The best MTB trails around Pomérols

The terrain here takes on a reddish hue, but these rocks are not the ruffes of Salagou! These are continental sedimentary formations laid down in the Paleocene, about 65 to 61 million years ago. Deposited by ancient watercourses, the materials formed conglomerates, sandstones (the red gravel observed here), and marly limestones. Their reddish coloration is linked to the presence of iron oxides. The contrast with the ruffes (local name for the red rocks of Salagou) is as chronological as it is geological: formed in the Permian, about 271 million years ago, the ruffes are nearly 200 million years older. They result from the accumulation of fine sediments, notably clay and silt, in continental basins on periodically flooded plains. These deposits, subjected to alternating periods of flooding and drying, gradually consolidated into red pelites, the color of which is also linked to iron oxides.

The oyster farming in the Étang de Thau is world-renowned for the crisp "Huîtres de Bouzigues". Since there are no tides in the lagoon, the oysters grow hanging from ropes on fixed wooden racks in the water.

This medieval village, which appeared in the 11th century, had a strategic position, perched above the Hérault valley. Even today, its castle, fortifications, and towers give it a military appearance.

Beautiful view of the Saint-Etienne Cathedral (built from volcanic rock, basalt from Mont Saint-Loup) and the Hérault river.

About 2.5 km east of Castelnau-de-Guers, in the heart of the pines, this small chapel preserves the memory of a place much older than itself. The site is attested as early as 1106 under the name Ecclesiam S. Nicholay de Talpussiac. Archaeological surveys carried out in 1992 also revealed nearby the remains of a rural settlement from late antiquity, testifying to an ancient occupation of the area. The current chapel, with an oblong plan, is much more recent: it was consecrated in 1819 and is now disused. It is located on the edge of the fishmonger's path (cami peissonier), an ancient route connecting the Étang de Thau area to Pézenas.

🌊 The Hérault – a river with history 🇫🇷 The Hérault is located in the South of France and even gives its name to the entire Hérault department. It is around 148 kilometers long and originates in the Cévennes at Mont Aigoual. From there, it flows south until it finally flows into the Mediterranean Sea near Grau d’Agde. Since antiquity, the river has played an important role. The Romans knew it by the name „Arauris“. Settlements, agriculture, and trade routes emerged along its course. A particularly impressive testament to this era is the Pont du Diable near Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert – one of the oldest medieval bridges in France. Over the centuries, the Hérault was used for agriculture, irrigation, fishing, and transport. Its lower section near Agde is particularly interesting: here, the Hérault meets the Canal du Midi, which has provided an important water connection between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic since the 17th century. Just before the Mediterranean, the river finally divides Agde and Grau d’Agde, shaping the landscape around the coast. Even today, you can see fishing boats, small ferries, and numerous leisure boats there. ⛵ What makes the Hérault special for us: You can encounter it by bike for many kilometers, time and again – sometimes in the middle of nature, sometimes at small harbors and restaurants, and finally where it flows into the Mediterranean Sea. 🚲🌊🇫🇷 A river that has shaped the history and landscape of this region for centuries. Greetings, Marcus

🌊 The last meters of the Hérault The last 500 meters of the Hérault to the Mediterranean Sea are particularly beautiful: along the bank in Grau d’Agde, small shops, restaurants, and terraces with a view of the river line up. 🍽️⚓🌊 Here you can have a leisurely meal, watch the boats, or simply stroll along the water. Various boat tours also start from here, including towards the Canal du Midi, Étang de Thau, and Cap d’Agde. ⛵ And finally, after about 148 kilometers, the journey of the Hérault ends – it flows directly into the Mediterranean Sea. 🇫🇷🌊 For us, one of the most beautiful sections: water, boats, small restaurants, and at the end, the view of the open sea. ❤️

Very pretty footbridges over the Étang de Thau