VISIT .. Un magazine en langue anglaise pour la communauté d'agglomération Hérault Méditerranée

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II

, Exploring a world heritage location

Agde is one of the rare towns in France situated at the meeting of the waters: the Canal du Midi, the River Hérault and the Mediterranean Sea.

As

Peaceful as the Canal du The shady pathways that run alongside the Canal are an ideal loc

On the banks of the river Connecting the Atlantic to the Mediterranean was a dream cherished as long ago as Roman times. It became a reality in 1681, when the link between Toulouse and the Etang de Thau was opened. Pierre Paul Riquet, the engineer and promoter of this feat of engineering sank his entire fortune into the project but didn’t have the satisfaction of seeing it finished as he died six months before its inauguration. He had been working on the Canal, along with 12,000 labourers, since 1666. The Canal du Midi is both an historic monument and a World Heritage Site.

The River Hérault offers some very beautiful viewpoints along its banks. It crosses the Hérault valley before it joins the Mediterranean at Le Grau d’Agde. Many fortified windmills were built along its course in the Middle Ages, at Bessan, Castelnau-de-Gers and Saint Thibéry.

At Bessan, in a rural and shady setting, “La Guingette” is a place for relaxation and recreation situated beside the River Hérault with many facilities : moorings for boats, snack bar, restaurant... During the months of July and August the site is open 7 days a week, lunchtimes and evenings, and offers themed meals every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Free mooring for boats on the Hérault.

Tel. 04 67 77 43 93 At Agde a cycle track runs alongside the banks of the Hérault from the town as far as le Grau d’Agde.

C

onstruction work on the Canal du Midi lasted 15 years. Pierre‑Paul Riquet made Agde the last stop before the Etang de Thau and Sète, with a unique construction, the round lock. It is built out of basalt and allows boats to take one of three waterways, one of which leads to Toulouse, the se‑ cond to the town of Agde and the sea, and the third to the Etang de Thau along the course of the Hérault.

The port of Agde, situated just before the round lock, was created by simply widening the Canal and today welcomes many pleasure craft. In the 17th century it was home to the administrative centre of the Canal, the Hôtel Riquet, where the canal engineer was based.

The bridge of Jonquié, at Vias, built in 1676, was the first construction built on the stretch from Béziers to Agde.

From Libron to Vias From the earliest days of the Canal, crossing the River Libron proved difficult due to problems of navi‑ gation caused by rises in water level.

[ Agde [ Adissan [ Aumes [ Bessan [ Castelnau-de-Guers [ Caux [ Cazouls-d’Hérault [ Florensac [ Lézignan-la-Cèbe

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III

25 kilometres

of fine sandy beaches Photo Laurent Gheyssens

Photo Pierre Ramond

Discovered in 1964 in the Hérault River just by Agde cathedral by J. Fanjaud, a member of GRASPA (a group for archaeological and undersea research in the Pays d'Agde) under the direction of D.Fonquerie, the Ephèbe is the only bronze statue of the Hellenistic period discovered in France.

It is a representation of Alexander the Great, and dates back to the fourth century AD. The Museum is also home to an Etruscan bronze tripod, a series of stone cannons, a winged victory statue and some exceptional pieces discovered recently : two Roman statues (Cupid and a young boy dressed in a Roman tunic) dated between the 1st century before and the 1st century after Christ.

Photo Henri Comte

Agde : the Ephèbe statue

Musée de l'Ephèbe Cap d'Agde Tel. 04 67 94 69 65

The beaches of the coastline are some of the finest in the Languedoc At Agde, from Cap d'Agde to la Tamarissière, a succession of 11 patrolled beaches bordered by pedestrianised roads line 14km of the coastline.

Amongst them is one of the most beautiful basalt beaches in the Mediterranean, l’anse de la Grande Conque, whose black colour bears witness to the former activity of Agde’s volcanoes.

Vias, whose holiday park facilities make it France’s second largest resort, offers fine sandy beaches flanked by unspoilt lagoons.

u Midi

At Portiragnes, the focus is on the restoration of the dunes. Classified as a Station Verte since 2007, Portiragnes boasts a fine sandy beach separated from the urban area by an oasis of greenery.

Office de Tour Place du Bicenisme de Portiragnes 34420 Portiragtenaire Tel. 04 67 90 nes Plage www.ot-port 92 51 iragnes.fr tourisme@ville -portiragnes. fr

ocation for quiet walks.

To remedy this, the engineer Urbain Maguès built the Works of Libron in 1858. An impressive mechanism of mobile aqueducts allows the river water to travel over the Canal when it is in spate without interrupting naviga‑ tion. This network of flood gates, gear wheels and chains is set in an unspoilt landscape.

Preserving quality Protected by the Plan qualité plages whose aim is to protect marine and dune environments, the beaches are a heritage whose preservation is a major concern for the Communauté d’Agglomération Hérault Méditerrannée, which is investing heavily in their protection and maintenance.

The quality of the beaches and their bathing water has been recognised by the award of the Blue Flag European eco-label. In fact the beaches are cleaned and maintained every night during the summer season, starting at 4am, so that they are ready for the arrival of the earliest bathers at day break.

A nautical halt has been created at Vias to allow pleasure craft to make a stopover and take on water and elec‑ tricity supplies. From there, almost 9km of cycle tracks organised into five different routes ranging from 13km to 27km stretch out to the north of the village.

There are signboards with information along the way.

The distances are suitable for all levels and for rides with the whole family.

There are plenty of opportunities to explore the Canal du Midi. Cruisers, canal boats and motor boats, there is something to suit everyoneʼs taste and budget.

Information is available in all the Tourist Offices of the Agglomération area.

[ M o n t a gn a c [ N é z i gn a n - l’ Ev ê q u e [ N i za s [ P é z e n a s [ P i n e t [ P o m é ro l s [ P o r t i r a gn e s [ S a i n t - P o n s - d e - M a u c h i e n s [ S a i n t - T h i b é r y [ V i a s

Photo OT Cap d’Agde : J-C Meauxsoone

Around the Canal

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IV

, Walks and activities amongst nature GETTING AWAY FROM IT ALL From a distance, Mont Saint-Loup looks out over the lakes. Unspoilt locations which have retained their wild beauty.

Escape amongst the volcan The volcanoes of the Agde region (Mont Saint Loup) and Saint Thibéry (Mont Ramus) first became active almost one million years ago. They last erupted more than... 740,000 years ago.

The local terrain has been shaped by volcanic activity and the town of Agde itself was built on a basalt mound at the end of the 5th century AD. Agde was founded by Phocaean sailors (Greeks from Ionia), who were attracted by the site's location and the richness of its volcanic soil, naming the town “Agathé Tyché” which means “Good Fortune”.

In addition to the fertility of their soil, the volcanoes provided man with basalt, the raw material for urban constructions (quays, religious buildings and civil buildings). Marco Polo christened the town of Agde “the black pearl of the Mediterranean” because of its characteristic geological feature.

Nature trail

Volcanic sites

ont Saint‑Loup in Agde offers a panoramic view of the coastline and the hinterland.

Set off along the cliffs to explore the landscapes, the plant life and the geolo‑ gical history of Cap dʼAgde and Mont Saint‑Loup. Trips are organised every Wednesday during the summer led by a representative from the environmental protection association, ADENA. Necessary equipment: a strong pair of shoes !

Length of trip : 2 hours

A nautical halt has been created • The basalt “organ” columns at Saint‑Thibéry : these geological formations are situated right in the heart of the village (rue du rocher and rue du basalte), and bear witness to the former volcanic activity of Mont Ramus.

• The basalt flow of the Baumes volcano at Nizas is the site of a large number of basalt stone huts and lime kilns.

M

€5, free for children under 12.

Groups, subject to booking. Information Tel. 04 67 01 60 23 - www.adena.bagnas.com

Cap d’Agde underwater trail At the foot of the cliffs of the Grande Conque beach at Cap dʼAgde, explore the rich underwater fauna and flora via an undersea trail, as you scuba dive in several metres depth of water.

Every day in July and August, three trips for small groups of a maximum of 8 are led by specialist guides from ADENA. Equipment is available for loan.

Enrol at the ADENA bungalow, la Plagette, in the direction of the avant port.

For 8 yrs and over, €12 per person. Tel. 04 67 01 60 23

Photo ADENA : R. Dupuy de la Grandrive

La grande Maïre La Grande Maïre wetland site, bordered by the Canal du Midi to the north and by sandy beaches to the south, is owned mostly by the French Coastal Protection Agency and offers a patchwork of different environments : reed beds, salt meadows and salt marshes…

You can explore this site, remarkable for the richness of its fauna and flora, via three different routes : the 2.5km blue paths, 9km yellow paths or 11km red paths, with information boards all along the way.

Guided tours in summer.

Bookings : Portiragnes Tourist Office Tel. 04 67 90 92 51 [ Agde [ Adissan [ Aumes [ Bessan [ Castelnau-de-Guers [ Caux [ Cazouls-d’Hérault [ Florensac [ Lézignan-la-Cèbe

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V

Photo Eric Jouve

anoes Montagnac, land of Art and Nature

Pinet : the Domitian Way More than 2,000 years ago, the Roman emperor Domitian had a major military road built which bears his name, the Via Domitia, which stretches from the Rhône to the Pyrenees.

At the bois de la Vallongue, a guide will introduce you to the history of this road, the typically Mediterranean fauna and flora and the particular characteristics of the terroir where “Picpoul de Pinet” wine is produced.

Following the visit a wine tasting is offered at the Ormarine wine cellars.

Pézenas-Val d’Hérault Tourist Office.

Tel. 04 67 98 36 40

The cave coopérative of Montagnac offers the opportunity to discover the beauty of its vineyards through a tour of the monumental statues which are sited along the paths that run through them.

The purpose of this “Art and Nature” route is to use the beauty of art to enhance the landscape. The statues, which are allegorical references to the vine and to wine, blend into their surroundings, creating views of a landscape that is unique.

The Parc de Bessilles The 35 hectare Parc departmental de Bessilles (a departmental nature and leisure park) provides a special setting for recreational activities in unspoilt surroundings.

On offer are many open air sporting activities on multisports grounds.

These include tennis, mini-golf and mountain biking, on a site with the French Cycling Federation label which is the starting point for 240 kms of signposted routes. You can also relax in the coolness of the swimming pool or picnic in the shade of the age-old pine trees.

How to get there ? As you leave Montagnac, follow directions to Villveyrac. After 3 km, turn right in the direction of the base de Bessilles. Information on 04 67 24 07 26

The National Nature Reserve of Bagnas is set on an area of almost 600 hectares stretching from the beach and the dunes to the Thau lake, containing temporary marshes, Tamarix groves, large reed beds and established lakes with aquatic plants.

The main attraction of the site is the birds, with more than 250 species, some of which are present in their thousands. It is a migration site of international importance with some rare species.

To explore all the riches of the Bagnas reserve this summer with a qualified nature guide, trips are organised every Tuesday morning at 9am and every Thursday evening at 8pm in July and 7pm in August. €5 ; free for children under 12.

Groups, subject to booking.

Tel. 04 67 01 60 23 - www.adena.bagnas.com

Nature in Pézenas Photo ADENA : R. Dupuy de la Grandrive

The Bagnas Reserve

Information from the cave coopérative “les Vignobles Montagnac”.

Tel. 04 67 24 03 74 www.montagnac-languedoc.com

Walks and nature discovery organised by the French Society for the Protection of Nature.

Tel. 67 98 98 42 - paulivorra@wanadoo.fr

L’ermitage de Castelnau-de-Guers A 10km walk or mountain bike ride that takes you through the landscapes that inspired Cézanne.

Visit the hermitage of St Antoine du Lac. Tel. 04 67 98 13 61

[ M o n t a gn a c [ N é z i gn a n - l’ Ev ê q u e [ N i za s [ P é z e n a s [ P i n e t [ P o m é ro l s [ P o r t i r a gn e s [ S a i n t - P o n s - d e - M a u c h i e n s [ S a i n t - T h i b é r y [ V i a s

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VI

, Men and stones In “Boby” country The Boby Lapointe Museum is a place of memorial where “Boby watches over” the fans and connoisseurs of his work and where those who wish to learn about his songs, his mathematical theories and his life will find all they want to know…

June to September : 10am-12pm/4pm- 8pm (except Mondays). €2 or €0.50 from 12yrs to 18 yrs or free. Tel. 04 67 21 02 87

• Door and Ironwork Museum An unusual venue displaying a collection of doors (from 15th to the 20th century) from Pézenas and surrounding areas.

Entry free. From 10am to 12.30pm and from 3.30pm to 7pm except Mondays.

Tel. 04 67 98 35 05

• Interpretation Centre for Architecture and Heritage (CIAP) The CIAP is an informative and educational venue which offers the public keys to understanding local architecture and heritage. A permanent exhibition is devoted to the local area and its evolution.

Entry free. Tel. 04 67 98 36 40

• Vulliod-Saint-Germain Museum This town house presents collections of furniture, earthenware and a remarkable series of Aubusson tapestries telling the story of Alexander the Great. Following the return to Pézenas of Molière's armchair, which used to be in the shop of the barber Gély, an exhibition presents souvenirs of the writer.

June to September : from 10am to 12pm and 3pm to 7pm. €2.5 and €1.5.

Tel. 04 67 98 90 59

Encountering Molière The Scénovision Molière in Pézénas will immerse you in the life of Molière with 3D films and surround sound, in a 17th century ambience. Five acts. Five rooms. Five different ambiences. Fifty minutes in the life of the playwright. Thanks to the high quality production, original décor and emotive atmosphere, the audience/actors are transported into the incredible and hilarious story of the playwright, whose real name was Jean-Baptiste Poquelin. €7 and €6 (children and groups). www.scenovisionmoliere.com

A LAND THAT IS PROUD OF ITS

Focus on towns and Small and large towns invite you to an exciting exploration of centuri Pézenas, a centre for country fairs and part of the Languedoc States, was a favourite destination for Molière and his theatre company the Illustre Théâtre. Its historic centre still retains the charm of its 17th and 18th century town houses, its cobbled streets and many 16th century grand houses around the Maison Consulaire, the former centre of municipal power. To be included in your visit, the chapel of the Black Penitents, transformed into a theatre in the 19th century, the Ursuline Convent and the treasures of the St Jean Collegiate church.

The historic town centre Guided tours are led by qualified guides who will show you how to read the clues to the development of the town and help you to appreciate the historic and nostalgically evocative locations.

July and August, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays,11am. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 5pm.

Tartuffe in the Théâtre de Verdure Pézenas extends its festival “Molière dans tous ses éclats” with this summer production, as richly enjoyable as the work of this illustrious author. This version of “Tartuffe” is full of verbal jousting that will dazzle its audiences. A Molieresque comedy in all its splendour. Tartuffe is directed by Patrick Kerbrat. A production by the Jean Vilar Theatre Workshop. Friday 20th August, 9.30pm.

Théâtre de Verdure

Night tour of Pézenas Enter into the secret charm of the magnificent town houses, at an unaccustomed hour, in a hushed and welcoming ambience when the monuments put on their evening dress.

Tuesdays at 8.30pm ; €7 and €6. Subject to booking, minimum of 5 people.

Heritage treasure trail “Molièreʼs tale”. A fun and convivial discovery of the Pézenas that Molière knew. With the aid of a booklet and a map and accompanied by his memory, visitors reply to questions posed about emblematic sites : the shop of his friend the barber Gély where he used to go to have his hair curled, the Bât dʼArgent inn where he used to stay with his theatre troupe, and the monument created by the sculptor Injalbert on the initiative of the comité Molière.

Duration of treasure trail 2½ hours. Wednesdays in July and August at 4pm.

8 to 12 yrs : €2.5 - Adults : €6 and €5. Subject to booking, minimum of 3 families.

[ Agde [ Adissan [ Aumes [ Bessan [ Castelnau-de-Guers [ Caux [ Cazouls-d’Hérault [ Florensac [ Lézignan-la-Cèbe

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Photo Eric Jouve

VII

TS RICH HISTORY

villages

uries gone by.

The historic centre of Agde is home to an extraordinary ancient heritage, a maze of backstreets lined with houses and monuments constructed out of volcanic black stone that are unique in the Languedoc. The perfect way to explore the town centre is to stroll around the back streets and quaysides, taking in this charming and evocative location with its characteristic maritime and volcanic associations.

As the visitor enters the town centre via the rue Honoré Muratet, they can also choose to follow the sign posted tourist circuit.

La Glacière The underground ice‑house built between 1679 and 1681 for storing ice in winter is open to visitors. Groups of 5 to 10 people maximum, sub‑ ject to booking. Children under 7yrs and people with cardiac problems are not admitted.

Meet at the venue at 3pm, 3.30pm, 4pm and 4.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. €2

The Cathedral Tower

Located in the heart of the historic town, the 26 rooms of the Musée Agathois, a museum of popular arts and traditions, retrace life in the region from Ancient Times to nowadays.

Every day from June to September : 9.30am - 6.30pm. €4.70 ; €3.60 Senior Citizens ; €1.80 for 11 to 18 yr olds, free for children. Audio-guide supplement : €2 : 5 rue de la Fraternité.

Tel. 04 67 94 82 51

Listen to…

Audio-guided walks “the oldest area of Agde”, “Saint-André church”, “Saint-Sever church”, “the Consul’s House”: for listening to or downloading (mp3 files) at “http://www.capagde.com”

Guided tour of the tower of Saint‑Etienne Cathedral with a panoramic view of the city on the banks of Hérault. 5 people maximum, subject to booking. Children under 12 yrs and people with cardiac problems are not admitted.

Saint-Sever church

Sets off from the Tourist Office. 10am and 11am, every Wednesday. €5

The historic town centre Walk through the back streets of the black stone town of Agde, with a guide.

Minimum of 5 people. Guided tours for groups subject to booking : in French, German and English.

Every day. Sets off from the Tourist Office. €5, €3 for 6 to 12 yr olds.

Photo Pierre Ramond

nd

The Jules Baudou Museum

Guided tour of around 15 min.

Meet at the venue 10am to 12pm every Thursday ‑ Free.

Agde, St-Etienne Cathedral.

Tourist Office : 04 67 62 91 99.

Guides : 04 67 94 27 40.

[ M o n t a gn a c [ N é z i gn a n - l’ Ev ê q u e [ N i za s [ P é z e n a s [ P i n e t [ P o m é ro l s [ P o r t i r a gn e s [ S a i n t - P o n s - d e - M a u c h i e n s [ S a i n t - T h i b é r y [ V i a s

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VIII

, Men and stones Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens.

Caux The village of Caux encircles the church of Saint-Gervais Saint-Protais with its numerous 15th and 17th century houses.

From the church tower you can admire the basalt plateau which surrounds the village.

Open to visitors on Thursday 1st and 22nd July and 12th August at 10am.

Meet in front of the Mairie.

MEDIEVAL ARCHITECTURE

Circulade villages Seen from the sky, a concentric pattern of buildings becomes evident.

T

hree villages are particularly remarkable for their concentric street design, also referred to as circulade : Caux, Nézignan l'Evêque and Saint‑Pons‑de‑Mauchiens. The term “circulade” refers to a type of fortified urban development that appeared mainly in the Languedoc‑Roussillon area in the Middle Ages. The dwellings are arranged in concentric circles around a central pro‑ tective edifice : either a fortified château or a church. This way, each circle of houses serves as an extra line of defence to either halt or hold up an attacker.

More information from the association des villages circulaires : www.circulades.com

Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens The village retains vestiges of the medieval fortification, many ancient houses and an interesting Roman church altered in the 14th century. In the 19th century a circle of new buildings connected with the wine growing industry sprang up around the original village centre.

Open to visitors on Thursday 8th and 29th July and 19th August at 10am. Meet in front of the Mairie.

Contact 04 67 98 77 66 or 04 67 98 70 72

[ Agde [ Adissan [ Aumes [ Bessan [ Castelnau-de-Guers [ Caux [ Cazouls-d’Hérault [ Florensac [ Lézignan-la-Cèbe

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IX

Montagnac

EXPERTISE

Towns of the artists Agde and Pézenas exhibit the works of designers and craftsmen.

In Agde, female beauty is everywhere, from the Greek goddess Agathé, who gave the town its name, to the remarkable costumes of the Belles Agathoises. Dedicated to fashion design and dubbed the Ville Métiers dʼArt (town of artists), the Black Pearl of the Mediterranean proudly shows off its talented designers. With its own show room in Cap dʼAgde, which offers a very chic range of swim wear, it presents stunning cat walk shows and extraordinary exhibitions in its Galerie de la Perle Noire in the centre of the town.

With the beginning of fairs at the end of the 13th century, Montagnac became an important economic centre. The town was transformed, and rich merchants built imposing residences there in the 14th and 15th centuries. The town was a protestant stronghold in the 16th and 17th centuries and boasts some superb town houses.

Open to visitors on Thursdays 15th July, and 5th and 26th August at 10am.

Meet in front of the Tourist Office.

In Pézenas, promotion of artisanal tech‑ niques and expertise was particularly prominent in the 1960s, on the initiative of journeymen, master craftsmen and meilleurs ouvriers of France.The wealth of Pézenas lies in the diver‑ sity of its body of professionals specialising in the theatrical arts and the restoration of local cultural heritage. An exhibition in the Maison des Métiers d'Art de Pézenas from 2nd of July to 3 rd of October is devoted to the contem‑ porary ceramic design of the region.

Saint-Thibéry The Association for the Protection of Local Heritage offers visits to the village, the abbey church and organs, from 5pm to 7pm.

Every Wednesday from 7th July to 4tth August.

La Maison des Métiers d’Art de Pézenas : 6, place Gambetta Tel. 04 67 98 16 12 La Galerie de la Perle Noire : 20, rue Jean Roger Tel. 04 67 26 94 14 Information : www.metiersdart.cahm.net

Vias, a history worth exploring …

Office de Tour Avenue de la isme de Vias 34450 Vias Méditerranée Tel. 04 67 21 www.ot-vias 76 25 Courriel : ot-v.com ias@wanadoo .fr

Photo Henri Comte

The centre of the village and its back streets are home to authentic medieval architecture.

A history that can be explored every Tuesday.

Meet at 6 pm in front of the church of Saint Jean-Baptiste.

Contact 04 67 21 76 25

[ M o n t a gn a c [ N é z i gn a n - l’ Ev ê q u e [ N i za s [ P é z e n a s [ P i n e t [ P o m é ro l s [ P o r t i r a gn e s [ S a i n t - P o n s - d e - M a u c h i e n s [ S a i n t - T h i b é r y [ V i a s

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X

, Magnificent greens

LEASURE

Le

Cap d’Agde : Internation

In front of the sea, of the heart of sublime one Mediterranean landscape, The Golf of the Cap d'Agde is an invitation in the sports challenge.

Ronald FREAM the talented American architect, shaped a course of exception.

A remarkable plan, magnificent wavy greens, water obstacles and sensibly positioned bunkers. This challenge will lead you to the pleasure.

Opened 365 days / year, the Golf of the Cap d'Agde also proposes you : 1 course 9 holes compact in the atmosphere afforested, 36 posts(post offices) of practice among which 16 flatware, 1 putting green and 1 green of approach.

Course

I

magined by Ronald FREAM, the Golf of the Cap d'Agde in the technical and varied plan invites you in the sports challenge. Having admired the méditerranée, Canigou snowy and chained some doglegs, the amen hook gets closer, of the hole N° 6 to the hole N° 9, the obstacles will impress the most fragile swings ! On the return, the hole N° 13 one by 3 in the green lined with palm trees, will demonstrate you that several times there is more sand than green ! Then the hole N° 15, one by 5 of the 555 meters will test severely your long knocks... Cap d'Agde an intense moment of Golf, Theater of the qualifications of the ALPS Tour.

Office de Tour Bulle d'Accue isme du Cap d’Agde 34503 Le Cap il - B.P 544 Tel. 04 67 01 d'Agde Cedex www.capdagd04 04 contact@capd e.com agde.com

[ Agde [ Adissan [ Aumes [ Bessan [ Castelnau-de-Guers [ Caux [ Cazouls-d’Hérault [ Florensac [ Lézignan-la-Cèbe

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XI

The Clubhouse The pro Shop proposes you all year long a range of clothes, shoes, bags and quality accessories.

The Restaurant The restaurant the Pleiad welcomes you all year long, to relax you around a glass, lunch or dinner.

The hotel The Palmyra Golf Hôtel ****, a place of charm in the Mediterranean spirit.

33 rooms(chambers) with a view of the Golf.

Your stay will be placed under the sign of the big spaces, the pleasure, the relaxation and the Golf in a real haven of peace.

Swimming pools and beauty salon will decorate your stay and in some steps, the magnificent fine sand beaches of the Cap d'Agde.

ACCESS

onal Golf

By the road : highway A9, heat exchanger (interchange) Agde Pézenas (34) direction Cap d'Agde, in the entry of the Cap d'Agde direction beach Richelieu and Rochelongue.

By air : airports Béziers-Agde - Vias (15km) Montpelier Mediterranean (60km) By the train : SNCF (French National Railway Compagny) of Agde (15km) Golf International du Cap d’Agde 4, avenue des Alizés 34300 le Cap d’Agde, France Tel. +33 (0)4 67 26 54 40 Fax : +33 (0)4 67 26 97 00 golf@ville-agde.fr http://golf.ville-agde.fr

Number of holes : 18 / Par : 72 Distance : 6286 meters / Slope : 137 (marks white man) / SS : 74

Photo OT Cap d’Agde : P. Ramond

Number of holes : 9 / Par : 27 Distance : 730 meters

[ M o n t a gn a c [ N é z i gn a n - l’ Ev ê q u e [ N i za s [ P é z e n a s [ P i n e t [ P o m é ro l s [ P o r t i r a gn e s [ S a i n t - P o n s - d e - M a u c h i e n s [ S a i n t - T h i b é r y [ V i a s

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XII

, Wines AN AUTHENTIC VINEYARD

Expertise Appellations “A la carte” A wide range of grape varieties to please all palates The territory of the Agglomération includes almost 6,000 hectares of vines with Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) classification. It is famous for two appellations : la Clairette and les Coteaux du Languedoc. In this last appellation, three terroirs are identified : Picpoul de Pinet, terroir de Pézenas and the Grès de Montpellier.

The

Hérault Médi

T

he territory of the Communauté dʼAgglomération Hérault Méditerranée is situated in the heart of the largest wine growing region in the world in terms of land area and volume of production. Wine making is the second most important industry in the region after tourism. For this reason the Agglomération has relaunched the activities of the association “la Route des Vignerons et des Pêcheurs” (the wine growers and fishermenʼs route). This association, under the leadership of Pierre Quinonéro, the owner of the domaine de la Garance estate at Caux, brings together almost 70 wine producers from the whole of the region. With an overall budget of €70,000, which included a €30,000 subsidy from the Agglomération, “the route” has bought itself a stand, designed to resemble a wine press, so that it can be identified during inter‑communal events.

This working tool also enables it to attend international business fairs. Its website provides a means for promoting the different wine cellars and estates, just like the caveau de vente (wine shop) that it has opened in Caux.

Grape varieties Clairette d’Adissan and Picpoul de Pinet are produced from single grape varieties, the white Clairette grape and the white Piquepoul grape. The first is produced in the communes of Adissan and Nizas and the second in the communes of Pinet, Pomerols, Castelnau de Guers, Florensac and Montagnac.

The AOC coteaux du Languedoc-Pézenas and Grès de Montpellier wines, on the other hand, are made from different grape varieties. Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault and Grenache for the red wines, Marsanne, Roussanne, Rolle, Grenache, Terret and Bourboulenc for the white wines. These blended wines are produced for the terroir of Pézenas in the communes of Caux, Lézignan la Cèbe, Nizas and Pézenas.

The production of the Grès de Montpellier in the communes of Montagnac and Saint-Pons de Mauchiens remains more marginal.

Using fairs to good advantage The Route des Vignerons has taken concrete action in the area of marketing, by participating in the Vinisud fair in Montpellier in 2006 and 2008 and the Statistics Prowein fair in Dusseldorf in 2007, 2008 and 2009. “By uni‑ [ The land area of the Hérault Méditerranée region : 371 km² ting, the costs are shared. The [ Area of land under cultivation* : 196 km², registration cost for these fairs 68 % of which is planted with vines and 20 % of which is arable land comes to €500 per participant" confides Pierre Quinonéro. “Our [ 6 caves coopératives strength is in being able to offer [ Around 120 independent caves importers a full range of wines, [ More than 9 million bottles produced per year whether it be in volume or in [ 1.2 million hectolitres of wine are produced every year quality, with products ranging * sources : Ministerial figures from the agricultural survey for the year 2000 from €3 to €20 in price.”

[ Agde [ Adissan [ Aumes [ Bessan [ Castelnau-de-Guers [ Caux [ Cazouls-d’Hérault [ Florensac [ Lézignan-la-Cèbe

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Photo Laurent Romero

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iterranée, a land of wines A quality based initiative In order to promote all aspects of this rich heritage, the Agglomération is placing a great emphasis on wine tourism. The aim is to offer visitors authentic holidays that include accommodation, activities based on the cultivation of the vine and wine making, tastings, visits to remarkable local heritage sites and an introduction to the local gastronomy.

This initiative requires the participation of producers who want to promote their expertise and profit from direct or indirect income from this activity.

Pierre Quinonéro believes in it. He has also just been awarded the quality labels “Qualité Hérault” and “Sud de France” for his cellars. For “nothing is possible without offering hospitality of a high quality.” An initiative which he would like to share and extend to all the wine cellars on the Route.

From starter to dessert... [ La Clairette du Languedoc, Clairette d’Adissan These wines can be served young or “rancios” (3 yrs ageing), dry or sweet. They can be enjoyed as an aperitif, with foie gras or with dessert. [ Coteaux du Languedoc - Picpoul de Pinet Its calcareous terroir, strongly influenced by its proximity to the sea, endows it with citrus and floral aromas. This white wine marries exceptionally well with shellfish and fish. [ Coteaux du Languedoc - “Terroir de Pézenas” The grapes of this appellation come from plots identified by the producers and approved by the National Institute for Origin and Quality. This results in grand cru wines, with reds that are excellent accompaniments for meat and cheese.

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, Terroir

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partner in the wine growing industry Local heritage The golden age of the vine engraved in the stones.

A village architecture shaped by the wine growing industry

VINOCAP, and les ESTIVALES : shop windows for our wines

Photo Laurent Romero

A

In the 19 th century, with the boom in the wine growing trade, the urban fabric of the villages grew with the appea‑ rance of the wine growersʼ houses, the maisons vigneronnes. The large number of these buildings is a reminder that wine growing was the main economic activity in the Bas Languedoc region. In partnership with the Regional Department for Cultural Affairs, the Agglomération has made an inventory of these buildings in the communes of Saint Thibéry and Montagnac.

In addition to supporting the professionals in promoting and marketing their products, the Agglomération is greatly expanding its events policy with, in particular, the launch in June of VINOCAP on the quayside in Cap d’Agde. The aim of this festival is make the region a major destination for lovers of Mediterranean wines in the years ahead.

This work has brought to light several dominant characteristics of this architecture common to the region : the high fronted buildings that line the street were multi‑ purpose, fulfilling several functions under the same roof. On the ground floor was the front door, with the store room to the side. This area was used to store agricultural machinery and in earlier times the harness equipment. The living accommodation, most often consisting only of a large room, occupied the first floor. The roof space or attic at the top of the building was used for storage. Pulleys were fixed to the side walls, bearing witness to the agricultural purpose of the building.

Throughout this summer it has been participating in les ESTIVALES in Pézenas, promoting the local grand cru wines in a musical atmosphere on the cours Jean-Jaurès.

Outside the villages in the country‑ side, châteaux built in the neo‑ classical style can be seen, the so‑called châteaux pinardiers, lite‑ rally, “wine tanker” châteaux. With their characteristic slate roofs, these buildings, barely more than a century old, are testimony to the wealth of their owners. Amongst the most spectacular in the Hérault Méditerannée region are the château de la Gardie at Vias, the domaine de Caillan at Bessan, the château de Saint Martin de Grave at Aumes and the Grange des Près at Pézenas.

These two events are based on a double concept : tasting and sales, and the organisation of high quality events.

Setting our sights on Wine Tourism In the heart of the largest wine growing area in the world and a region dominated by the tourist industry, the Hérault Méditerranée has all that is needed to succeed as a wine tourism destination.

Photo Pierre Arnaud

Aware of this potential, the Communauté d’Agglomération is working on providing a clearer definition of the wine tourism offer together with professionals from the tourist and wine growing industries.

It is being supported in this by the leading role played by the association “la route des Vignerons et des Pêcheurs” which unites more than sixty professionals involved in the wine growing industry, the fishing industry and local food production.

Today, two main objectives have been set: to promote the spring and autumn periods in order to extend the tourist season and to establish the identity of the region as a Mediterranean destination offering a combination of sea, wine, terroir and cultural heritage.

[ Agde [ Adissan [ Aumes [ Bessan [ Castelnau-de-Guers [ Caux [ Cazouls-d’Hérault [ Florensac [ Lézignan-la-Cèbe

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, Gourmet regions

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In Agde, the recipe for a good “tielle” remains a secret... It stays in the family !

THE AUTHENTIC FISHERMAN'S TART

land of the “tielle”

Aimé Catanzano jealously guards his secret recipe

T

he tielle, a tart with a filling of finely chopped octopus mixed with a spicy tomato sauce, is a recipe of Italian origin brought back by the fishermen who came to settle in the coastal towns of the Mediterranean, such as Agde and Sète. Although everyone might have their own recipe, in Agde, Aimé Catanzano, along with his wife, is carrying on an expert Neapolitan tradition that goes back four generations.

“All our tielles are handmade”. I do it all myself, from start to finish. I go to the fish market every day to buy fresh fish. I buy an octopus, “bruise” it to tenderise it, then I make the sauce which I am going to cook it in. I make the pastry myself and cook them with meticulous care...”

We know no more about his secret methods... Because he takes such great care in producing his tarts, Aimé Catanzano only makes around thirty every day.

If you would like to sample and enjoy other authentic seafood dishes, you should visit : la Casa Pépé in Agde.

29, rue Jean Roger - 34 300 Agde Tel. 04 67 21 17 67

All day every Tuesday, a display and sale by the artisan producers of the Parc Régional du HautLanguedoc and the Pays d'Agde.

Tuesdays 6th, 13th and 27thJuly Tuesdays 3rd, 17th, 24th and 31st August, Tuesdays 7th, 14th and 21st September.

Place du Barbecue 34300, Cap d'Agde

Le Grau d’Agde, at the mouth of the River Hérault, is one of the six main fishing ports on the French Mediterranean coast. Every year Agde fishermen unload some 2,000 tons of fish here, brought back by eleven bottom trawlers, a pelagic trawler, a dozen or so small deep sea fishing boats, around thirty small inshore fishing boats and three tuna seiners.

The main species sold at the fish market are monkfish, octopus, hake, bream sole, squid, sea bass, red mullet and capelin. Sardines, anchovies and tuna are sold directly by the fishermen to the wholesale fishmongers.

All these fish are caught and sold on the same day and can be found in fishmongers and the fish sections of supermarkets in Agde, and also in Spain and Italy. The fish market is not open to the public but the idea is currently under consideration.

Photo Pierre Ramond

Local produce fairs

The fish of the pays d’Agde

Good to know To buy fresh fish newly unloaded on the quay, go to the avant port in Cap d’Agde.

Dependent on weather conditions.

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Photo Pierre Arnaud

In the

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, Gourmet regions SOME “MUST TRY” LOCAL SPECIALITIES....

The artisans of the Agde region and Pézenas offer a high quality range of prepared dishes to suit all tastes.

The

flavours of the Hérault M

The Hérault Méditerranée region is rich in flavours. From north to south, you can find local specialities which have made certain places famous and are also the expression of artisanal talent and expertise.

Pézenas : Estivales 2010

The artisan jam makers of Pézenas

The aim of the Estivales in Pézenas is to promote the Languedoc Pézenas Coteaux AOC grand vins and those of the association, la Route des vignerons et des pêcheurs of the Communauté d’Agglomération Hérault Méditerranée. They take place at the same time as the evening markets la Nocturne des Artisans Créateurs, every Friday evening during the summer.

Visitors can sample two grand vins by buying a tasting glass of regional wine for €3, and then leave with their glass and their memories of a moving and interesting evening. These Friday summer evenings are accompanied by musicians who play until the sun goes down on the Cours Jean-Jaurès, the main street in Pézenas, with the focus on the products of this region in the South of France...

Every Friday evening: tastings, activities and conviviality in an exceptional historic setting.

rtisanal production of jams, chutneys, mustards and vinegars.

Nadine has lived in Pézenas for more than 10 years, where she simmers in her copper cauldrons more than 100 different recipes redolent with fragrant spices or vinegar. In 2003, the enterprise was awarded the French gastronomic Panache dʼOr award. Its fame spreads beyond regional boundaries.

Open all year round even on Sunday. Nadine De Brandère, a great address for food lovers.

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2, rue de la Foire à Pézenas Tel. 04 67 01 60 23 / Fax 04 67 98 24 99 - www.adena.bagnas.com

The petits pâtés of Pézenas These savoury/sweet pies were introduced in the middle of the 18th century by the Indian cooks of Lord Clive, the Viceroy of India, who had come to Pézenas to take a rest. They are eaten reheated at the beginning of a meal, are easy to transport and keep for a fort‑ night in the refrigerator. The very noble confrérie du petit pâté de Pézenas, based at 6, rue Four in Pézenas, is a gastronomic brother‑ hood devoted to upholding the quality of this product, which holds its annual chapter meeting on Ascension Thursday.

[ Agde [ Adissan [ Aumes [ Bessan [ Castelnau-de-Guers [ Caux [ Cazouls-d’Hérault [ Florensac [ Lézignan-la-Cèbe

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Cap d’Agde : The Wine Growers’ Village Saturday 17th July from 7am to 8pm, Mail de Rochelongue, Cap d'Agde.

Tuesday 20th July from 7am to 8pm, Place du Barbecue, Cap d’Agde Tuesday 10th August from 7am to 8pm, Place du Barbecue, Cap d’Agde.

Saturday 14th August from 7am to 8pm, Mail de Rochelongue, Cap d’Agde

The Nézignan Evêque fig The “becos figos” or fig eaters, in other words the inhabitants of Nézignan l'Evêque, are proud of their history.

Since François 1st and maybe even earlier, this commune has always been the standard bearer for the cultivation of the fig.

It has an experimental orchard and an arboretum which are currently home to more than 80 fig varieties. Soft and tasty, sweet or less sweet according to the maturation conditions, the amount of sun and the varieties, the fresh fig can be eaten cooked or raw, in savoury dishes as an accompaniment to meat, or sweet in desserts.

Bessan : pick your own on the Caillan estate

Florence’s honey Shrubland, lavender and all flower honeys.

On sale at the Saturday market.

Florence MOUTOU Route de Nizas, Pézenas Tel. 04 67 98 80 51

At the Caillan estate, lovers of fresh produce grown according to sustainable agricultural methods can come and pick their own fruit and vegetables. A great time for all the family ! Equipped with secateurs and wheelbarrows provided by the estate, everyone can pick their own fruit and vegetables in the orchards and vegetable gardens at an affordable price. Pick your own at Caillan is open every day from 9am to 7pm including Sundays and public holidays, except Thursdays, from 23rd April to 29th September, and in July and August from 9am-1pm & 5pm to 8pm.

Lézignan la Cèbe sweet onions Photo Pierre Ramond

The origins of the onions of Lézignan are lost in the mists of time, but they are thought to have been first grown in Persia. In his Natural History, Pliny the Elder recommended this plant as good for health and long life.

The cultivation of onions in Lézignan goes back to the beginning of the 17th century. The sweet onion is sown in autumn and picked at the beginning of summer.

The Lézignan la Cèbe onion can be recognised by its flat and elongated shape and can reach two kilogrammes in weight. In order to reap the many benefits of this sweet onion, it should be eaten raw in salads.

Méditerranée

The chocolate maker of Pomérols Guy Bouzigues has won many European medals for his Fine de Picpoul de Pinet chocolates. This master chocolatier has created a range of chocolates using figs, olives and Picpoul de Pinet wine.

Guy Bouzigues chocolaterie, rue basse, Pomerols. Tel. 04 67 77 04 99

The art of preserving in Saint-Pons-de-Mauchiens

The berlingots of Pézenas Sugar is formed into a stick and flavoured with various essences (aniseed, mint, coffee, lemon...). This candy confection keeps for months. Only one factory, the Boudet company, continues this Office de Tour artisanal production. isme The production site in the place Saint Christol can be visited free on request every morning except Sunday.

Tel. 04 67 98 16 32

Pézenas Val Pl. des Etats d’Hérault 34120 Pézenadu Languedoc - BP 10 Tel. 04 67 98 s www.pezenas36 40 accueil.pezen -tourisme.fr as@otpvh.fr

The croustade de Bessan The famous croustade has been baked in Bessan for more than 100 years. The main ingredients of this puff pastry confection, which was invented by housewives who came to cook them at the patissier’s, are dark chocolate, lemon zest and nuts. The Ciliego family has continued the tradition for

Stéphane Strobl is a dedicated artisan who every day invents new flavours by combining vegetables, fruit and flowers in a deliciously surprising way.

He offers a range of coulis, preserves and soups... Also worth sampling, his vegetable crisps and piétinade spreads.

The composition of these will revolutionise aperitif time : cranberry beans, rosebuds, olive oil and white wine are the ingredients that go to make his piétinade rose. His piétinades come in a choice of five colours that will wake up your taste buds.

Products on www.ruetraversette.com Tel. 04 67 98 71 02 / 06 64 86 28 81

many generations. Also worth sampling are soupirs, a Bessan speciality based on meringue.

Pâtisserie Ciliegio, 2 rue des caves.

Tel. 04 67 77 43 44

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, Folklore and traditions

Le chien de Saint Pons A long time ago, the lord in the châ‑ teau had some enormous dogs which he allowed to roam free to guard his property. One night, the lord came back late and was at‑ tacked b y t h e m .

His own dogs devou‑ red him ! Before he died, the lord of Mauchiens cried out in Occitan “mali canos”, “bad dogs”. Today the me‑ mory of the lordʼs two dogs is preserved in the coat of arms of the commune.

Le poulain de Pézenas During its Carnival, Pézenas brings out its poulain (foal). Nine men are hidden inside this enormous animal which is led by a tenth man through the town.

In 1226, according to legend, Louis VIII made a stop in Pézenas. As his favourite mare was ill, he had to leave her behind. During his absence, the villagers took care of the animal. When the king returned, the mare had recovered and had even given birth to a foal. To say thank you, the monarch offered a giant wooden foal to the village, so that the people could exhibit it in all their celebrations as a symbol of the friendship that had been cemented with the new power in the Languedoc. The Poulain has been recognised as an immaterial world heritage by UNESCO.

Le cheval marin d’Agde In ancient times, the pays dʼAgde was ruled by Queen Agathé who was praised by her subjects for her beauty and intelligence. Just imagine, one day, the Greek god Dionysus disembarked on the Agde coast, accompanied by his cortege of priestesses : the Menades ! Dionysus fell in love with Agathé and married her. But the day after the wedding, Dionysus disappeared. Agathéʼs grief was great until she saw a strange animal emerging from the waves, a horse whose body ended in a fishʼs tail : it was the Cheval Marin (sea horse), a gift from Dionysus. The animal declared that it had been given a mission : to bring prosperity and happi‑ ness once again to the people of Agde. Then, it took Queen Agathé on a fantastic voyage around the Mediterranean...

The

history and le

Many villages have as an emblem or symbol a totem animal that is often presented to the public in a theatrical fashion during local celebrations.

They can symbolise virtue, courage, strength, cunning, goodness or evil.

Within the region of the Agglomération, seven animals are particularly well known...

Red boat or blue boat?

The grand, water jousting tournaments, another aspect of tradition.

During the summer season, the water jousters rule supreme over the Thau basin ! The principle of this ancient discipline can be summarised as a head to head encounter between two jousters perched on a wooden plank called a tintaine, who try to topple their opponent with the aid of a lance which they try to fix into their opponent’s pavois (a sort of wooden shield).

To make things more complicated, the jousters are perched on a boat propelled by a team of 10 rowers.

The important thing is to have good sea legs !

It was in Agde that the first water jousts in the Languedoc were organised on the occasion of the arrival of the Duc de Montmorency. Indeed, the oldest document relating to these jousts is

a deliberation of the Agde authorities dated the last day in May, 1601. They were organised on special occasions and gave rise to very large public celebrations, with music, the sound of trumpets, drums and oboes. And that’s how the jousts are reminiscent of the jousting tournaments on horseback of the Middle Ages.

Nowadays, the jousters, referred to as “chevaliers de la tintaine” still compete in this singular form of combat in their red and blue boats.

This veritable institution is rooted in local history, with the high point, the Trophée du Languedoc, taking place on the first Sunday in August on the Hérault River right next to the Cathedral, when the best jousters in the region compete.

[ Agde [ Adissan [ Aumes [ Bessan [ Castelnau-de-Guers [ Caux [ Cazouls-d’Hérault [ Florensac [ Lézignan-la-Cèbe

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L’âne de Bessan The âne, or donkey, appears in August during the feast of Saint‑Laurent and dances in the streets. Its dance is associated with an oral tra‑ dition. There are many contradictory stories, but the old inhabitants of Bessan talk about a donkey market and a custom of decorating the most beautiful donkey and leading it through the streets of the village. One year, it escaped and hid in a church. It was to commemorate this event that the villagers decided to make a wooden donkey, and make it dance along streets as far as the church.

Le cheval de Florensac Lo Chivalet is a tradition which dates back to the 16th century and which still plays a part in celebratory events in Florensac. It all began in 1565. The legend tells that Charles IX, accompanied by his mother Catherine de Medici, stopped in Florensac to eat and sleep during a visit to the Lan‑ guedoc. The king offered his horse as a thank you to his hosts. The village worthies wanted to immortalise the event and had a wooden horse built to take part in village celebrations. The animal has survived ever since and is now a symbol of the vil‑ lageʼs identity, and proudly honoured by the inhabitants of Florensac.

egends of the totem animals La chenille de Pinet On the occasion of the Carnival, the chenille (caterpillar) goes around the streets of the village. Also nicknamed le porquet, it symbolises the maggot which devours the leaves of the vine and ruins wine harvests. Since 1970, the locals have led out this animal, which consists of a long wooden structure covered with a green cloth, to drive away the misfortunes that beset wine growers.

Photo J-C Meauxsoone

La chèvre de Montagnac Around 1200, the wife of the consul of Montagnac suffered from an incurable illness. One day a man arrived dressed in rags and accompanied by a white goat. The great good humour of this man soon intrigued the locals who asked what the reason for his cheerfulness was. The man confided his secret : the milk from the goat was magic and could cure every‑ thing. The consul of Montagnac promised the tramp a huge reward if he managed to cure his wife.

He succeeded !

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