The best traffic-free bike rides around Pézenas

The Pumptrack in Sète is a modern, free and open-access skatepark, located by the sea on the Promenade du Lido (opposite beach 23).

The coastline between Sète and Marseillan-Plage, called the Lido, is a sandy strip of about 12 kilometers separating the Mediterranean Sea from the Thau lagoon. La Voie Verte du Lido: A 12 km long secure track reserved for cyclists and pedestrians, built on a former section of road moved to combat erosion.

The coastline between Sète and Marseillan-Plage, called the Lido, is a sandy spit of about 12 kilometers separating the Mediterranean Sea from the étang de Thau. La Voie Verte du Lido: A secure 12 km track reserved for bicycles and pedestrians, built on a former section of road moved to combat erosion.

In the heart of the old village of Cazouls-d'Hérault, two major witnesses to local history stand side by side: the church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul and the old castle stemming from the Templar presence. Built and remodeled over the centuries, the church recalls the religious life of a Languedoc rural community, while the neighboring castle bears witness to a more unique history. Established here in the Middle Ages, the Templars developed an agricultural estate before their assets were transferred to the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem in 1312. Later becoming a commandery, this seigneurial residence long organized the economic life of the territory. Today transformed into guest rooms, the castle perpetuates the history of the place in a new form.

A few steps from the Saint-Saturnin church, this small sector between the place du Quai and the rue Venel reveals a more intimate face of Tourbes! Narrow alleys, old facades, exposed stones bear witness to a habitat built over the centuries.

The cooperative winery of Alignan-du-Vent bears witness to wine history. Created in 1936 under the name "Les Vignerons d'Alignan-du-Vent", it was born in a difficult context for small producers, facing the wine market crisis and the need to unite to better promote their harvest.

Pézenas is not just about Molière, even though the playwright stayed there several times between 1650 and 1656 under the protection of the prince de Conti. The city was for a long time one of the most influential in Languedoc: the States of Languedoc met there regularly, and Louis XIII, Richelieu, or the prince de Conti stayed there. While strolling through the narrow streets, keep your eyes open: many doors still retain their original knockers and ironwork, testaments to the skill of Pézenas artisans. A tradition that is perpetuated today by the Musée de la Porte et de la Ferronnerie, unique in France. Finally, one last curiosity: the famous Maison de Molière should not be misleading. Despite its name, there is nothing to confirm that the playwright lived there. Local tradition rather holds that he liked to settle in the barber Gély's shop, where he observed the inhabitants and their foibles, a source of inspiration that is said to have fueled several of his future characters.

The historic center of Nizas can be discovered around the Place du Griffe, where the castle, church, and fountain form a remarkable heritage ensemble. Mentioned as early as the 9th century, the village developed around a medieval castrum before being enriched with a Renaissance castle and an elegant republican fountain. The Château de Nizas, built at the end of the 16th century by the Carrion de Nizas family, is recognizable by its U-shape, its corner towers, and its monumental portal. It is listed as a Historic Monument. Opposite it stands the Church of Sainte-Félicité-Sainte-Perpétue, rebuilt between 1705 and 1708 on the foundations of an older building. It is dedicated to two young martyrs from Carthage in the 3rd century and houses the relics of Saint Perpetua. In the center of the square, the Fontaine de la République, inaugurated in 1887, is topped by a statue of Diana the huntress. Its marble basin is adorned with four dolphins, whose jets feed the basin, making this fountain one of the most emblematic symbols of Nizas.