general neo-classical style (peristyle,
colonnade, balusters, terra ced roofs)
and added decorations from the Art
Nouveau movement. He even built an
auditorium in the form of a chapel for
his wife, the opera singer Louise Blot.
The Château is a listed historic monu-
ment and belongs to the city of Agde.
It is regularly maintained and restored.
The Arts and Crafts Centre
France boasts wide-ranging exper-
tise in the crafts sector and has
managed to preserve (and update)
traditional talents and trades, which
are sometimes the inspiration for
fashion and contemporary design.
The Agde Arts and Crafts centre
obtained the French “CITY OF
ART AND CRAFTS” label. The
designers who work in the city
are driven by excellence and
authenticity: women’s fashion
designers, musical instrument
makers, painters and sculptors.
The City organises permanent
exhibitions of their works, at the
“Galerie de la Perle Noire”, in
the heart of the old town (Ilot
Molière).
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LE CAP D’AGDE, THE BEST OF THE MEDITERRANEAN
Over the years, Le Cap d’Agde became
a major asset in the regional economy.
Situated on the shores of the Medi-
terranean, Le Cap d’Agde is in an
ideal location, in the heart of a
region with a rich natural, historic
and cultural heritage: the département
of Hérault in Languedoc-Roussillon.
Only 45 years ago, Le Cap d’Agde was
just a wild piece of land, a rocky coast.
It was a beautiful window onto the sea
that the Greek city of Agde had peered
through for 2,600 years.
Since then, the Languedoc coast has
become a major international tourist
destination and Le Cap d’Agde has
obtained the French “Heritage of the
20th Century” label (for the Saint-
Martin port), which recognises the
remarkable works and the architectural
heritage of the last century.
LA TAMARISSIÈRE, IN THE SHADE OF THE PINES
The forest was planted during the
18th Century (progressively to begin
with, then more intensively in 1782
thanks to an engineer called Gro-
gnard), as part of works to prevent
sand amassing on the bed and the
mouth of the River Hérault. The pines
and tamarisks were planted to
consolidate the ground. Along with
the nearby piers, they would stop
sand bars forming in the channel.
In 1894, the forest covered 48 hec-
tares. When the forest was created it
was reserved for the use of a hunting
society for a long time. It was only
opened to the public in 1905 and is
now listed as a “historic site”*.
(* Extract from the book “Agde d’hier à aujourd’hui” by Christian Camps)
Today, La Tamarissière is an authentic
village nestling among the pines
between the port and the beach. It is
the ideal place for holidays close to
nature or for walking under the shade of
the majestic pines until the sea shore.
Here, further down the coast, you will
sea the two lighthouses that mark the
mouth of the River Hérault.
La Tamarissière, a two-hundred year old pine forest on the edge of
the sea, draws its name from a plantation of tamarisk and pines.
Between the 60s and 70s, the city rediscovered its Mediterranean vocation thanks to the major
urban planning project aimed at developing tourism in Languedoc-Roussillon, launched through
the “Mission Racine” (French inter-ministerial urban planning commission).
THE SECOND WORLD WAR MUSEUM
There are still the remains of some 30 blockhouses along the beach of La Tamarissière. One was a former infirmary measuring 200m2. This has been transformed into a Museum devoted to the Second World War by the “Agde Histoire 39-45” Association, using the same materials as those used for the original construction.
17LE CAP D’AGDE • LA CITÉ D’AGDE • LE GRAU D’AGDE • LA TAMARISSIÈRE
LE GRAU D’AGDE, A TRADITIONAL FISHING VILLAGE
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Le Grau d’Agde is a fishing village with
a fresh fish market. It developed at
the start of the 20th Century and has
managed to retain all its charm and
traditions; it still has a thriving fishing
business. Here, you can get every-
where on foot in just a few minutes:
beach, fishing port, shops, daily market,
entertainment, etc.
To get here, you simply follow the River Hérault for a few
kilometres. The journey is extremely pleasant and can be made
easily on foot or by bike, along the cycle trail.
NOTRE DAME-DU-GRAU
The sanctuary of Notre Dame-du-
Grau was founded in Antiquity,
and devoted to the Virgin Mary in
the 5th or 6th Century. It consists
of two religious monuments:
• Firstly, the Notre Dame-du-Grau
church, the original Priory founded
by Saint-Sever then used by the
Benedictines, and finally the
church of Capucine convent built
by the Constable of Montmorency,
the Governor of Languedoc.
• Not far from the main church, in
the shade of the maritime pines,
there is also the modest Cha-
pelle de l’Agenouillade (Chapel
of Kneeling). The Constable was
also responsible for building this
edifice on the site where (as
legend has it) the Virgin Mary
knelt down to stop the waves
from the sea coming inland. She
supposedly left the mark of her
knees in the rock.
18 LE CAP D’AGDE • LA CITÉ D’AGDE • LE GRAU D’AGDE • LA TAMARISSIÈRE
The Ephèbe Museum, in Le Cap d’Agde has three distinct departments, with exceptional collections of archaeo-logical objects found in the local waters over the last 40 years by amateur divers or experienced archaeologists:
The bronze department groups together the most beautiful collec-tion of works of art and everyday objects found on site, including the famous Ephèbe statue (2,300 years old). The statue was heavily inspired by portraits of Alexander the Great, and gave its name to the museum. The collection also includes the Roman statues of Cupid and the Child, dated between the 1st Century B.C and the 1st Century A.D.
The ancient navigation department presents an impressive series of Greco-Roman amphorae, as well as many items of naval architecture and arms. These reflect the importance of maritime trade and the transport of works of art in Antiquity, like an exceptionally well-preserved mosaic panel representing Apollo and the satyr Marsyas, dating back to the end of the 1st Century B.C. or start of the 1st Century A.D.
The modern department presents collections of tableware from medie-val times, the 19th Century and modern times, as well as naval artil-lery from royal ships (17th and 18th Centuries), including a unique collec-tion of 16 cannons in cast iron and in bronze, discovered off the coast of Le Cap d’Agde and bearing the monogram of Louis XIII.
The “Musée Agathois Jules Baudou” in Agde Situated in the heart of the old town. This Arts and Crafts Museum is located in a Renaissance building in which Monsignor Fouquet installed a Cha-rity organisation in the 17th Century. It presents the history of life in Agde from Antiquity to modern days, through the city’s folklore and its wine-producing and maritime activities. Even today, during major traditional festivals, women in the city wear the “sarret” (a fine-lace head dress) and the costume of “Belle Agathoise”. The Museum’s many display cases and paintings present traditional women’s lace and cashmere head-dresses, their dresses and accesso-ries, with reconstitutions of daily life in the 19th and 20th Centuries. The museum houses a wide variety of art, with paintings by the Azéma brothers, talented artists from Agde, as well as many items of furniture and earthenware. You can also disco-ver the reconstitution of the phar-macy of the “Hôpital d’Agde” as well as the room devoted to the Bishop’s palace, or the magnificent Art Nouveau furniture from the Château Laurens.
the “SCÉNOVISION Molière” in Pézenas
A unique insight into Moliere’s life!
An exceptional space devoted to
one of France’s most famous wri-
ters in the magnificent 17th Century
“Hôtel de Peyrat” in Pézenas. This
visit is organised around 5 rooms,
taking you on a journey using the
latest 3D technologies and sound
effects. It is an original and fun
way to discover the fascinating life
of Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, aka
Molière.
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MUSEUMS, 26 CENTURIES OF HISTORY
19LE CAP D’AGDE • LA CITÉ D’AGDE • LE GRAU D’AGDE • LA TAMARISSIÈRE
Learn about the city’s history
Agde and its resorts through guided tours with
the city’s official guide, as well as lectures and
exhibitions. Gain a unique insight into the city’s rich
cultural, architectural and natural heritage.
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HIGHLIGHTS*
Spring/Summer:• The Architecture Month• Vinocap, the largest open-air wine
fair in the South of France• “La Nuit des Musées” (Museum Night)• Agde through time (a historical
re-enactment)• “Journées du Terroir” (Local
Produce Days)• French National Archaeology Days
• Languedoc water-jousting tournaments
• Agde in sound and light
Autumn: • European heritage Days• New Wine Festival
Winter: • Patrimoni, Occitan Christmas
Throughout the year: • Exhibitions
* S
ele
cti
on
20 LE CAP D’AGDE • LA CITÉ D’AGDE • LE GRAU D’AGDE • LA TAMARISSIÈRE
DISCOVER THE MEDITERRANEAN PART OF THE HERAULTIn the fertile plain of the River Hérault, the region of “Hérault Méditerranée” (Mediter-ranean Hérault)* looks over the sea to the south with the Hérault hinterland to the north. As such, the area has a wide variety of landscapes and natural environments.
The towns of the area have a remarkable
architectural heritage and have pre-
served many buildings from their
past: castles, churches, abbeys, villas,
etc. You can discover their history
thanks to different guided tours.
The little villages of the Languedoc
were often built in the Middle Ages,
based on circular plans around a
castle; indeed these villages are
commonly referred to as “circulade”.
The narrow streets are full of archi-
tectural treasures set against the
backdrop of the area’s typical fea-
tures: “capitelles” (small dry-stone
cabins), dry-stone walls, lime kilns,
windmills, gardens, botanic trails, etc.
“WINES TO DISCOVER IN CAP D’AGDE – PÉZENAS”
A destination with a vibrant history
and a great tradition of wine-pro-
duction. The “Hérault Méditerranée”
region invites you to discover its
vineyards, cellars, wine-growing
estates... and of course its wines!
To ensure you miss nothing on the
roads that wind between the sea, the
vines and the hills, a “wine-tourism”
map has been created which lists all
the addresses and production sites
of the 85 estates and cooperative
wine cellars, which are open to the
public.
It also includes a selection of
remarkable heritage sites.
The map is available in tourist offices;
you can also download the map.
Virtual visit... before the actual visit
To learn about the wines and plan
your route through the vineyards
before setting off, there are special
interactive terminals in the Tourist
Offices in Agde, Le Cap d’Agde and
Pézenas. They offer virtual visits and
information about the area and the
heritage of the 19 villages and towns
of the “Hérault Méditerranée” region.
This virtual guide is a great way to
prepare your visits to the local
vineyards... or to simply relive pre-
vious visits thanks to the beautiful
pictures.
The “Vins en découvertes”
(Wines to discover) area
Located in the town centre of Monta-
gnac, this area traces the history of
wine in the region back to the first
vines planted by the Greeks around
2,600 years ago. Six historical sec-
tions explain the development of pro-
duction techniques, the layout and
organisation of the estates, the crises
and periods of expansion as well as
the architecture. The history is
explained through a series of fun,
educational tools: an optical theatre,
a digital book, and a large interactive
map of the wine cellars and estates.
The area is open to the public, and
free of charge.
* 19 towns and villages: Adissan, Agde, Aumes, Bessan, Castelnau-de-Guers, Caux, Cazouls-d’Hérault, Florensac, Lézignan-la-Cèbe, Montagnac, Nézignan-L’Evêque, Nizas, Pézenas, Pinet, Pomérols, Portiragnes, Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens, Saint-Thibéry, Vias.
21LE CAP D’AGDE • LA CITÉ D’AGDE • LE GRAU D’AGDE • LA TAMARISSIÈRE
KNOW-HOW HANDED DOWN THROUGH THE AGES
Discover the local production
of specialities such as the “croustade
de Bessan” (puff pastry filled with
puréed fruit), the sweet onion of
Lézignan-la-Cèbe, figs and nougat
from Nézignan-l’Evêque, the hum-
bug and the “sweet and savoury
pastry” of Pézenas, the Pomérols
chocolates made with regional pro-
duce, as well as honey, fruit jellies,
cured meats, melons, bell-peppers, etc.
Gastronomy
The tastes of the Mediterranean in
your plate: “baudroie en bourride”
(monkfish in fish and garlic sauce);
“seiche à la rouille” (cuttlefish in a
lightly spiced tomato sauce); turbot
poached in “brine”, like grandmo-
thers used to make; mussels and
clams, stuffed or with a “marinière”
sauce; fish soup; dessert with pine
kernels, and many other delicious
dishes that our chefs serve with the
best wines of the region.
Traditional festivals
local festivals with traditional “ani-
mal totems” (emblems of villages),
flower-covered floats, “brasucades”
(open air grills), water-jousting tour-
naments, fishermen’s festival, new
wine festival, the “Saint Christ” pro-
cession, the “jeu de balle au tambou-
rin” (sort of tennis with five players
on each team), etc.
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The “VINEYARD WALKS”
The guided “vineyard walks” allow you to learn about the area’s history
and wines, and discover the countryside. These pedestrian circuits are
between 3 and 5 kilometres long, over flat terrain, making them accessible
for everyone. They take in places of particular historic or natural interest,
and finish off with a visit to a wine cellar or estate, with a tasting session
with wines produced by the “Caves Henri de Richemer”.
The ARTS AND CRAFTS CENTRE
in Pézenas The centre particularly
showcases the expertise and
trades that developed during
the 1960s, driven by master
c ra f t sm e n , a n d “ M e i l l e u r s
ouvriers de France” (Best wor-
kers in France). Pézenas has a
particularly wide variety of
specialist trades in the fields of
heritage restoration and deco-
rative arts: ceramics, cabinet-
making, carpet-making, pottery,
mosaics and earthenware.
The “MOULIN DU MONT RAMUS”
in Bessan
Located at the foot of an ancient
volcano (Ramus Mountain) in Bessan,
the mill produces 12 varieties of olives,
including the Lucques, the “flagship”
variety of the South of France,
acknowledged as one of the best
olives in the world by many French
gastronomic chefs, and the “Picho-
line” and the “Aglandau”.
The estate covers 30 hectares and
has 12,500 olive trees. Part of the
olive production is processed,
primarily into oil, but also into other
products: “tapenade” (olive paste),
“anchoïades” (olive and anchovy
paste), preserves, cosmetics (soaps,
shower gels, etc.). The mill is open
for visits. The tour includes an exhi-
bition entitled the "World of the
olive tree" and rounds off with a tas-
ting session of different products,
which you can purchase in the shop.
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22 LE CAP D’AGDE • LA CITÉ D’AGDE • LE GRAU D’AGDE • LA TAMARISSIÈRE
AQUALAND AND CAPTAIN’ JAKOare 2 water parks with a host of fun
and spectacular attractions. Aqua-
land is a 4-hectare park with over
20 attractions, including the two
highest water slides in France.
Captain Jako is a park for children up
to 12 years old.
ARCHIPEL, THE CITY OF WATEROpen throughout the year, the Archi-
pel swimming pool and spa has
something for everyone: swimming
pool, play pool, fitness and well-
being centre with spa.
The building covers 6,000m2 and is
surrounded by 4,000m2 of outdoor
wooden decks. This modern com-
plex has state-of-the-art facilities.
The original architecture looks like a
beetle, with modular wings on each
side of the central block. The wings
can be opened and closed over the
pools, depending on the weather.
THE AQUARIUM reproduces marine environments,
with Mediterranean and tropical fish,
coral, sharks and various aspects of
coastal marine biology and ecosys-
tems. A visit to the Aquarium is part
of the “Matinées pieds dans l’eau”
(Toes in the water mornings) excur-
sions. Download the free MP3 audio-
guide. Marine shop.
THE INTERNATIONAL TENNIS CENTRE
has 24 outdoor courts, including
6 clay courts and 4 synthetic grass
courts, 8 indoor courts (of which
2 are clay), a mini-tennis area for
children as well as squash, badmin-
ton and beach tennis courts (with
lessons). The centre is situated in
beautiful green Mediterranean sur-
roundings. Swimming pool, shop,
club house and salad bar.
THE INTERNATIONAL GOLF COURSEDesigned by Ronald Fream, one of
the greatest golf architects in the
world, and extended by Alain Prat,
this is one of the most popular clubs
in the South of France, with a 27 hole
course (there are only 48 such
courses in France): 3 combinations
for rounds of 18 holes in a 115-hectare
preserved natural environment.
Driving range with 36 stalls, putting
green and training bunker, short-
game area, club house, bar, restau-
rant and pro-shop.
AN AMAZING OPEN-AIR PLAYGROUND WITH ACTIVITIES FOR EVERYONEDo you want to try something new or test your limits? In terms of leisure activities and sports you are genuinely spoilt for choice.
100 % LEISURE, DAY OR NIGHT
23LE CAP D’AGDE • LA CITÉ D’AGDE • LE GRAU D’AGDE • LA TAMARISSIÈRE
DINOPARK It proposes an educational “discovery
trail” on the theme of Pre-history
and the dinosaur age, with an expla-
nation of the Big Bang and the evolu-
tion of man. The park has 26 stage
settings with 45 automated models.
AGD’AVENTUREA tree-top adventure trail park in the
middle of 1.2 hectares of nature. It
offers 2.5 hour sessions of thrills,
broken down into 160 workshops
and 10 trails, of increasing difficulty.
Accessible from 4 years old.
THE GÉANT MINI-GOLF It's consists of 2 courses with 18 holes
in a 5,000 m2 landscaped park with
shade and spray machines (for keep-
ing cool).
MORE SPORTS AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES Sports activities on the beaches,
games areas , ar t workshops ,
horse-riding, vineyard walks, basket-
ball, library/media-library, pool/bil-
liards, bowling, bridge, casino,
cinema, discotheques, excursions,
Segway, carting/motorbikes/quad-
bikes/buggies, laser-ball/paint-ball,
Luna Park, horse and bull farms,
merry-go-rounds, Nordic walking,
mini-port, museums, exercise trails,
theme parks, pétanque/bowls,
miniature train, pedal-cars, games
rooms, sports halls, skate park, shoo-
t ing , a rchery, cycl ing/moun-
tain-biking, and more.
THE “ILE DES LOISIRS” (LEISURE ISLAND) The Ile des Loisirs is devoted to fun
and parties, day and night. There is
only one rule: have fun. The area
groups together discotheques, res-
taurants and bars, a concert hall,
Luna Park, Casino, Dinopark, Dino-
land-Aquadino, the Géant mini-golf,
rental of nautical equipment, etc.
The Barrière Casino proposes every
kind of gambling game, all year
round: 175 one-armed bandits, from 1
centime to 2 euros, French and
English roulette, blackjack. A restau-
rant and a concert/show room, the
“Purple Lounge”, designed to create
a warm, intimate atmosphere where
the artists are close to the audience.
AREAS DEVOTED TO RELAXATION, WELL-BEING AND BEAUTYOpen throughout the year, a number
of special ist centres propose
spa-therapy, steam baths, saunas,
jacuzzi, swimming pools, and so on.
They also offer a comprehensive
range of beauty treatments.
100
% L
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TACTIVITIES FOR CHILDRENFrench “Famille Plus” label
Agde has the French national label for
holiday destinations that cater specifically
for children and their parents, through
specific activities, entertainment and services.
There is a host of services specially designed for child-
ren. There is no shortage of ideas to ensure your kids
enjoy an unforgettable holiday. As part of this initiative,
the “Family Guide” lists 57 establishments that cater for
children. It is available on request at the Tourist Office.
24 LE CAP D’AGDE • LA CITÉ D’AGDE • LE GRAU D’AGDE • LA TAMARISSIÈRE
AUDIO-GUIDED TOURSWith your smartphone, set off to discover our region.
Between land and sea
Excursions in the wake of fishermen and sailors.
100% nature
Pure air and breathtaking beauty.
Agde, a historic city
Retrace the city's history through the monuments and
heritage sites.
On the volcano
The views are truly breathtaking...
Le Cap d’Agde, city trip
“A Capital Resort”: a 20th Century saga.
The commentaries are available in French and in English.
HIGHLIGHTS*
Spring:• Cultural season• Cap d’Agde International Golf Grand Prix• Easter: week-end “Famille Plus”• Comedy Festival• Tarot Festival (cards)• Raid de l’Archipel• Cap Salsa Festival• “Pentecôtaucap” (Whitsuntide foot race)• “Hérault” Cinema and TV Festival
Summer:• "Lire et Bouger à la Plage" (Initiative promoting
reading and sports activities on the beach)• Summer events on the Hérault• "Fête de la Musique" (French National Music Festival)• "Fête du Pointu" (Sea snail Festival)• Jazz night• Fireworks display• Brescoudos Bike Week• VW Beetle Meeting• “Grande Braderie” (Store Clear-out Sales)• Golf Pro-Am tournament of the city of Agde and
the Casino
Autumn: • Cultural season• Cap d’Agde Motor Festival• Capvettada (Corvette escort ship)• Les Belles du Cap (collector cars meeting)• National and International Chess Tournaments
• National Tennis Cup
Winter: • Cultural season• Noël-sur-Mer (Christmas at Sea)• Congress of Father Christmases in France on two wheels• Last swim of the year
* Selection
D612
DirectionClermont-Ferrand
DirectionLyon
DirectionToulouse
Ca na l d u
Midi
Paris
LE CAP D’AGDE
FRANCE
PEFC/10-31-1605
Héraultle Languedoc
Nou
veau
Mon
de DDB
Toul
ouse
BY ROAD• A9 motorway, “Agde” exit n°34 via road numbers D612 and D612A• A75 motorway, to Clermont-Ferrand via road numbers D617, D612A, D13
and N9• D612 to Béziers or Sète
Driver info: Tel. 0 800 100 200 - www.bison-fute.equipement.gouv.fr
BY RAILSNCF railway station - AgdeInformation - reservations: Phone: 36 35 - www.voyages-sncf.com
• Several direct TGV services daily, all year round: Paris-Agde/Agde-Paris and Lille-Agde/Agde-Lille.
• Many links with northern Europe: England (TGV Eurostar), Benelux (TGV Thalys and direct trains), Germany and Switzerland.Service for car/sleeper trains (Narbonne).
BY AIR Béziers - Cap d’Agde Airport (15 km) Phone: 04 67 809 909 - Fax 04 67 809 910www.beziers.aeroport.fr - www.bezierscapdagde.com • Direct low-cost fl ights within Europe: Paris-Beauvais, Brême, Bristol,
Düsseldorf-Weeze, Edimbourg, Londres-Luton, Manchester, Oslo-Rygge, Stockholm-Skavsta.
Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport (70 km)Phone: 04 67 20 85 00 - www.montpellier.aeroport.fr• Direct fl ights to France: Paris Roissy and Orly, Ajaccio, Lille, Lyon, Nantes,
Strasbourg.• Direct fl ights to Europe/International : Alger, Bâle-Mulhouse-Fribourg,
Birmingham, Bruxelles, Casablanca, Copenhague, Fès, Francfort, Leeds, Londres, Munich, Nador, Oran, Rome, Rotterdam, Tanger.
Laurence RICHARDTel: +33 (0)4 67 01 03 84Mobile: +33 (0)6 12 70 69 68Fax: +33 (0)4 67 01 04 05 E-mail: [email protected]
www.capdagde.com
Office de Tourisme BP 544 - 34305 Le Cap d’Agde CedexTel: +33 (0)4 67 01 04 04 Fax: +33 (0)4 67 26 22 99E-mail: [email protected]
Photographic rightsThe communication and use (reproduction-representation, dissemination) of photographs are subject to the provisions of the Act of 1 July 1992 no. 92-597 relating to the French Intellectual Property Code and to the different codes of practice.The Tourist Office disseminates photographic works, manages the rights of reproduction and representation corresponding to these works, of which it is the holder by virtue of assignment and proxy of the authors that it represents, to ensure and defend their interests in relation to their works.Accordingly, the photographic material for which the Tourist Office is depositary may only be used under certain conditions covered by a prior agreement between the photographer and the Tourist Office.
Photos : N. Chorier, H. Comte, J.C. Meauxsoone, P. Ramond, J. Sierpinski, Musée de l’Ephèbe, E. Jouve, Ville d’Agde, O. Meynard, Dinopark, Scénovision Molière, Pixel-Fotolia, L. Catanzano, Iché, Macao Zoo Val Hérault, LU, Balnéocap. Illustrations Charlie Adam. Imprimerie Lahournère-Toulouse. Décembre 2014.
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