Agde was founded by the Greeks some 2500 years ago, and is known as the Black Pearl of the Mediterranean on account of many of its buildings being constructed in black volcanic stone (basalt) It’s a lovely, and vibrant, old town with a 12th Century cathedral, and has an extensive range of shops, restaurants, museums and other attractions. Nearby is the modern resort of Cap d’Agde with its huge marina, choice of beaches, including the largest naturist beach/resort in Europe. Agde is also well connected by rail with a mainline station and trains to Sète, Montpellier, Toulouse etc.
From the Round Lock (Ecluse Rond) at Agde towards the Etang du Thau there is firstly a tree-lined stretch of canal to join the River Hérault before re-joining the canal again at Pradés Flood Lock. From there on the countryside changes – gone are the tree-lined banks which are replaced by reeds and marshland until the Canal du Midi emerges beside Les Onglous Lighthouse into the massive Etang du Thau itself.
The Etang du Thau is a huge (7,500 hectare) saltwater inland lagoon, separated from the sea by sand dunes. It can of course be crossed by boat and it’s about 18 kms from the Canal du Midi at Les Onglous at one end to the Canal du Rhone a Sete near Frontignan at the other end.
The Etang is surrounded by villages, many of which have, in recent years, become established small holiday resorts. Marseillan Plage and the spa town of Balaruc-les-Bains are probably the best known; the huge beach at Marseillan is also very popular.
Languedoc Tourism www.sunfrance.com
Boating in France www.boating-in-france.com