The small atmosphere-filled town of Agde in the South of France has been named The Black Pearl of the Mediterranean because a former volcano, the Mount Saint Loup, erupted and spat black lava out over the surrounding area 750,000 years ago. Nowadays the mountain is simply a peaceful landmark, which is easy to hike up and visible from a long distance. But its dramatic past is told by the black basalt visible everywhere in the surrounding nature and buildings.

The Greeks founded Agde in the 5th century BC. Until the 1800’s, it was one of the major ports in France because of its natural harbor on the last bend of the river Hérault on its way to the Mediterranean, just one mile away. From 1681 it was possible for barges to transport goods via Agde between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean through the newly opened Canal du Midi, which has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1996. Nowadays it is only fishing boats, pleasure yachts and barges, which tie up in Agde and in the fishing hamlet le Grau d’Agde where the Hérault flows into the Mediterranean. The row of picturesque houses along the quay no longer houses merchants but are now restaurants that serve freshly caught fish and seafood.

The area is undoubtedly a paradise for lovers of seafood, fish, wine, sun, and sand. The mild climate with more than 300 sunny days a year is an invitation to enjoy an outdoor life – also long after the summer season. Bathing enthusiasts can enjoy the miles of beaches along the Mediterranean coast.

Children can play in one of Europe’s largest aqualands in le Cap d’Agde –
www.aqualand.fr/cap-d-agde. Here you will also find a golf course and a sparkling nightlife. The more romantic souls can paddle up the Hérault and Canal du Midi with a picnic basket and enjoy a lunch in the open air. There are also excellent biking trails along the canal.

Wine enthusiasts can take advantage of the wine tasting possibilities and confirm that the local wine is excellent – especially when enjoyed chilled at one of the small restaurants with a view of the famous oyster beds of l’Etang de Thau.

Trips to Montpellier or Barcelona, Spain are also inspiring experiences. If one prefers the charm of the countryside or maybe revels in spotting treasures in one of the antique markets, there are ample opportunities in the picturesque small towns around Agde like Pézenas and Béziers and in the beautiful hinterland where you will find the medieval village Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. The UNESCO classified historic fortified city of Carcassonne is not far away by car.