The best traffic-free bike rides around Pézenas

In the heart of the old village of Cazouls-d'Hérault, two major witnesses to local history stand side by side: the church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul and the old castle stemming from the Templar presence. Built and remodeled over the centuries, the church recalls the religious life of a Languedoc rural community, while the neighboring castle bears witness to a more unique history. Established here in the Middle Ages, the Templars developed an agricultural estate before their assets were transferred to the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem in 1312. Later becoming a commandery, this seigneurial residence long organized the economic life of the territory. Today transformed into guest rooms, the castle perpetuates the history of the place in a new form.

A few steps from the Saint-Saturnin church, this small sector between the place du Quai and the rue Venel reveals a more intimate face of Tourbes! Narrow alleys, old facades, exposed stones bear witness to a habitat built over the centuries.

The cooperative winery of Alignan-du-Vent bears witness to wine history. Created in 1936 under the name "Les Vignerons d'Alignan-du-Vent", it was born in a difficult context for small producers, facing the wine market crisis and the need to unite to better promote their harvest.

The historic center of Nizas can be discovered around the Place du Griffe, where the castle, church, and fountain form a remarkable heritage ensemble. Mentioned as early as the 9th century, the village developed around a medieval castrum before being enriched with a Renaissance castle and an elegant republican fountain. The Château de Nizas, built at the end of the 16th century by the Carrion de Nizas family, is recognizable by its U-shape, its corner towers, and its monumental portal. It is listed as a Historic Monument. Opposite it stands the Church of Sainte-Félicité-Sainte-Perpétue, rebuilt between 1705 and 1708 on the foundations of an older building. It is dedicated to two young martyrs from Carthage in the 3rd century and houses the relics of Saint Perpetua. In the center of the square, the Fontaine de la République, inaugurated in 1887, is topped by a statue of Diana the huntress. Its marble basin is adorned with four dolphins, whose jets feed the basin, making this fountain one of the most emblematic symbols of Nizas.

Pouzolles did not develop by chance around its castle. In 1556, the inhabitants of the neighboring hamlet of Saint-Martin de Grézan, struck by a plague epidemic, abandoned their village to settle under the protection of the ramparts. The castle chapel then became the parish church, giving birth to the heart of the current village. Even today, the Saint-Martin gate and the old streets built on the ramparts recall this unique history.

Great quiet cycle path along the coast between Sete and Marseillan Plage. Numerous accesses to the beach are on the way.

It is hard to imagine that the historic site of Noilly Prat production is still located on the edge of the Étang de Thau today. Since the 19th century, this emblematic vermouth has been born here, made from white wines and aromatic plants using a traditional know-how that is still in operation. Between open cellars, a bar, and a visitor area, the place combines real production with the discovery of a living heritage.

Attention, the fountain runs in a closed circuit (not drinkable), you must use the tap on the street side