PRESS KIT LE CAP D’AGDE LA CITÉ D’AGDE LE GRAU D’AGDE LA TAMARISSIÈRE www.capdagde.com The Best OF Mediterranean CONTENTS THE CALL 4 DESTINATIONS 4 6 OF THE OPEN SEAS ROOTS SO NATURE AND THE 8 12 LOCAL REGION 22 100 % LEISURE PRESS CONTACT Laurence RICHARD Office de Tourisme Tel: +33 (0)4 67 01 03 84 BP 544 - 34305 Le Cap d’Agde Cedex Mobile: +33 (0)6 12 70 69 68 Tel: +33 (0)4 67 01 04 04 Fax: +33 (0)4 67 01 04 05 Fax: +33 (0)4 67 26 22 99 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] www.capdagde.com 3 Quel fond pour les deux enfants ? enfants deux les pour fond Quel Plage ? Ville ? Autre ? Autre ? Ville ? Plage 4 DESTINATIONS Agde, a city of many facets. The city perimeter embraces the historic old town with 2,600 years of history and a remarkably rich architectural heritage, an internationally-renowned tourist resort and two traditional villages whose quality of life is the envy of all. These assets make Agde a truly unique city on the Mediterranean coast. It is a vibrant constellation of different areas: the historic centre of Agde, Le Cap d’Agde, Le Grau d’Agde, La Tamarissière. AGDE, THE GREEK CITY LE CAP D’AGDE As early as the 5th Century B.C., the Phocaeans 10 districts, 10 different atmospheres, and all the and then the Greeks shaped the city of “Agathé pleasures of the Mediterranean. Between the port Tyché” (Good Fortune). Over the centuries, thanks and the beaches, Le Cap d’Agde offers several to maritime trade, Agde became a prosperous different holiday districts, whose architecture in city, which today boasts 26 centuries of history the traditional colours of Languedoc villages and many archaeological treasures. blends harmoniously with the beauty of the natural environment. LE GRAU D’AGDE LA TAMARISSIÈRE The authentic charm of a traditional fishing village. Situated on the coast, opposite the Grau d’Agde, Situated on the left bank of the River Hérault, this in the shade of a two-hundred-year-old pine forest, picturesque little village with a friendly family la Tamarissière is an oasis of peace and tranquillity atmosphere has retained all the charm and colour in a preserved natural environment; the ideal place of a traditional seaside resort; a bustling and for holidays close to nature, right on the sea shore. authentic village. 300 DAYS OF SUN PER YEAR Including 193 from March to October, with an average of 23 days in April, 24 in May, 26 in June, 29 in July, 26 in August and 24 in September. The temperatures are typically warm, with an average of 22°C in May and 25°C in September, and an average maximum of 29°C in July and August. 4 LE CAP D’AGDE • LA CITÉ D’AGDE • LE GRAU D’AGDE • LA TAMARISSIÈRE Agde and its resorts are in a unique location in France, where freshwater 4 DESTINATIONS meets sea water. The coat of arms of the city of Agde, first registered in 1697, combines the waves of the Mediterranean, the River Hérault and the Canal du Midi. A VIBRANT CONSTELLATION OF DIFFERENT AREAS To preserve the quality of life and enable Agde to remain However, while the various districts must retain their the emblematic city that people cherish so deeply, the specific identity, they also need to be linked together to City has developed an urban plan which respects the develop overall community cohesion. This is the aim of area’s balance and promotes its heritage and natural the green belt which is being created around the city. advantages. This is also the objective sought through the major The plan is based on two key priorities: promoting the facilities that have recently been built, or which are in personality of each area while strengthening the overall progress: multi-disciplinary healthcare centre, schools, cohesion. As such, the qualities that form the identity of crèches, Court House and Legal Advice Centre, Water each district are safeguarded and promoted, while Park, extension of the golf course from 18 to 27 holes, facilities and infrastructures are renovated and moder- etc. nised, to create uncluttered living areas where nature is All these various aspects are central to the plan, which omnipresent and urbanisation controlled. aims to preserve Agde’s high quality of life. Agde (24,972 inhabitants as at 1st January 2013) is located at the crossroads of major traffic routes between Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand, Toulouse and Barcelona. 5 THE CALL OF THE OPEN SEAS WATER, AN ENDLESS SOURCE OF PLEASURE CAST OFF AND ENJOY THE MANY WATER SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES ON OFFER Sailing and cruises, boat hire, excur- fly-fish rafting, jet skiing, kite-surfing, sions on the sea, the river and around wind-surfing, para-sailing, water- the port, sailing courses, fishing, scuba skiing, stand-up paddle-boarding, diving, rowing, canoeing, donuting, wake-boarding, etc. ACTIVITIES UNUSUAL THE UNDERWATER TRAIL A VOLCANIC DIVING SITE It follows the cliffs through shallow Scuba diving is one of the many acti- ravines created by ancient volcanic vities proposed by specialist clubs, activity. This 400m trail is signposted of which five are members of the and allows you to discover under- Group of Professional Diving Schools water wildlife, flora and landscapes of Le Cap d’Agde (GEPPCA). Created either by snorkelling or walking up to in 2002, the GEPPCA promotes eco- your waist in water; the depth ranges logical diving aimed at protecting from 0 to 5 metres. the environment and making divers This unique, educational trail gives aware of basic rules to safeguard the you the ideal opportunity to take sites. your own underwater photos. There are some ten diving sites, suitable for children or adults, begin- THE “TOES IN THE WATER” ners or experienced divers. They MORNINGS AT THE AQUARIUM enable you to discover the marine They are aimed at young children. life and flora that is specific to Le The aim is to introduce them to the Cap d’Agde, at depths ranging from sea world through a close-up expe- 5 to 25 metres. It really is the ideal rience of marine life. place for beginner divers. On other sites, you have to go down 20 metres to find the species that can be seen at a depth of just 5 metres here. 6 LE CAP D’AGDE • LA CITÉ D’AGDE • LE GRAU D’AGDE • LA TAMARISSIÈRE HIGH QUALITY NAUTICAL FACILITIES A MARINA THE NAUTICAL CENTRE of 4,100 berths divided between It's the rallying point for lovers of the three entities proposes a comprehen- sea and nautical activities: lessons, sive range of services: the port of Le rentals (in school holidays), club and OF THE OPEN SEAS Cap d’Agde (3,100 berths), Port training. Ambonne (300 berths), and the A modern and varied fleet of boats banks of the River Hérault (700 berths). is available for nautical activities for people of every level and age, Since 1987, the “Pavil- whether for individuals, groups, or THE CALL lon Bleu” (Blue flag) families. The centre has the “French has been hoisted Sailing School” label and provides above the marina. This environmental label intensive courses taught by a quali- guarantees the quality of the water. fied team. They manage all types of The port also has the “Ports Propres en Languedoc-Roussillon” (Clean courses, from introductory to Le Cap d’Agde has the “FRANCE Ports of Languedoc-Roussillon) advanced lessons, individual lessons STATION NAUTIQUE” (French label. It is also ISO 14001 certified, or occupational training. testifying to the port’s continuous nautical resort) label, certifying the improvement in environmental The Nautical Centre has the “South quality and safety of the nautical management, and ISO 9001 certi- of France Tourism” and “National activities organised. fied, for quality management. Tourism Quality” labels. A UNIQUE MARITIME HERITAGE THE “BRESCOU FORT” has been listed on the French sup- NAUTICAL HIGHLIGHTS* plementary Historic Monuments Spring: • Illumination of Brescou Fort Inventory since 1981. It is situated on • French Sailing Federation • Unidentified Floating Objects the only volcanic island in the Gulf Championship World Championship of Lions, just 1,500 metres from the • Fun Explorers Objective Atlantis Autumn: coast. Originally built in 1586, then (photo treasure hunt underwater) • Autumn Nautical Fair destroyed on the order of Louis XIII, • French Jet skiing Championship • Festival of sound and images at sea it was rebuilt in 1680 based on plans • ‘Week-end Bleu” (Introduction designed by Vauban. In the 18th to various nautical activities) Throughout the year: • Regattas Century, it was used as a State prison Summer: until 1851. • Sea Festival * Selection LE CAP D’AGDE • LA CITÉ D’AGDE • LE GRAU D’AGDE • LA TAMARISSIÈRE 7 SO NATURE CURIOUS AND DEMANDING, PROTECT BIODIVERSITY The Bagnas National Nature Reserve, Saint-Loup Mountain, the Natura 2000 marine site and the underwater path, the aquarium, strolling across the vineyards or along the Canal du Midi or the Hérault River, soft transport paths... Nature suits your every wishes. 14 KM OF BEACHES 11 supervised beaches stretch for 14 kilometres along volcanic cliff at the Grande Conque in Le Cap d’Agde, the coast (including 1 naturist beach). The advantage of bordered by the pine forest and near the nature reserve this long beach front is that there is always a beach near site of Les Verdisses at La Tamarissière, or near the the place you are staying, generally accessible on foot centre of the village at Le Grau d’Agde. using the specially laid-out footpaths. In addition, the variety of beaches cater for everyone’s The beaches offer many different settings: long and tastes; some are just natural, some are specially laid out wide at Richelieu, with black sand at the foot of the (sun-loungers, leisure activities, refreshments, services).