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The river Herault flows through the middle of Agde; with a good selection of
restaurants and bars along its banks in the centre of town. A pleasant stroll
south along its east bank will bring you to Grau D'Agde the confluence of the
river with the blue Mediterranean, where one can stand on the breakwater and
look across to the Spanish coast and the snow capped Pyrenees. Heading north
above the weir it is possible to stroll along the less cultivated bankside
paths, but even along here there are places where refreshment can be found at
riverside bars and restaurants.
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Agde is also situated on the Canal du Midi, which was inaugurated in 1681, and
is now a world heritage site, stretching for over 200km through the French
countryside past many historical towns such as Carcossonne, toward Toulouse.
The Round Lock of Agde, shown in the picture, is unique in having 3
entrances/exits. The canal starts just before Agde and meanders through the
countryside and towns until merging with the Canal du Garonne at the city of
Toulouse. Alongside the round lock is the small canal port of Agde. From here
canal trip boats can be found to take you a little way along the canal to see
some of this unique waterway. The boat shown in the picture is a restaurant
boat which does regular trips along the canal.
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Grau D'Agde where the Herault river meets the sea. Once a pretty little fishing
village, now its main catch is tourists. Although the town retains its charm,
the small beach gets very crowded in the main season but a very reasonably
priced meal can be had at one of the many riverside restaurants, which still
get fresh fish from the nearby modern fishing port. A wonderful place to enjoy
a leisurely lunch while sitting over the water (many restaurants have built
platforms out onto the river where diners can sit) and watch the fishing boats
bring in the fresh catch. A stroll along the river towards Agde will take you
past the boatyards where there is always something interesting happening.
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Agde market is on a Thursday morning every week and in the summer becomes very
busy. But if you enjoy the hustle and bustle of a market it can be well worth
rising early for a wander around the stalls. Fresh vegetables and fruit,
olives, nuts, cheese, wine, bread, as well as many other stalls selling clothes
and household items with some wonderful Mediterranean patterned table cloths
and curtains. Take a rest at one of
Agde 's many cafes while watching the other people looking for their bargains,
then once more into the bustle. But remember it will be all pretty much over by
lunchtime and Agde town will become a little more sleepy as everyone goes home,
or to one of the local restaurants for a well earned lunch.
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The Herault river above the weir at Agde, heading north from the town, is a
scenic quiet place for a stroll. The bank on the left of the picture is the
west bank of the river and is home to Agde rowing club (Aviron), it is possible
in the summer to hire a rowing boat here and take a quiet row up the river
towards the small town of Bessan, where you will find a riverside restaurant to
stop for refreshment, or if you feel energetic continue past Bessan upto the
next weir where there are the ruins of a thirteenth century flour mill to
investigate. If you prefer to walk then stay on the east bank you will come
across a pleasant little restaurant where you can stop and have a drink or meal
overlooking the Canal du Midi and the river.
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This is the view from Mont St Martin cycle path looking towards Agde (bicycles
can be hired in Cap D'Agde). Mont St Martin lies between Cap D'Agde and Agde.
In the background are the Noire Mountains to the north of Beziers. The cycle
path runs from Cap D' Agde towards Agde past the golf club, making it a
pleasant cycle ride or walk. Agde town centre is about 6km from Cap D' Agde and
for the less energetic there is a regular bus service between Agde and Cap D'
Agde which runs past the two big superstores of Hyper U and Intermarche.
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