The best traffic-free bike rides around Montblanc

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 is 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 by 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-shaped plan, its corner towers, and its monumental portal. It is listed as a Historical 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 from the 3rd century and preserves 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 the huntress Diana. Its marble basin is adorned with four dolphins, whose jets feed the basin, making this fountain one of the most emblematic symbols of Nizas.

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.

The single lock of Portiragnes opens onto the Agde reach downstream. This is a typical area of the landscapes of the Languedoc coastal strip. Indeed, from this lock onwards, the canal surface is at an altitude of only 1 meter above sea level. It runs alongside wetlands of former salt ponds (la grande Maïre), where a rich fauna and flora are found (bulls, horses, waders, amphibians, reeds...) and some pine groves. These places are conducive to the establishment of numerous campsites.

The single lock of Portiragnes opens onto the Agde reach downstream. It is a typical area of the landscapes of the Languedoc coastal strip. Indeed, from this lock, the surface of the canal is at an altitude of only 1 meter above sea level. It runs alongside wetlands of former salt ponds (la grande Maïre), where we find rich fauna and flora (bulls, horses, waders, amphibians, reeds...) and some pine groves. These places are conducive to the establishment of numerous campsites.

Classified as a historic monument since 1862, this bridge offers a dive into the past and testifies to the know-how of medieval builders. Despite the centuries that have passed and the sometimes violent floods of the Hérault, it retains a robust elegance, the result of ancient engineering and solid construction. The exact origin of the structure has long fueled debates among historians. While it was sometimes attributed to the Roman era, the most recent research now confirms its medieval dating.

Old wheat mill converted into a hydroelectric power station. (1988). The 11th-century "Bled" mill is in a perfect state of preservation. It supplied the local population with wheat and barley flour. The motive force of the water drove a heavy wheel that crushed the millers' grain. This medieval mill has ceased its activity but bears witness to the economic activity of this small commune in Bas-Languedoc.

A detour to La Tamarissiere-Grau d'Agde is worthwhile