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The intimate village of Balaruc-le-Vieux is a hotspot for local biodiversity. Visitors come here to observe and photograph numerous species of birds and to enjoy a walk through a wet meadow known as a ‘sansouire’. Do also make your way up to the ramparts – the view over the Thau lagoon is well worth the detour! Be sure to take a look at the stained-glass windows in Saint-Maurice Church and the remains of the medieval castle…

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

This charming little fishing village offers a timeless getaway. Famous for its oysters, to which it has lent its name, it is a popular destination for those who appreciate the finer things in 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 breeze… After a lively chat with the producers, who are always keen to share their passion, you’ll naturally sample the fresh seafood: shellfish, fish, oysters… All washed down with a glass of Picpoul or dry Muscat.

Come and have a look – there’s plenty 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, a 360-degree view unfolds before you: vineyard 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.

Nestled 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 discover Marseillan on an impromptu photo safari? It might take you to the heart of the village in search of the porticoes of old bourgeois houses, or to 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 stunning views from the balconies of the old town. Mireval, once a pied-à-terre for the powerful lords of Montpellier, has a tangible medieval character, which is a delight to discover as you stroll along the ramparts or pass through the fortified gates. The town’s warlike past is, however, but a distant memory… The clang of armour has long since been replaced by the clinking of bottles of wine and Muscat, for which the town is famous.

Down to the last drop:
Sparkling, dry, sweet, semi-sweet… Fine wines come in a variety of styles and colours.

As beautiful from the air as it is from its characteristic narrow streets, Poussan is a Roman village through which the famous Via Domitia runs. The village is distinguished, however, 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 buildings such as ramparts and a castle…

Nature and adventure are on the agenda for your day in Vic-la-Gardiole. It must be said that, starting 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 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 grace this region: Muscat de Frontignan and Muscat de Mireval.