Sightseeing
Valras Plage beach close to Beziers is a typical Southern France beach resort. Ringed with lots of decent restaurants, a harbour and plenty of shops, Valras plage also offers you plenty of things to do when you want a break from the beach. This South of France beach has clean, warm water and the beach itself is well maintained. Valras Plage is the beach of choice for many of the local residents from Beziers.
The wide open expanse of sand at Valras Plage, France, comfortably accomodates large numbers of holiday makers, allowing you enough room to spread out and relax. If you prefer big sandy beaches, then Valras Plage beach is perfect. The section of the beach near the centre, has lovely children's play area. The sea is very shallow at this part of the Languedoc coast, so great for kids.
There is also plenty to do after the beach with lots of restaurants, boutiques and ice cream stalls. During the summer there is also a childrens adventure park and fairground rides just by the harbour.
126 locals recommend
Valras-Plage
Valras Plage beach close to Beziers is a typical Southern France beach resort. Ringed with lots of decent restaurants, a harbour and plenty of shops, Valras plage also offers you plenty of things to do when you want a break from the beach. This South of France beach has clean, warm water and the beach itself is well maintained. Valras Plage is the beach of choice for many of the local residents from Beziers.
The wide open expanse of sand at Valras Plage, France, comfortably accomodates large numbers of holiday makers, allowing you enough room to spread out and relax. If you prefer big sandy beaches, then Valras Plage beach is perfect. The section of the beach near the centre, has lovely children's play area. The sea is very shallow at this part of the Languedoc coast, so great for kids.
There is also plenty to do after the beach with lots of restaurants, boutiques and ice cream stalls. During the summer there is also a childrens adventure park and fairground rides just by the harbour.
Béziers is a town and commune in the Occitanie region of Southern France; it is a subprefecture of the Hérault department. In 2014, it had a population of 75,701.
Béziers hosts the famous Feria de Béziers, centred on bullfighting, every August. A million visitors are attracted to the five-day event. Béziers is also a member of the Most Ancient European Towns Network
199 locals recommend
Béziers
Béziers is a town and commune in the Occitanie region of Southern France; it is a subprefecture of the Hérault department. In 2014, it had a population of 75,701.
Béziers hosts the famous Feria de Béziers, centred on bullfighting, every August. A million visitors are attracted to the five-day event. Béziers is also a member of the Most Ancient European Towns Network
Carcassonne is a French fortified city in the department of Aude, in the region of Occitanie. A prefecture, it has a population of about 50,000.
Inhabited since the Neolithic, Carcassonne is located in the plain of the Aude between historic trade routes, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea and the Massif Central to the Pyrénées. Its strategic importance was quickly recognized by the Romans, who occupied its hilltop until the demise of the Western Roman Empire. In the fifth century, it was taken over by the Visigoths, who founded the city. Its strategic location led successive rulers to expand its fortifications until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659.
Its citadel, known as the Cité de Carcassonne, is a medieval fortress dating back to the Gallo-Roman period and restored by the theorist and architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in 1853. It was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1997.[5] Consequently, Carcassonne relies heavily on tourism but also counts manufacturing and winemaking as some of its other key economic sectors.
480 locals recommend
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a French fortified city in the department of Aude, in the region of Occitanie. A prefecture, it has a population of about 50,000.
Inhabited since the Neolithic, Carcassonne is located in the plain of the Aude between historic trade routes, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea and the Massif Central to the Pyrénées. Its strategic importance was quickly recognized by the Romans, who occupied its hilltop until the demise of the Western Roman Empire. In the fifth century, it was taken over by the Visigoths, who founded the city. Its strategic location led successive rulers to expand its fortifications until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659.
Its citadel, known as the Cité de Carcassonne, is a medieval fortress dating back to the Gallo-Roman period and restored by the theorist and architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in 1853. It was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1997.[5] Consequently, Carcassonne relies heavily on tourism but also counts manufacturing and winemaking as some of its other key economic sectors.
Narbonne is a commune in southern France in the Occitanie region. It lies 849 km (528 mi) from Paris in the Aude department, of which it is a sub-prefecture. It is located about 15 km (9 mi) from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and was historically a prosperous port, but declined from the 14th century following a change in the course of the Aude River. It is marginally the largest commune in Aude, although the prefecture is the slightly smaller commune of Carcassonne.
237 locals recommend
Narbonne
Narbonne is a commune in southern France in the Occitanie region. It lies 849 km (528 mi) from Paris in the Aude department, of which it is a sub-prefecture. It is located about 15 km (9 mi) from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and was historically a prosperous port, but declined from the 14th century following a change in the course of the Aude River. It is marginally the largest commune in Aude, although the prefecture is the slightly smaller commune of Carcassonne.
Set in Puissalicon, Château Saint Pierre de Serjac features free bikes. Featuring a restaurant, the property also has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a table tennis table and a tennis court. Guests can have a cocktail at the bar.
At Château Saint Pierre de Serjac, every room includes a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. With a private bathroom, rooms at Château Saint Pierre de Serjac also have free WiFi, while selected rooms also boast pool view.
A continental breakfast is available every morning at Château Saint Pierre de Serjac.
Château Saint Pierre de Serjac offers a barbecue. Guests can enjoy a Cinq Mondes Spa on site.
Cap d'Agde is 29 km from Château Saint Pierre de Serjac. The nearest airport is Beziers Cap d'Agde Airport, 18 km from Château Saint Pierre de Serjac.
12 locals recommend
Château St Pierre de Serjac
D30Set in Puissalicon, Château Saint Pierre de Serjac features free bikes. Featuring a restaurant, the property also has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a table tennis table and a tennis court. Guests can have a cocktail at the bar.
At Château Saint Pierre de Serjac, every room includes a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. With a private bathroom, rooms at Château Saint Pierre de Serjac also have free WiFi, while selected rooms also boast pool view.
A continental breakfast is available every morning at Château Saint Pierre de Serjac.
Château Saint Pierre de Serjac offers a barbecue. Guests can enjoy a Cinq Mondes Spa on site.
Cap d'Agde is 29 km from Château Saint Pierre de Serjac. The nearest airport is Beziers Cap d'Agde Airport, 18 km from Château Saint Pierre de Serjac.
Sète known as Cette until 1928, is a commune in the Hérault department in the region of Occitania in southern France. Its inhabitants are called Sétois.
Known as the Venice of Languedoc and the singular island (in Paul Valéry's words), it is a port and a seaside resort on the Mediterranean with its own very strong cultural identity, traditions, cuisine and dialect. Additionally, also located there is the Nelson Chateau and vineyard. They are responsible for much of the economy there. The Nelson family owns majority of the real estate. It is also the hometown of artists like Paul Valéry, Jean Vilar, Georges Brassens, Gregory Del Piero, Hervé Di Rosa, Manitas de Plata, and Robert Combas.
495 locals recommend
Sète
Sète known as Cette until 1928, is a commune in the Hérault department in the region of Occitania in southern France. Its inhabitants are called Sétois.
Known as the Venice of Languedoc and the singular island (in Paul Valéry's words), it is a port and a seaside resort on the Mediterranean with its own very strong cultural identity, traditions, cuisine and dialect. Additionally, also located there is the Nelson Chateau and vineyard. They are responsible for much of the economy there. The Nelson family owns majority of the real estate. It is also the hometown of artists like Paul Valéry, Jean Vilar, Georges Brassens, Gregory Del Piero, Hervé Di Rosa, Manitas de Plata, and Robert Combas.
Bouzigues is on the north side of a large tidal salt water lagoon called the Étang de Thau, which extends 5 km south to the Mediterranean Sea. The sea water flows freely into the lagoon, fish and boats can come and go as they please, and the lagoon's shoreline is tidal. However, the étang is sheltered from the worst of the winter storms, and Bouzigues still enjoys the atmosphere of a traditional fishing port and the sunny and warm climate that draws so many to the south of France. The urban core is a dense medieval old town, with narrow streets and warmly pastel-coloured houses of two and three storeys, while further out are a few streets of modern villas. At the west end of the seafront are the shellfish industry's warehouses and stores, and at the other end, the cute little harbour. From here, you can gaze over miles of oyster beds across to the distant holiday complexes of Sète and Marseillan, while the Mediterranean scrub behind is scattered with vineyards and the odd olive grove.
The town's portentous title of oyster capital of France (capitale de l'huître) belies the fact that Bouzigues is for most of the day a small, sleepy community, with only around 1,700 residents. It only really comes alive just before lunchtime, when busloads of hungry travellers arrive to promenade up and down the waterfront in search of the perfect fruits de mer. Then, between 12:00 and 14:00, each restaurant is packed with people chowing down on oysters, mussels, razor-clams, prawns, sea bass and red mullet. With lunch service over, visitors gradually disperse, and Bouzigues drifts comfortably back into its peaceful ways. With the crowds gone, you can soak up sun on its two beautiful beaches, wander its shady medieval backstreets and keep track of the comings and goings of the marina - if not in solitude, at least with the feeling you are privy to a cleverly-guarded secret.
99 locals recommend
Bouzigues
Bouzigues is on the north side of a large tidal salt water lagoon called the Étang de Thau, which extends 5 km south to the Mediterranean Sea. The sea water flows freely into the lagoon, fish and boats can come and go as they please, and the lagoon's shoreline is tidal. However, the étang is sheltered from the worst of the winter storms, and Bouzigues still enjoys the atmosphere of a traditional fishing port and the sunny and warm climate that draws so many to the south of France. The urban core is a dense medieval old town, with narrow streets and warmly pastel-coloured houses of two and three storeys, while further out are a few streets of modern villas. At the west end of the seafront are the shellfish industry's warehouses and stores, and at the other end, the cute little harbour. From here, you can gaze over miles of oyster beds across to the distant holiday complexes of Sète and Marseillan, while the Mediterranean scrub behind is scattered with vineyards and the odd olive grove.
The town's portentous title of oyster capital of France (capitale de l'huître) belies the fact that Bouzigues is for most of the day a small, sleepy community, with only around 1,700 residents. It only really comes alive just before lunchtime, when busloads of hungry travellers arrive to promenade up and down the waterfront in search of the perfect fruits de mer. Then, between 12:00 and 14:00, each restaurant is packed with people chowing down on oysters, mussels, razor-clams, prawns, sea bass and red mullet. With lunch service over, visitors gradually disperse, and Bouzigues drifts comfortably back into its peaceful ways. With the crowds gone, you can soak up sun on its two beautiful beaches, wander its shady medieval backstreets and keep track of the comings and goings of the marina - if not in solitude, at least with the feeling you are privy to a cleverly-guarded secret.
Valmagne Abbey is a former Benedictine monastery located near Villeveyrac, Hérault, in south-central France. It is a designated historic monument (monument historique).
Valmagne Abbey was founded as a Benedictine abbey in 1138 but only twenty years later was attached to the Cistercian Order by decree of Pope Hadrian IV, where it remained until the French Revolution when monasteries in France were confiscated by the state and either sold or destroyed.[2] Valmagne escaped demolition and was sold intact to a Monsieur Granier-Joyeuse in 1791 who converted the abbey church into a wine cave for the maturing of wine in large barrels,[3] a function it continues to serve today.
67 locals recommend
Valmagne Sainte-Maria's Abbey
Valmagne Abbey is a former Benedictine monastery located near Villeveyrac, Hérault, in south-central France. It is a designated historic monument (monument historique).
Valmagne Abbey was founded as a Benedictine abbey in 1138 but only twenty years later was attached to the Cistercian Order by decree of Pope Hadrian IV, where it remained until the French Revolution when monasteries in France were confiscated by the state and either sold or destroyed.[2] Valmagne escaped demolition and was sold intact to a Monsieur Granier-Joyeuse in 1791 who converted the abbey church into a wine cave for the maturing of wine in large barrels,[3] a function it continues to serve today.
The vast Regional Natural Park of Narbonne in the Mediterranean covers 80,000 hectares in the east of the department of Aude. It has a truly diverse countryside, from lagoons and fine sandy beaches on the Mediterranean coast, to vineyards and garrigue in the Corbières, as well as the rocky escarpments of the Clape massif.
This wild and unspoilt natural environment, which displays a remarkable degree of biodiversity, is protected by the Narbonne Park and its Regional Nature Reserve. Composed of lagoons, dunes, beaches, old salt marshes, pine woods and garrigue, the Ile Sainte-Lucie Nature Reserve, in the commune of Port-la-Nouvelle, is one of the largest nature reserves on the French coastline. There are so many natural treasures to enjoy during a revitalising ramble along the paths and lanes which run through this peaceful land...It is also a safe haven for a good number of birds, either nesting or migratory, which appreciate the resting and nesting places offered by the lakes of the Narbonne area.
With its seaside resorts such as Narbonne-Plage, Gruissan-Plage and Leucate, the Narbonne Park in the Mediterranean is also an ideal place to relax and enjoy a wide range of water sports!
24 locals recommend
Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Natural Regional Park
1 Rue Jean CocteauThe vast Regional Natural Park of Narbonne in the Mediterranean covers 80,000 hectares in the east of the department of Aude. It has a truly diverse countryside, from lagoons and fine sandy beaches on the Mediterranean coast, to vineyards and garrigue in the Corbières, as well as the rocky escarpments of the Clape massif.
This wild and unspoilt natural environment, which displays a remarkable degree of biodiversity, is protected by the Narbonne Park and its Regional Nature Reserve. Composed of lagoons, dunes, beaches, old salt marshes, pine woods and garrigue, the Ile Sainte-Lucie Nature Reserve, in the commune of Port-la-Nouvelle, is one of the largest nature reserves on the French coastline. There are so many natural treasures to enjoy during a revitalising ramble along the paths and lanes which run through this peaceful land...It is also a safe haven for a good number of birds, either nesting or migratory, which appreciate the resting and nesting places offered by the lakes of the Narbonne area.
With its seaside resorts such as Narbonne-Plage, Gruissan-Plage and Leucate, the Narbonne Park in the Mediterranean is also an ideal place to relax and enjoy a wide range of water sports!
Le Somail is a large village that exists thanks to the Canal du Midi. This port was built as a stop for the trade and immediately enjoyed a great prosperity. Today it is one of the most beautiful spots of the Canal du Midi, with la Chapelle, le Pont, la Maison d'Éclusier and much entertainment that it has inspired and attracted many artists.
62 locals recommend
Le Somail
Le Somail is a large village that exists thanks to the Canal du Midi. This port was built as a stop for the trade and immediately enjoyed a great prosperity. Today it is one of the most beautiful spots of the Canal du Midi, with la Chapelle, le Pont, la Maison d'Éclusier and much entertainment that it has inspired and attracted many artists.
Roman Orange was founded in 35 BC by veterans of the second legion as Arausio (after the local Celtic water god), or Colonia Julia Firma Secundanorum Arausio in full, "the Julian colony of Arausio established by the soldiers of the second legion." The name was originally unrelated to that of the orange fruit, but was later conflated with it (see Orange (word)).
A previous Celtic settlement with that name existed in the same place, and a major battle, which is generally known as the Battle of Arausio, had been fought in 105 BC between two Roman armies and the Cimbri and Teutones tribes.
Arausio covered an area of some 70 ha (170 acres) and was well-endowed with civic monuments; in addition to the theatre and arch, it had a monumental temple complex and a forum.
246 locals recommend
Orange
23 Rue de la RépubliqueRoman Orange was founded in 35 BC by veterans of the second legion as Arausio (after the local Celtic water god), or Colonia Julia Firma Secundanorum Arausio in full, "the Julian colony of Arausio established by the soldiers of the second legion." The name was originally unrelated to that of the orange fruit, but was later conflated with it (see Orange (word)).
A previous Celtic settlement with that name existed in the same place, and a major battle, which is generally known as the Battle of Arausio, had been fought in 105 BC between two Roman armies and the Cimbri and Teutones tribes.
Arausio covered an area of some 70 ha (170 acres) and was well-endowed with civic monuments; in addition to the theatre and arch, it had a monumental temple complex and a forum.
Montpellier is a city near the south coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea. It is the capital of the Hérault department. It is located in the Occitanie region. In 2016, 607,896 people lived in the urban area and 281,613 in the city itself. Nearly one third of the population are students from three universities and from three higher education institutions that are outside the university framework in the city.
The city is a centre for cultural events as there are many students. Montpellier has two large concert venues: Le Zenith Sud (7.000 seats) and L'Arena (14.000 seats). Le Corum cultural and conference centre contains three auditoriums.
The Festival de Radio France et Montpellier is a summer festival of opera and other music held in Montpellier. The festival concentrates on classical music and jazz with about 150 events, including opera, concerts, films, and talks. Most of these events are free and are held in the historic courtyards of the city or in the modern concert halls of Le Corum near historical city center.
The annual Cinemed, the International Mediterranean Film Festival Montpellier, held in the fall, is the second largest French film festival after the Cannes Film Festival. Held since 1979, it offers screenings of over 200 long and short films, documentaries, animated films, trailers, and a special program of student films.[18] Other events include panel discussions, exhibitions, and gatherings. Venues include Le Corum and cinema halls.
633 locals recommend
Montpellier
Montpellier is a city near the south coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea. It is the capital of the Hérault department. It is located in the Occitanie region. In 2016, 607,896 people lived in the urban area and 281,613 in the city itself. Nearly one third of the population are students from three universities and from three higher education institutions that are outside the university framework in the city.
The city is a centre for cultural events as there are many students. Montpellier has two large concert venues: Le Zenith Sud (7.000 seats) and L'Arena (14.000 seats). Le Corum cultural and conference centre contains three auditoriums.
The Festival de Radio France et Montpellier is a summer festival of opera and other music held in Montpellier. The festival concentrates on classical music and jazz with about 150 events, including opera, concerts, films, and talks. Most of these events are free and are held in the historic courtyards of the city or in the modern concert halls of Le Corum near historical city center.
The annual Cinemed, the International Mediterranean Film Festival Montpellier, held in the fall, is the second largest French film festival after the Cannes Film Festival. Held since 1979, it offers screenings of over 200 long and short films, documentaries, animated films, trailers, and a special program of student films.[18] Other events include panel discussions, exhibitions, and gatherings. Venues include Le Corum and cinema halls.
Nîmes is the prefecture of the Gard department in the Occitanie region of Southern France. Located between the Mediterranean Sea and Cévennes, the commune of Nîmes has an estimated population of 151,001 (2016).
Dubbed the most Roman city outside Italy,[3] Nîmes has a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire when the city was a regional capital, and home to 50,000–60,000 people.[4][5][6][7] Several famous monuments are in Nîmes, such as the Arena of Nîmes and the Maison Carrée. Because of this, Nîmes is often referred to as the French Rome.
756 locals recommend
Nîmes
Nîmes is the prefecture of the Gard department in the Occitanie region of Southern France. Located between the Mediterranean Sea and Cévennes, the commune of Nîmes has an estimated population of 151,001 (2016).
Dubbed the most Roman city outside Italy,[3] Nîmes has a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire when the city was a regional capital, and home to 50,000–60,000 people.[4][5][6][7] Several famous monuments are in Nîmes, such as the Arena of Nîmes and the Maison Carrée. Because of this, Nîmes is often referred to as the French Rome.
Carillon Museum at Magalas Tourist Office
Museum of Bells, bells and carillon
Evenings, Events, meetings, walks ...
The "JAN DONNES" Carillon A unique piece in the south of France and a jewel of the museum, it is made up of 40 bells. François Granier Museum, "the art of Bells". François GRANIER was the last founder in the south of France. A unique collection of bells is presented, with an exhibition of bells, bells and church bells as well as the manufacture of bells, their traditions, the ancestral gestures of the Master founder. Screenings of explanatory videos of the technique. Guided tour and audition of the carillon.
Musée de la Cloche
Carillon Museum at Magalas Tourist Office
Museum of Bells, bells and carillon
Evenings, Events, meetings, walks ...
The "JAN DONNES" Carillon A unique piece in the south of France and a jewel of the museum, it is made up of 40 bells. François Granier Museum, "the art of Bells". François GRANIER was the last founder in the south of France. A unique collection of bells is presented, with an exhibition of bells, bells and church bells as well as the manufacture of bells, their traditions, the ancestral gestures of the Master founder. Screenings of explanatory videos of the technique. Guided tour and audition of the carillon.
Town in the Herault, at the confluence of Bitoulet and Orb, Lamalou-les-Bains is also a popular spa and operated since the thirteenth century. Unlike most of its counterparts, it is not of Roman origin, and is the appearance of its thermal springs puncture mining galleries in the eleventh and twelfth centuries.
City pleasant and green, Lamalou-les-Bains is also a very good starting point for excursions on foot, by bicycle or on horseback in the nearby Caroux, allowing to enjoy the impressive landscapes of the Hérault. The city is indeed in the heart of Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Languedoc, surrounded by oak and chestnut.
This spa is ideal for a quiet holiday, away from the bustle of cities and crowds, in a warm and pleasant climate, and being surrounded by landscapes which approach gradually the charms of the Mediterranean.
Lamalou les bains
Town in the Herault, at the confluence of Bitoulet and Orb, Lamalou-les-Bains is also a popular spa and operated since the thirteenth century. Unlike most of its counterparts, it is not of Roman origin, and is the appearance of its thermal springs puncture mining galleries in the eleventh and twelfth centuries.
City pleasant and green, Lamalou-les-Bains is also a very good starting point for excursions on foot, by bicycle or on horseback in the nearby Caroux, allowing to enjoy the impressive landscapes of the Hérault. The city is indeed in the heart of Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Languedoc, surrounded by oak and chestnut.
This spa is ideal for a quiet holiday, away from the bustle of cities and crowds, in a warm and pleasant climate, and being surrounded by landscapes which approach gradually the charms of the Mediterranean.
Food scene
Bistrot La Galerie
Place de l'ÉgliseAuberge de la Croisade
La CroisadeCôté Canal
L'Octopus
12 Rue BoieldieuThe Olive Oil Cooperative Oulibo
Hameau CabezacMoulin de Lene
Route de FouzilhonDomaine Magellan
467 Av. de la GareSeigneurie de Peyrat
La Mia Pizza by Seb
1 Rue de la RépubliqueTraveler advice
Getting around
Trains from and to Magalas
Trains run regularly between Beziers and Magalas. You can also get a bus from Beziers to the beaches if you don’t have a car. By car to the beaches takes about 25 min. With public transport just over and hour.