A cycling outing between Cap-d 'Agde and the Etang de Thau lagoon
Imagining fine sandy beaches as far as the eye can see? Despite Cap d’Agde’s reputation, it’s not just about those. Located at a spot where fresh and salty waters meet, this place has many other features to offer: a 1,000-year-old port; volcanic-stone cliffs; and nature reserves. So, come here to enjoy natural adventures with the family!
From €135 per person
DAY 1: A SEASIDE ADVENTURE (Agde – Cap d’Agde – 12.5km)
Starting in the centre of Agde, which began life as an ancient Greek trading post, pick up your rental bike(s). A few turns of the wheel and you join the banks of the Hérault River to reach the sea via a safe track. Once at the port of Le Grau d’Agde, you come to a unique site on the Mediterrancean – the Belvédère de la Criée. At this professional fish market, learn about the fishing fleet and how the fish is processed and sold here.
After the guided tour, head for the beaches. First stop, Plage Richelieu, a long stretch of white sands, with Brescou Fort in the background. Have lunch at kid-friendly restaurant Le Manovi, with fabulous views over the Med. In the afternoon, make for the black-sand beach of La Grande Conque, at the end of the volcanic trail that runs down to the Med from the Auvergne’s distant volcanoes.
From mid-June to mid-September, starting at the little beach, a marked underwater trail allows scuba divers and snorkellers to learn about the flora and fauna of the volcanic seabed here. If unable to follow this because of the season or bad weather, the Musée de l'Ephèbe et de l’Archéologie Sous-marine has a treasure hunt inside; spot hidden objects, learning about their history.
Time to head to the Hôtel le Bellevue, on the clifftop path. For dinner, several options: Place du Môle nearby, with the restaurant O 2 Frères; or maybe the Esplanade Pierre Racine, Cap d’Agde’s central square, where you’ll find the restaurants La Madragde and L’Ami Louis.
DAY 2: WILD NATURE AND BOAT TRIPS (Cap d’Agde – Agde - 19km)
After enjoying a breakfast with sea view at the Hôtel Bellevue, ride off towards the Bassin de Thau. First stop, Le Bagnas National Nature Reserve. In this lagoon environment appreciated by 250 species of birds, either follow the trails by yourself or make the most of a guided tour with an expert nature guide.
Then follow the road up to Les Onglous Lighthouse at Marseillan, where the Canal du Midi reaches the Etang de Thau, a veritable inland sea. Savour the magnificent setting while picnicking, or have lunch in Marseillan’s historic centre, perhaps at Le Délicatessen or Le Jardin de Naris.
For a digestive walk, head to the port for a boat trip out on L’Etoile de Thau IV to discover the lagoon’s oyster beds. Return to your starting point via a small, quiet road through vines before crossing the Canal du Midi.
Cycling touring map for Cap d’Agde by bike, as a family destination
Detailed trail at: https://bit.ly/2YJHRfk
GPX tracks available from My Maps, by clicking on the icon ‘‘télécharger l’itinéraire en KML’’ (download the route in KML), then import the tracks via a tracking app such as OpenRunner.
Getting there:
By train, via Agde SNCF train station, or then by car.
Thau Bike 34 will provide with your bike(s) at the station (fast free delivery)
Further info: www.mestrajets.lio.laregion.fr