Some ideas for visits and excursions which are not very far from the beaches
In the eastern Pyrenees
The uplands of the Côte Vermeille. Take the car up to the Tour Madeloc, a lookout tower dating from the 13th century perched at an altitude of 656 m and offering spectacular views of the whole Catalan coast. Walk up to the Tour de la Massane (793 metres) for an equally magical panorama.
On the route from Perpignan, a Town of Art and History, including the wonderful Palace of the Kings of Majorca, stop at Elne to visit the 11th century cathedral with its white marble cloister.
In the valley of Têt (Confluent region), stop to admire the Vauban fortifications of Villefranche-de-Conflent,, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The unusual geological formations of Orgues de l’Ille-sur-Têt are equally astonishing.
In the valley of Tech (Vallespir), spend some quality time admiring the unrivalled collections at the Museum of Modern Art, Céret (Picasso, Chagall, Matisse, Miro, …), or relax in the thermal spas of Boulou and Amélie-les-Bains.
At the gates of Corbières, explore the Byrrh Caves in Thuir. These cellars house the biggest wooden barrel in the world. Enjoy getting lost in the ochre labyrinth of the forteresse de Salses, gateway to the Catalan region from the north.
More to see : www.tourisme-pyreneesorientales.com
In the Aude
Escape from the hassle of daily life in the Réserve Africaine de Sigean, or travel back in time with a leisurely stroll through the Cité de Carcassonne, listed as a Unesco world heritage site.
You will also appreciate a visit to the Cistercian Abbey of Fontfroide or the town of Narbonne (a Town of Art and History) with its remarkable Roman and medieval heritage.
A bit further into the Corbières is “Aude, Cathar country”! Set out to conquer the Cathar castles of Quéribus and Peyrepertuse, “mountain top citadels”.
While in this area , visit the Tautavel Museum of Prehistory which will take you back 700 000 years into the past.
Another suggestion: treat yourself to a little cruise along the Canal du Midi, departing from Homps, or stride along the trails of the Massif des Corbières. For example, if you climb to the Signal de l’Alaricyou will be rewarded with a wonderful 360° vista of Les Corbières and the Pyrenees to the south, the Montagne Noire to the north and the whole of the Mediterranean coast to the east!
The coastal ponds are a starting point for pleasant walks (easy level) between lagoons and through scrubland, leaving from Gruissan or Peyriac-de-Mer.
If you prefer cycling, there is a 24.5 km cycle trail along the Canal de la Robine between Narbonne and Port-la-Nouvelle through the landscape of the ponds.
More to see : www.audetourisme.com
In Hérault
Allow at least one day to discover Montpellier with its pedestrianised old town, the “Ecusson”. Go for a stroll in Béziers, famous for its cathedral of St. Nazaire and its féria. Admire the 9 Fonserannes locks , a superb feat of engineering on the Canal du Midi. Add the l’oppidum d’Ensérune near Béziers to your list and the l’oppidum d’Ambrussum near Lunel.
30 minutes from Monpellier is the impressive St-Guilhem-le-Désert, the wilderness setting of the gorges de l’Héraultand the famous grottes de Clamouses. Take the opportunity to visit the gorges de l’Orb, 20 minutes from Béziers, for a super trip down the river by canoe.
Not far from Lodève, and not to be missed, is the Cirque de Mourèze with its extravagant rock formations; take a photograph of Lake Salagou with its shoreline in fine red earth.
The shores of the Etang de Thau offer a wide range of activities including the O’Balia thermal spa or anencounter with oyster farmerson the Côté de Bouzigues or Mèze. Don’t miss the nearby little town of Pézenas, rich in architectural heritage. Molière was born there!
More to see : www.herault-tourisme.com
In the Gard
Very close to the beaches is Aigues-Mortes, a well preserved fortified citadel with a history dating back to the time of St. Louis. The salins du Midiin the white salt mountains contrast with the pink of the salt marshes. Take a trip aboard the little train or a guided tour by mountain bike to discover the secrets of the salt flower. Then spend a day with a herdand experience life as a rancher in the Camargue Gardoise, listed as a Grand Site de France.
A little bit further you can escape the full heat of summer in the cool abbey of Saint-Gilles, listed as a Unesco world heritage site, and first stage on the Voie d’Arles in Occitania/ Pyrenees-Mediterranean.
The romantic atmosphere and exceptional Roman heritage of Nîmes merit a long visit. Succumb to the atmosphere created by the golden, sand-coloured villages in the surrounding area of the capital of the Gard, including Beaucaire “la ville des belles pierres” [the city of beautiful stones”, Sommières, a medieval beauty, and Uzès, where the protected sector is bursting with treasures.
Prolong the enchantment and rejoin the celebrated Pont du Gard. Along the route, stop at the Perrier source and bottling factory.
More to see: www.tourismegard.com