{"id":34601,"date":"2022-10-31T15:40:20","date_gmt":"2022-10-31T14:40:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/?p=34601"},"modified":"2022-11-17T13:17:30","modified_gmt":"2022-11-17T12:17:30","slug":"cap-dagde-mediterranean-sea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/2022\/10\/31\/cap-dagde-mediterranean-sea\/","title":{"rendered":"Enter the natural and vintage atmosphere from the Cap d’Agde sea resort, on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"\"
A Big Wheel<\/strong> may hide another..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A couple of miles away from Agde, the Cap d’Agde is a contemporary seaside resort that proposes you wide sandy beaches such as the Plage Richelieu, surrounded by trendy clubs but not only. Thus, it seems that the Cap d’Agde holds a certain notoriety thanks to its naturist village (that attracts no less than 1 million euros per year of tolls), and which seems to be very well organized.  In the downtown, you would be welcome by a lively marina lined with cafes, bars, souvenirs<\/em> shops and even a brand new casino. In another hand, families are also cherished with some attractions, like the Luna Park, Aqualand water park, a sea center that hosts tropical fishes but also sharks. <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

At last, as the city counts a history that dates back to -580 BC, you could learn more about this in the \u00c9ph\u00e8be museum. This memorial center exhibits ancient objects discovered in the waters of Agde, including jewelry and statues. <\/strong>By AP<\/em><\/div>\n
\n
\n<\/div>\n
\n
\"\"
..leading to the magical and dark Grande Conque<\/strong> beach.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
This volcanic<\/strong> stairway was built by Achille Ibrailles<\/strong> in 1950..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Did you know that the Cap d’Agde<\/strong> was nicknamed as the Black Pearl<\/strong> from the Mediterranean Coast<\/strong>? Thus, this famous seaside resort in the H\u00e9rault<\/strong>, renowned for its 70s<\/strong> atmosphere and its naturist<\/strong> district, reveals its preserved nature through a dozen of beaches<\/strong>, extended over 14 km. Among them, you may count on the Tamarissi\u00e8re<\/strong> beach, sheltered by a 200-year-old pine forest<\/strong>, or eventually on the Grande Conque<\/strong> beach, unique in the World, with its black sand<\/strong> and its high volcanic<\/strong> cliffs facing a turquoise<\/strong><\/em> sea!<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, we also invite you to reach you the other beaches<\/strong> of Roquille<\/strong>, M\u00f4le<\/strong>, Rochelongue<\/strong>, Saint-Vincent<\/strong> and Grau d’Agde <\/strong>(photo credits: AP).<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\nngg_shortcode_0_placeholder\n

\"\"
..with luxurious exotic flowers<\/strong> at the entrance gate.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
The welcoming antenna of the Naturist Village<\/strong>..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Don’t also miss the naturist village<\/strong>, whose beaches<\/strong> are extended around 2 km… This is the story about a small family campsite<\/strong>, founded in 1968, where the Oltra<\/strong> brothers achieved an ambitious project<\/strong>. More than a societal philosophy<\/strong>, this was also a real urban concept<\/strong>, which even obtained in 1974 the \u201cGrand prize of architecture\u201d<\/strong><\/em>, with the Port Ambonne<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

From now, in this naturist village, which is a true “town in the town”<\/strong><\/em>, you would find countless stores<\/strong>, restaurants<\/strong>, bed and breakfasts<\/strong><\/em> and even nightclubs<\/strong>, where you could partake in your passion for naturism. As a real communion<\/strong> with nature, it’s not a mystery that people<\/strong>come from all over the World<\/strong>, to find a comfortable resort<\/strong> there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

ngg_shortcode_1_placeholder<\/div>\n
Office de Tourisme Cap d’Agde M\u00e9diterran\u00e9e<\/strong><\/a>, Impasse de la Bienvenue, 34300 Le Cap d Agde (France) \/ Phone : 00 33 (0)4 67 01 04 04. More information on the official website of the tourism office<\/strong><\/a>.<\/div>\n
\n
\n<\/div>\n
\"\"
Renting an e-bike<\/strong> from the EBIKE Company<\/strong><\/a> is perfect to easily travel in and around..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a farniente<\/strong><\/em> session, why don’t you have a walk along the port<\/strong> of Cap d’Agde<\/strong> and its ten basins<\/strong>? For your information, there is a nautical center<\/strong>, offering several marine<\/strong> activities, such as windsurfing<\/strong>, pedal boating<\/strong>, paddle<\/strong>, catamaran<\/strong>, or even canoeing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In another side, you could admire the Fort de Brescou<\/strong>, built at the end of the 16th century, and its amazing stoned silhouette<\/strong><\/em>. And at the northern part  of the Cap d’Agde<\/strong>, a French natural reserve<\/strong> spreads on 561 hectares, in Bagnas<\/strong>. Filled with countless ponds<\/strong>, this site offers an ornithological<\/strong> escape in the middle of a Occitan<\/strong> countryside, thanks to its nearly 250 species of birds<\/strong> inhabiting the area, changing with the seasons<\/strong>. By the way, you have to remind that those paths<\/strong> are either accessible by foot<\/strong> or by bike, around the reserve<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/div>\n
\n
ngg_shortcode_2_placeholder<\/div>\n
\n
\"\"
..where you would enjoy a breathtaking panorama<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
The fabulous antenna<\/strong> peaking at the Mont Saint Loup<\/strong>..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In another hand, again in the heart of the Cap d’Agde<\/strong>, you may admire the chain of volcanoes<\/strong> of Auvergne<\/strong> and besides you could enjoy a panoramic<\/strong> view of the region by climbing the amazing Mont Saint Loup<\/strong>. From the point of view of this ancient volcano<\/strong>, culminating at 113 meters and whose last eruption<\/strong> took place 750,000 years ago, you would be able to contemplate the eleven beaches<\/strong> of the city. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

For your information, the ancient volcanic<\/strong> eruptions remain visible all around the Cap d’Agde<\/strong>, notably from the diversity of its soil<\/strong>. For instance, numerous solidified lava<\/strong> flows collide a palette<\/em> of minerals<\/strong> to admire on various cliffs or in Rochelongue<\/strong>, through countless yellow tuffs<\/strong> which are organized in regular layers<\/strong>, quartz<\/strong>, clay<\/strong>… <\/div>\n
 <\/div>\n
ngg_shortcode_3_placeholder<\/div>\n
EBike Company<\/strong><\/a>, 4 Rue du Tambour, 34300 Cap d’Agde (France) \/ Phone : 00 33 (0)7 55 68 94 61. More information on their official website<\/strong><\/a>.<\/div>\n
\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\"\"
..also from the back, an unspoilt beauty<\/strong> since the 2nd century BC. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Let’s greet the \u00c9ph\u00e8be<\/strong><\/em> in person, found in 1964 in the Herault<\/strong> river..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Indeed the Cap d’Agde<\/strong> is a city with a very rich past, notably illustrated by the Mus\u00e9e de l’Eph\u00e8be<\/strong>. Located at the entrance to Cap d’Agde<\/strong>, the fully named Mus\u00e9e de l’\u00c9ph\u00e8be<\/strong> And Of Underwater Archeology<\/strong> exhibits the entire heritage of this historical village<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

For instance, built in 1984, this is the only French<\/strong> museum dedicated to underwater<\/strong> archaeology<\/strong>, renovated two years ago to offer a new museography<\/strong> path. By the way, lately the hall, dedicated to the real \u00c9ph\u00e8be<\/strong><\/em> sculpture, was reopened after a renovation<\/strong> period, able to highlight those rare vestiges<\/strong> from this glorious Greek<\/strong> and Roman<\/strong> past.<\/div>\n
 <\/div>\n
 <\/div>\n
 <\/div>\n
ngg_shortcode_4_placeholder<\/div>\n
\n
\"\"
..the huge collection of antique clay<\/strong> and ceramic<\/strong> masterpieces.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
An interactive<\/strong> path to better discover this museum<\/strong>..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In this brand new refreshed space<\/strong>, you would be able to discover new collections<\/strong>, baptized \u201cGreek Agde\u201d<\/strong>, \u201cthe Necropolis of Peyrou\u201d<\/strong>, or even \u201cthe site of Montp\u00e9n\u00e8dre\u201d<\/strong> and \u201cobjects from the digging of the port of Cap\u201d<\/strong>.  On top of that, don’t miss the bronzes of Rochelongue<\/strong> which are also honored.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The Mus\u00e9e de l’\u00c9ph\u00e8be<\/strong> as well houses antique artworks<\/strong> recovered from the H\u00e9rault River<\/strong>, which moved from the Sea<\/strong> and from the Etang de Thau<\/strong>. Presented to the visitors through 4 themes<\/strong>, they are the result of 50 years of research<\/strong> and allow the public to travel through these ages<\/strong>.<\/div>\n
 <\/div>\n
 <\/div>\n
 <\/div>\n
ngg_shortcode_5_placeholder<\/div>\n
\n
\"\"
..this kiosk<\/strong> is also very important to bring you geographical<\/strong> infos.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Those amphorae<\/strong><\/em> were very important to carry water and wine..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Adding to this, the “Royal Navy”<\/strong> section would embody you from the 17th to the 19th century, discovering cannons<\/strong> and cargoes<\/strong> of wrecks. Otherwise, in “Ancient Navigation”<\/strong>, you may contemplate naval<\/strong> items such as anchors<\/strong> and cargos<\/strong>, with remains of amphorae<\/strong><\/em> and crockery<\/strong>. The “Antique Bronzes”<\/strong> collection highlights bronze<\/strong> artworks, again found in the deep waters<\/strong>. Among them, Caesarion<\/strong><\/em> and the Ephebe<\/strong><\/em>, which are regarded as the two emblematic statues<\/strong> of the museum<\/strong>. Finally, “La protohistoire”<\/strong><\/em> brings together more than 1,400 objects<\/strong> dating from the arrival of the first inhabitants on the territory<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

This brings together an impressive collection<\/strong> of objects found in the region, such as the statue of the ephebe<\/strong><\/em>, which is said to have the features of Alexander the Great<\/strong>.<\/div>\n
 <\/div>\n
ngg_shortcode_6_placeholder<\/div>\n
Mus\u00e9e de l’Eph\u00e8be et d’arch\u00e9ologie sous-marine<\/strong><\/a>, Avenue des Hallebardes, 34300 Le Cap d’Agde (France) \/ Phone : 00 33 (0)4 67 94 69 60. More information on their official website<\/strong><\/a>.<\/div>\n
\n
\n<\/div>\n
\n
\"\"
..before another theater<\/strong> of the sea to visit in La Cri\u00e9e<\/strong><\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
From the freshly renovated theater<\/strong> in Agde<\/strong> old village..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Finally, after strolling through the streets<\/strong> of the old town<\/strong>, be sure to go to the port of Grau d’Agde<\/strong>, the fishing village<\/strong> (you can reach it along the H\u00e9rault<\/strong> river<\/strong> by foot or by bike). La<\/strong><\/em> Cri\u00e9e<\/strong><\/em> (also known as fish auction<\/strong>) is an unmissable site<\/strong> to visit (upon reservation) and has been specially designed to allow visitors<\/strong> to follow the path of sea<\/strong> specimen<\/em>, from their delivery until their acquisition by restaurants<\/strong> and many others.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Once there, you may admire a thematic<\/strong> path, around the richnesses from seas<\/strong>, with as much information<\/strong> as you need to be more aware and even responsible about how precious<\/strong> and fragile<\/strong> they are.<\/div>\n
 <\/div>\n
 <\/div>\n
ngg_shortcode_7_placeholder<\/div>\n
\n
\"\"
..a good example of a typical fisherman<\/strong> mansion from Agde<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Visible from the quay, the first fish buyers are surely seagulls<\/strong>..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Located at the mouth of the Herault<\/strong>, the important site of La Cri\u00e9e<\/strong> is the unmistakable meeting place<\/strong> by excellence<\/em> for all professionals wishing to stock up some freshly caught fish<\/strong>. Indeed, most fishermen<\/strong> have to cast their fishing nets<\/strong> from 3am, and most often until 5pm, before coming back for a delivery at La Cri\u00e9e<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

It is this industrial<\/strong> site, which dates from 1982 and can be visited, at the rhythm of two visits per day (at 10 a.m. for “Les Coulisses de la P\u00eache”<\/strong><\/em> and at 3 p.m. for “La vente aux Ench\u00e8res de la Cri\u00e9e”<\/em><\/strong>), from April 1st to November 4th for individual, but you have to know that visits may also by accessible all year round for groups<\/strong>. On the quay, you can also admire 9 trawlers<\/strong> (which can only fish 173 days a year), 107 small trades<\/strong> and 2 tuna seiners<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\nngg_shortcode_8_placeholder\n

\"\"
Nearly 15,000 tons of Mediterranean Sea<\/strong>‘s ressources are annually exchanged here..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Therefore, in the Mediterranean<\/strong> area where there is a wide variety of fish<\/strong> species in the waters, we could just count on average 120 of them represented at those auctions<\/strong>. This institution<\/strong> is the real place of transactions<\/strong> between fishermen<\/strong> and professional buyers<\/strong>. There are 38 auctions<\/strong> in France<\/strong> and 4 of them are based around the Mediterranean Sea<\/strong>. Unfortunately, French<\/strong> customers consume little of this resource and on average only about twenty species<\/strong> are ordered by French<\/strong> people, unlike Italian<\/strong> and Spanish<\/strong> customers who are more fond of seafood<\/strong> variety. Adding to this, you have to know that deliveries<\/strong> must therefore be delivered at night in the different areas.<\/p>\n

Otherwise, you can also admire the active allotment<\/strong> area, this area<\/strong> where batches of fishes<\/strong> are prepared for auction<\/strong>. Certain species<\/strong> are covered with ice<\/strong>, by obligation of transport<\/strong> whereas other fish<\/strong> species cannot receive it because they could get burn by ice<\/strong> (ex: shells…).<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\nngg_shortcode_9_placeholder\n

\"\"
An explicit display case<\/strong> to illustrate the various wastes<\/strong> collected by fishermen<\/strong> in the Sea<\/strong>, and that are made to last for a long time..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Always during the visit<\/strong>, you would be able to find different informations regarding the countless species<\/strong> present in the Mediterranean Sea<\/strong>, according to their stratum<\/strong><\/em>, the types of boats<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In the meantime, you may face the terrible reality of ocean pollution<\/strong>, within examples of waste<\/strong> caught at fishing<\/strong> sessions (proving their too long decomposition<\/strong> time which sometimes reaches peaks<\/strong>, such as surgical masks<\/strong> which degrade in just 450 years and notably unfortunately suffocate turtles <\/strong>among other numerous species<\/strong>).<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/div>\n
Le Belv\u00e9d\u00e8re de la Cri\u00e9e du Grau d’Agde<\/strong><\/a>, 43 quai du Quai Commandant M\u00e9ric, 34300 Agde (France) \/ Phone : 00 33 (0)6 16 07 09 62. More information on their official website<\/strong><\/a>.<\/div>\n
\n
\n<\/div>\n
\n
\"\"
..probably not far from his favorite palm trees<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Such a charming parrot<\/strong> to talk with at the terrace<\/strong>.. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In another hand, if you need a place to stay<\/strong>, located in the heart of Cap d’Agde<\/strong>, the Hotel Gil de France<\/strong> is located 5-minute away from the wide Richelieu<\/strong> beach. This seafront<\/strong> could be visible from your room<\/strong>, since some suites<\/strong> even hold a terrace<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

This 34-room family hotel<\/strong> is accessible all year round, particularly supported by a swimming pool<\/strong> heated to 29\u00b0C and even covered during wintertime. Welcomed by a talkative parrot<\/strong>, you may enjoy spending some in his company on the wooden patio<\/strong><\/em>, eventually with a cocktail<\/strong>, unless you prefer relaxing in the SPA<\/strong>, with sauna<\/strong> and massages<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\nngg_shortcode_10_placeholder\n

\"\"
An exotic wooden terrace<\/strong>, surrounded by lemon trees<\/strong>, directly accessible from the swimming pool<\/strong>. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Whether you don’t stay in the hotel<\/strong>, you may benefit from the free<\/strong> closed and secure parking<\/strong>, for just a glass<\/strong> or by having a dinner<\/strong> in their restaurant<\/strong>, open from Monday evening to Saturday. Therefore, also located 3 minutes by walk from the Golf du Cap d’Agde<\/strong>, the location of this establishment<\/strong> is ideal discover this 27-hole<\/strong> course and maybe participate in the various competitions<\/strong> organized there.<\/p>\n

That’s why from this quiet hotel<\/strong>, you may easily plan different available activities<\/strong> from the resort<\/strong>, early enunciated such as the nautical base<\/strong>, direct by bike<\/strong> promenades<\/em>, but also thousands of natural outings<\/strong>, which proves that there is no need to undress to discover the beauty of the Cap d’Agde<\/strong>, that the Greeks of Phocaea<\/strong> called “Agath\u00e9 Tych\u00e9”<\/strong><\/em>, which can be translated by “good fortune”<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\nngg_shortcode_11_placeholder<\/div>\n

H\u00f4tel Gil de France<\/strong><\/a>, 10 Avenue des Aliz\u00e9s, 34300 Cap d’Agde (France) \/ Phone : 00 33 (0)4 67 26 77 80. More information on the official website<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"
The contemporary<\/strong> facade from the casino<\/strong> is either attractive day and night..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Last but not least, if you wish to combine leisure<\/strong> and chance<\/strong>, don’t hesitate to pass by the Casino Barri\u00e8re Cap d’Agde<\/strong>, situated in the modern<\/strong> quarter of the seaside<\/strong> resort. You would be welcomed in a majestic entrance hall<\/strong>, framed by olive trees<\/strong> and follow the dazzling red carpet<\/strong>. In this colorful and contemporary atmosphere<\/strong>, you would be surely tempted by one or many of the casino <\/strong>machines<\/b>, or the more cozy tables de jeux<\/strong><\/em>, proposed on your path inside this game temple<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Once entered into this exciting ludic<\/strong> universe full of money games<\/strong> and neon<\/strong> reflects, you would be surely fascinated by the typical sounds emanating from a casual casino<\/strong>, even by the eventual jingles<\/strong> announcing a lucky jackpot<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\nngg_shortcode_12_placeholder\n

\"\"
..with a view above the Roue de la Chance<\/strong><\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
The GYM PROD<\/strong> company celebrated the 4th birthday of the casino<\/strong>..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Indeed, you have the choice between betting from 1 cent<\/strong> on one of the 150 slot machines<\/strong> or eventually challenging one of the 81 latest generation video reels<\/strong>. For instance, a video poker<\/strong> or British electronic roulette<\/em><\/strong> are proposed, where you could raise as many bets<\/strong> as you wish while watching your metallic ball<\/strong> spinning around in its cylinder… Unless you prefer reaching for 21 in the Black Jack<\/strong><\/em> machine or directly at the table<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

On top of that, as many other Barri\u00e8re casinos<\/strong>, a large event<\/strong> planning<\/strong> is proposed to visitors, starring concerts<\/strong>, shows<\/strong>, and even privatizations<\/strong>. Without forgetting to have some basic restoration in the Bistro Barri\u00e8re<\/strong> or on the summer terrace<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ngg_shortcode_13_placeholderCasino Barri\u00e8re Cap d’Agde<\/strong><\/a>, Rond Point Carr\u00e9 d’As, 34300 Agde (France) \/ Phone : 00 33 (0)4 67 26 82 82. More information on their official website<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n
 <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A couple of miles away from Agde, the Cap d’Agde is a contemporary seaside resort…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":34451,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1095,23],"tags":[1295,8,1296,1299,637,1297,20,1298],"class_list":["post-34601","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-occitania","category-sightseeing","tag-agde","tag-aude","tag-cap-dagde","tag-mediterranean-sea","tag-museum","tag-naturism","tag-occitania","tag-sea-resort"],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34601","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34601"}],"version-history":[{"count":40,"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34601\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34804,"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34601\/revisions\/34804"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34451"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34601"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34601"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34601"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}