The 9 essential things to do in the Cap d’Agde

What if we went to the Hérault this summer of 2019? Discover our mini-guide of essential things to visit the Cap d’Agde and its surroundings!

What to do in Agde Cape this year? Located by the Mediterranean Sea, Cap d’Agde is a renowned seaside resort in the city of Agde in the Hérault. Built at the foot of a former volcano – Mount Saint-Loup – the seaside resort was developed from the 1970s, even though it was a denuded area, without urbanization or human activity.nThe city of Agde, on the other hand, has a multi-millenary history and was founded in the 6th century BC by the Phocéens installed in Massalia.

Are you planning to come on holiday at the edge of the Mediterranean? What to do in Agde Cape? Here is our selection of 9 things to do by visiting the Cap d’Agde.

1. The Greek city of Agde

Founded in the 6th century before the Christian era by Phoceans established in Marseilles, the city of Agde was a massaliote colony (marseillaise) until its romanization in -49, the date of the fall of Massalia. The ancient Greek city was then built on a basaltic butt overlooking the river Hérault, which gave it a strategic position for trade.

Under Antiquity, Agde was a prosperous counter in contact with the oppidums of the region, where cereals, wool, basalt grinds and probably slaves were marketed. The production of olive oil and the cultivation of the vine are introduced, though the traffic of the salt grows around the ponds of the region. The city has a rich history of over 2,500 years, making it one of the oldest cities in France.

Between the fresh waters of the ponds and the salt water of the Mediterranean Sea, three remnants of ramparts and several gates delineate the ancient Greek city. Long 850 meters, they consist of a lava block wall dating from the 4th century BC, and are classified as Historical Monument. Visiting Agde allows a dive, not in the sea, but through history. Saint-Etienne Cathedral, dating from 872, was fortified in 1173 to protect the city and is related to a medieval fortress.

What to do in Agde? You can also visit the Saint-André church , built in 506 – the oldest in the city - and the church of Saint-Sever, built in 1499 on the basis of a church of the 5th century.

2. The Fort of Brescou

It would be a shame to visit the Cap d’Agde without passing through one of its must-sees, built on a volcanic island of origin two kilometers off the Cap d’Agde: Fort Brescou.

Built in 1586 to prevent the island from serving the Spaniards during the religious wars, it was fortified in 1604 and 1610. Destroyed under Louis XIII and rebuilt by Vauban in the 1680s, the building served as a prison in the 18th century.

It is possible to visit Fort Brescou with a guide, between June and September: an artifice fire is even drawn on the walls of the fort.

3. The beaches of the Cap d’Adge

No one would go to the Midi de la France, and in addition to the Cap d’Agde without going to wet in the Mediterranean Sea.

Incontournable to visit the Cap d’Agde, the seaside resort is bordered by no less than a dozen beaches, the most famous of which are the Grande Conque – near the cliffs and the Rocher des Deux-Frères -, the beach and the beach of Richelieu.

It must be said that the city stretches along 14 kilometers of fine sandy beaches, sometimes accessible by pedestrian trails (called “ ramblas”) whose relative distance from concrete roads will be appreciated. Also, know that the beach of the Grande Conque is one of the few beaches of black sand (of volcanic origin) in France. Elsewhere, enjoy the beach of Roquille, the beach of Môle, the beach of Rochelongue, the beach of Saint Vincent, the beach of Grau d'Agde and the beach of Tamarissière.

Note also – but you already know – that a naturist village – here, we say “ ass-nus » – is located on 2 kilometers of beaches, northeast of the city.

4. The Musée de l’Éphèbe et d’archéologie sous-marine

In the northeast of the marina, enjoy visiting the Cap d’Agde to go to the Ephebius Museum and underwater archaeology. It retraces the power of the rich Agathois over the millennia, and houses a wide collection of underwater archaeology, representing over 50 years of underwater excavations.

In particular, the researchers emerged from the dishes, weapons and many works of art, including the statue of Agde's Alexander, of Antiquity.

5. The Bagnas Nature Reserve

You don't know what to do to Agde? Bagna Natural Reserve , classified Natura 2000, covers 600 hectares of wetland and offers superb walks between the Canal du Midi the ponds and the sea.

More than 200 different species of birds live there and there are even more than 6,000 birds of water in the winter: the wetland is indeed a privileged wintering place for birds. The area is also the place of life of a very diverse fauna, including anatidae (canards), herons, ash, raptors (faucons, nozzles, pins), making the area a high place of biodiversity.

6. Cap d’Agde Aquarium

You don't know what to do to Agde to have fun for your kids? L’ Cap d’Agde aquarium should seduce them.

Do you like animals? Many species are observable at the Cap d’Agde aquarium. Take the time to contemplate marine animals: from one basin to another, they will hardly come to you!

7. Luna Park on the island of leisure

In the middle of the marina, you will find the island for leisure: bars and discotheques for the big ones and an amusement park for the little ones (and the big ones).

there are about 20 attractions for adults and about ten for children, spread over 5 hectares: many rides and activities for all tastes!

8. Hiking in the Cap d’Agde

Mont Saint-Loup, the Canal du Midi, the Thau pond , the reserve of the Bagnas, the fishing village of the Grau d’Agde where the typical atmosphere of a village of the Midi is still hummed: the surroundings of the Cap d’Agde do not lack ideal spots where walking, hiking and cycling etc. Visit the Cap d’Agde also offers beautiful walks in nature, to escape some of the summer tourist overpopulation when the beaches are crowded.

9. A boat ride

If you are on the Heraultian coast, it is a step that you must not miss under any pretext: boat rental . Indeed, navigating the blue water of the Mediterranean is privilege. So, not enjoying it would be a mistake!

You could take advantage of it to make yourself to Sète , on the Côte Vermeille or in Camargue . There's no shortage of choices.

How to go to Agde Cape?

• By plane

Coming by air, it is possible to land at the airport of Béziers Cap d’Agde, served by the Ryanair company and from the cities of the United Kingdom, Belgium and Paris Beauvais: appointment on the Compare Ulysses to find the best flight deals.

• By car

By the road, visiting the Cap d’Agde is easy: the A9 serves the seaside resort at exit No. 34 (Pézenas, Agde, Vias, Bessan). Coming from Lodève or Montpellier by the A75, take Exit 60 direction Agde, Bessan and Florensac.

• By train

By train, many TGV and TER stop at Agde SNCF station.

• By bus

By bus, the two Cap Bus and Hérault Transport companies offer numerous regular lines from Sète, Montpellier, Béziers and Pézenas.

Where to stay in Agde Cape?

In the summer season, it is recommended to book your accommodation in advance: the tourist affluence may well take over the hotels and vacation rentals. So we're advising to probe one Compare hotels For example.

Try to stay in the city center of the Cap d’Agde – between the beaches and the marina - otherwise, aim the city of Agde (but you will be far from the beaches) and the Grau d’Agde. You can consult our article " In which quarter house in the Cap d’Agde? » to learn more about housing opportunities in Agde Cape.