The best running trails around Palavas-Les-Flots

The Pont de l'Union crosses the Lez in the heart of Palavas-les-Flots and connects the two historic banks of the village. Its history is part of the history of travel in Palavas: before the construction of modern bridges, a ferry notably ensured the crossing of the Lez and was used by both residents and summer visitors until 1965. The Pont de l'Union thus replaced one of the last ferry links between the two banks. Since the structure, the quays and fishing boats recall that Palavas first developed as a fishing village established at the mouth of the Lez.

The Phare de la Méditerranée is one of the emblematic monuments of Palavas-les-Flots, but its history is surprising to say the least: it has never been a lighthouse. At this location, the Redoute de Ballestras once stood, a military structure built in the 18th century to defend the port. After its defensive function was abandoned, the redoubt was integrated into several facilities intended to supply Palavas with drinking water. In 1943, a large concrete water tower was built around the existing structures and operated until 1997. Rather than being demolished, the old water tower was rehabilitated between 1998 and 2000 to become the Phare de la Méditerranée: an observation tower, a convention center, and a revolving panoramic restaurant. The redoubt, hidden within the water tower, was dismantled stone by stone and then rebuilt on an islet in the Étang du Levant.

This monumental gate marks the entrance to the Maguelone estate, between the Rhône à Sète canal and the coastal lagoons. Officially named "Portail de Maguelone", this monument is also commonly called "La Porte de Maguelone". Despite its appearance of an ancient gate, it is a 20th-century construction, erected following the conflict that at the beginning of the century opposed the owner of the estate, Frédéric Fabrège, to the municipality of Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone concerning a path giving access to the beach and the existence of a right of way.

Between the Palavasian ponds and the Mediterranean, the Maguelone peninsula occupies a former island space whose history dates back to Antiquity. Old maps still show Maguelone surrounded by lagoons: in 1570, it appears as an island, and its insular position is still clearly visible on a map of the diocese of Montpellier dated 1641.

The Pilou footbridge allows you to cross the Rhône canal at Sète and reach the Maguelone peninsula from Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone. It is now an essential crossing for pedestrians and cyclists between the village, the beaches, and the Maguelone estate. However, crossing the canal has not always been so simple: the inhabitants of Villeneuve used to take a boat, then a motor ferry put into service in 1969, before a succession of footbridges made this crossing safer. The current structure is also mobile: it can be opened to allow boats to pass on the canal. For 2026, the footbridge is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. until September 20, then from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. from September 21 to 30. These times are subject to change depending on the season or exceptional closures.

Located on the narrow strip of land separating the Prévost pond and the Arnel pond, the huts form a unique habitat in the heart of the Palavasian lagoon landscapes. These small houses are heirs to an ancient way of occupying coastal wetlands, particularly associated with fishing, hunting, and agriculture. Boats, nets, and pontoons still recall this close relationship with the ponds. Some huts are now inhabited year-round.

La Passerelle du Pilou, also associated with the 4 canals cycling route, is an iconic bascule bridge located in Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone. This essential structure allows pedestrians and cyclists to cross the Rhône to Sète canal.

The Maguelone peninsula is a unique protected natural and historical site in Occitanie, located in the commune of Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone, just about ten kilometers southwest of Montpellier. Isolated between the Mediterranean Sea and coastal lagoons, it houses a majestic fortified Romanesque cathedral in the heart of an island vineyard.