Top 10 things to do in Cap d’Agde

Would you like to discover this famous seaside resort in the Hérault? Built at the foot of a volcano in the 1970s, this seaside resort has much more to offer than you might think. With family or friends, the diversity of activities available around Cap d’Agde will satisfy your expectations: cultural or natural discovery, relaxation on its famous beaches, outdoor sports activities or tasting local dishes rich in flavour, these experiences will blow your mind! The town of Agde and its port combine to form an ideal destination for young and old alike, with trendy daytime entertainment in the surrounding villages, as well as a lively nightlife in the port.

Come and discover this destination with our top 10 things to do in Cap d’Agde, for an unforgettable holiday!

1. The Greek city of Agde

Start your visit with the Greek city of Agde, 5km inland. Less visited than the Cap d’Agde marina, this town nevertheless boasts a rich historical heritage dating back to the 3rd century BC! Occupied successively by the Celts and the Phocaeans from Marseille, the town has preserved a significant cultural heritage from these passages. The Greeks then brought prosperity to the town through vine-growing and maritime trade. Agde is located at the crossroads of the fresh waters of the Canal du Midi, the Hérault river and the salt waters of the Mediterranean Sea, which made it a position of strength for many years, before a slight decline with the development of the port of Sète. But despite its lack of visitors, the town known as “the black pearl of the Mediterranean” (thanks to the basalt stones erupted from the nearby volcano Mont Saint-Loup) has plenty of charms to offer on a stroll through its streets.

2. The marina

What could be better than soaking up the Hérault sunshine while eating an ice cream and enjoying the view of the small pleasure boats in the marina? There are plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy exceptional local dishes, and plenty of shops where you can take home your finest souvenirs. Hiring a boat from Cap d’Agde is also a wonderful way to explore the coast, such as visiting the Vermeille coast or going to Sète! There are also plenty of water-based activities to be booked from the port, both on and under the water: kite-surfing, windsurfing, paddle-boarding, canoeing, kayaking and diving to make the most of the thrills and beauty of the sea!

3. The beaches

View of Grande Conque beach

To continue with the relaxing aspect of holidays by the Mediterranean, the essential thing to do is to try out the various beaches around Cap d’Agde. There’s something for everyone: around ten beaches, each with its own special features. The Grande Conque beach is particularly popular for its black volcanic sand, offering a sumptuous landscape. Other beaches include Plage de la Roquille, Plage du Môle and Plage des Falaises, which stretch along the coast and are bordered by a pedestrian promenade and cycle path. You can also book a table in a straw hut with your feet in the sand, to enjoy a restaurant as close to the sea as possible… For naturists, there is a 2km beach at the naturist village to the north-east of the town.

4. Luna Parc

Luna Parc is a free amusement park located on the Ile des Loisirs in the port of Cap d’Agde. Every year, it attracts thousands of visitors, young and old, with its thrilling rides, fairground games and electric atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for thrills on a rollercoaster, nostalgia playing traditional shooting games, or just a fun evening out with the family, Luna Parc has something for everyone.

5. The Ephebe and Underwater Archaeology Museum

The Musée de l’Éphèbe et d’archéologie sous-marine in Cap d’Agde is a real cultural gem. This captivating museum immerses visitors in the fascinating maritime history of the region, highlighting an exceptional collection of ancient artefacts recovered from the depths of the sea and the river Hérault. At the heart of the exhibition is the Ephèbe d’Agde, a remarkable bronze sculpture of a young man, the symbol of the museum and the only Hellenistic (late Classical) bronze to have been found in French waters. Visitors will have the chance to discover ancient Greek art, well-preserved Roman shipwrecks and relics bearing witness to the daily lives of the maritime civilisations that flourished along this coast.

6. Brescou Fort

The Brescou fort, located off the coast of Cap d’Agde, is the embodiment of the region’s rich and mysterious history. Standing proudly on its rocky islet, the fort has witnessed centuries of maritime intrigue and conflict. Built in the 16th century to protect the coast from invasion, it was also used as a prison for many years. Fort de Brescou is a fascinating historic site that can now be visited by boat.

7. The volcanic cliffs

These impressive rock formations, the result of ancient volcanic eruptions, offer visitors a breathtaking landscape. With colours ranging from black to red and brown, the cliffs tell the story of millions of years of formation. Visitors can explore these cliffs at close quarters on coastal footpaths that offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean. The volcanic cliffs of Cap d’Agde are not only a geological treasure, they are also a haven for a diverse range of flora and fauna, making them a must-see for nature lovers and geology enthusiasts alike.

8. The village of Pézenas

Famous for its architecture, cobbled streets and sumptuous town houses, Pézenas evokes the elegance and refinement of a bygone era. The town is also closely associated with the playwright Molière, who stayed here on several occasions in the 17th century. Every year, Pézenas celebrates its artistic past with theatre and music festivals that bring its streets and squares to life. Visitors can stroll through the historic quarter, discover craft shops, savour local cuisine in quaint restaurants and soak up the timeless atmosphere of this authentic southern town.

9. The Bagnas National Nature Reserve

The Bagnas National Nature Reserve in Agde is an unspoilt sanctuary of biodiversity, nestling in the heart of the Mediterranean region. This ecologically important reserve covers more than 560 hectares of lagoons, marshes, dunes and wetlands, creating a unique ecosystem. Nature lovers will find a wide variety of migratory birds, fish, plants and other wildlife that have made this unspoilt environment their home. The Bagnas reserve offers visitors the chance to discover the raw beauty of Mediterranean nature, whether through hiking, birdwatching or guided tours.

10. The town’s markets

The markets of Agde and Cap d’Agde are a haven for the culinary treasures of the Hérault, where local flavours and Mediterranean gastronomy will have you salivating. Every week, the stalls abound with fresh produce and regional delights. The markets are the perfect place to discover the richness of Hérault cuisine, with its freshly caught fish, seafood, cheeses, olives, artisanal charcuterie and renowned local wines. Among the must-see markets, the Agde fish market is a unique experience where local fishermen unload the day’s catch right on the quayside. Don’t forget to try the petits pâtés de Pézenas, a sweet and savoury preparation in the original shape of a spool that will delight your taste buds!

Take advantage of the other riches of the region by discovering these activities: