An archipelago of local authorities

This charming little fishing village offers a timeless getaway. Famous for its oysters – after which it is named – it is a much-loved destination for lovers of the good life. Here, time slows down and you can savour life’s simple pleasures: the sun’s rays on your skin, the gentle caress of the wind… After a lively chat with the local producers, who are always keen to share their passion, you’ll naturally sample the fresh produce from the sea: shellfish, fish, oysters… All washed down with a good glass of Picpoul or dry Muscat.

The cosy village of Balaruc-le-Vieux is a hotspot for local biodiversity. People visit to observe and photograph numerous species of birds and to discover the joys of walking through a wet meadow known as a ‘sansouire’. Do make your way up to the ramparts too – the view over the Thau lagoon is well worth the detour! Don’t forget to take a look at the stained-glass windows in Saint-Maurice Church and the ruins of the medieval castle…

Life at the castle:
The famous medieval festivals in July feature a procession of princes and knights in period costume. Epic!

Come and have a look – there’s so much to see! Whether on foot, by bike or on the back of a donkey (yes, really!), treat yourself to a hike through the Gardiole massif – and above all, don’t forget your camera. From this natural promontory, you’re treated to a 360-degree view: vineyard-dotted landscapes, the blue expanse of the sea, and the surrounding towns and villages. Admire the Abbey of Saint-Félix-de-Montceau, the starting and finishing point of your walk. Seen from afar, this imposing relic of the past, set amidst the garrigue, is all the more impressive.

Between Agde and Mèze lies Marseillan. Its beach, its lagoon, its oysters, its vineyards overlooking the sea, flamingos mingling with egrets and grey herons at sunset… Why not, for example, set out to explore Marseillan on an impromptu photo safari? It might take you into the heart of the village in search of the porticoes of old bourgeois houses, or along the banks of the Canal du Midi.

Cheers:
You’re sure to round off the day with a visit to the Noilly Prat distillery, where this famous vermouth – the pride of the town – has been produced since 1813.

Its name means ‘looking out over the valley ’ and gives you a taste of the quality of the view from the balconies of the old town. Mireval, once a country retreat for the powerful lords of Montpellier, exudes a tangible medieval charm, which is a delight to discover whilst strolling along the ramparts or passing through the fortified gates. The town’s warlike past is, however, now nothing more than a distant memory… The clang of armour has long since been replaced by the clink of bottles of wine and Muscat, for which the town is famously renowned.

Right down to the dregs:
Sparkling, dry, sweet, semi-sweet… Fine wines come in a variety of styles and colours to suit every taste.

As beautiful when viewed from the air as it is from its quaint narrow streets, Poussan is a Roman village through which the famous Via Domitia runs. The village is, however, distinguished by another striking feature: its circular layout, a legacy of the Middle Ages, when the prosperity brought by wine-growing endowed the streets with a remarkable heritage, including listed monuments such as the ramparts and the castle…

Nature and adventure are on the agenda for your day out in Vic-la-Gardiole. It must be said that, setting off from the old village, there’s no shortage of ideas for walks. You can choose to cover 9 kilometres on foot or by bike along the Vic and Ingril ponds, enjoy a lovely hike through the magnificent Aresquiers pine forest, or swap your walking stick for your swimming trunks on the beach of the same name.

Mother Nature:
Here, nature reigns supreme… And so do its produce, as two appellations are native to this region: Muscat de Frontignan and Muscat de Mireval.