Map of the Occitanie region of southern France
1. Aigues-Mortes & l'Espiguette plage & Le Grau-du-Roi
A well spent day it's to wonder early in the morning in the French medieval town, Aigues-Mortes (meaning "dead water") , beside its well preserved medieval walls that surround the city and get lost on the tiny and chic streets while you are eating a warm pain au chocolate accompanied by a coup of tea.
Afterwards, if you are visiting France during summer, then grab your towel and the sun lotion and head to the Plage de l'Espiguette, a unique wild beach, backed by dunes, lagoons and salty scrubland, known by the locals as 'plage mythique pour les amoureux de la nature et les naturistes' (mythical beach for nature lovers and naturists). If you plan your visit during the cold season, don't worry, you can still adventure among the natural dunes and the lagoons on a distance of 10 km and discover a rich fauna and flora, which is an extension of the Parc naturel régional de Camargue.
In the evening, if you still have energy, walk through the canal of Grau-du-Roi (meaning "pond of the King") and stop at the restaurants nearby for a fresh fish or seafood.
2. Palavas-les-Flots
While heading to Palavas-les-Flots, make a stop near Étang de l'Or or Étang du Méjean to admire the noisy, but grandiose flamingos and the ponds itself.
You know that you are in Palavas when you start seeing a bizarre construction, spaceship look alike, which initially was built as a water tower and later transformed in a revolving restaurant and office spaces (check the last photo). The seaside resort was originally a fishermen's village that today became one of the most popular places in this part of France's coastline. It is known due to it's fine sand, wide beaches and the canal that splits the town in two.
If you get hungry, stop at the local restaurant 'Les saveurs de Mag et Christian' and try their fresh salmon dish, or if you are lucky enough, ask for their delicious moulès gratinée.
3. Montpellier
You should not miss a visit to Montpellier. A city where the old it's in harmony with the new, an ancient town with young spirit, the place to be if you want to be up-to-date with culture and art. If by chance you visit the city in June-July, then don't miss the international festival of contemporary dance which is held every year and considered one of the best dance manifestations in France... and rightly so! For the past few years, we came to Montpellier on this period expressly to attend the festival and see memorable performances from Japan, Lebanon, Greece or the US in the historical building Agora and the modern Le Corum.
Take your time to walk through the old town and get lost in the labyrinth of small streets and then, stop in the crowded and noisy Place de la Comédie, where seems that the entire energy and vibes have met. Then, head to the Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle and enter in the Pavillon Populaire, a photographic art space free to the public with great selection of national and international artists. If you are interested in contemporary art, then La Panacée it's a place to see, located also in the historical center. To take a break of the city, walk up to the tiny Promenade du Peyrou park or the beautiful Jardin des plants.
To eat, we recommend you the fantastic chicken wings accompanied by a cold Ale in the Irish pub Beehive and to end your night with good vibes go to see a concert in The Black Sheep bar or check the concerts agenda of La Chapelle Gely.
4. Frontignan plage & Bois des Aresquiers
When you get tired of the city, return on the coast and follow again the way through the ponds. Stop near the Plage des Aresquiers to enjoy the sun on the beach, then walkway along Étang d'Ingril to see the flamingos and the colourful houses on Cabanes des Aresquiers street which looks like they are floating on the water.
If you have too much energy, then lose it while walk or ride a bike in Le Bois des Aresquiers, a rare forest in the Mediterranean region, classified as protected natural site. The landscape it's striking, while you cross the pine forest, you find many openings where you can admire the Ingril lagoon and meet with the white horse of Camargue.
In the previous post, we've mentioned the ViaRhôna path, a bicycle itinerary that link the Swiss Alps and the Mediterranean Sea on a distance of 306 km which offers many possibilities for expert, amateur or family-friendly bike rides. So, if you are a bike adventurer, you must try it!
5. Sète
Following the road on the coast, make a short stop in Sète, the so-called 'French Venice' due to the Canal Midi that cross the city. It is a typically Mediterranean port city, very charming and vibrant, it is the home-town of several artists, known, as well, by it's active cultural life.
Don't miss a visit to the Théatre de la Mer, a medieval fort situated on the cliffs above the sea and redesigned as an outdoor theatre in 1959. Has a spectacular view above the sea and just imagine how impressive is for an actor to play, for example, The Tempest by William Shakespeare with the sea at his feet...the scenographer can't compete with such décor!
6. Carcassonne
If you have time and willing to deviate from the road, then move away from the cost and head a bit towards inland, until you get in the fortified French town, Carcassonne. It is a well restored and preserved medieval fortress that makes part of the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites and it's the largest city in Europe with its city walls still intact.
Wander through the countless medieval streets and discover the hidden boutiques, stamp museums and numerous local fromagerie and boucherie. For a great view over the city, visit the medieval castle Château Comtal (Count’s Castle) within the Cité of Carcassonne.
7. Argelès-sur-Mer and its surroundings
We'll be talking in the next post about our experience in the beautiful Argelès-sur-Mer, so follow us!
