Camping Les Romarins

Where to start? The beach, the Canal du Midi or the 40 kilometres of bike path, all within strolling distance? Have days at each, then turn your attentions to other Hérault department highlights both inland and around the coast. A must-visit is Pézenas (20 minutes’ drive), a place of handsome townhouses and cobbled streets, once home to Molière and his Illustre Théâtre in the town’s protected area of over 115 historic spots. Get there at any time from May to October for the many colourful artistic parades, or in March for the famed Pézenas Mardi Gras. The Camping Les Romarins team also recommends a trip to the medieval village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (an hour to the north and 45 minutes from Agde), a stopover point for the St James’s Way and close to the GR 74 long-distance path. Agde and its ramparts, museums and Roman cathedral is also a must, as is Béziers (35 minutes) and the nine Canal du Midi locks of Fonserannes. If you’re up for a longer drive, Carcassonne (an hour and 20 minutes) holds the famed Carcassonne Firework Extravaganza every July: just the spot too to track down a bowl of the city’s cassoulet.