HIKING THE DOMAINE DE MARAVAL

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Starting point: Tourist Office - Palais des Congrès.

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Direction: head to the left along the parking lot to reach the start of the marked “Domaine de Maraval” circuit. Follow the signposted route (pedestrian symbol on wooden posts)

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The Bagnas: Located at the extreme west of the Thau basin, the Bagnas Nature Reserve is a lagoon area of 561.3 hectares listed and protected since 1983. Spanning the municipalities of Agde and Marseillan, this exceptional mosaic of Mediterranean natural environments protects the surrounding wetlands: to the north, the Grand Bagnas, a fresh to brackish water pond surrounded by reed beds, and to the south, the Petit Bagnas lagoon dotted with dry and salty meadows, salt marshes, and pastures. The Bagnas reserve, a true green lung separated from the sea by a dune cordon (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site), is home to more than 400 species of invertebrates and 250 bird species. A staging point for breeding migratory or passing birds, it is possible to observe them year-round with the ADENA association, the manager of these natural spaces.

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The Domaine de Maraval: This estate, located near Mont Saint Loup, offers a unique panorama over the natural spaces of the Bagnas Nature Reserve and the vineyard. The Maraval site preserves a large chimney that was used to evacuate combustion fumes produced by the steam engine that pumped water by drilling for vineyard irrigation. Now inactive, it serves to preserve the habitat of the greater horseshoe bat, which uses the drilling shaft as a habitat. Besides this built heritage, six winemakers from the Richemer Cellars farm 30 hectares of vineyard with sustainable agriculture and produce wine vintages in three colors: red, white, and rosé. The Maraval observatory: sitting on specially arranged benches you can enjoy the beauty of the landscape over the ponds and vineyards.

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The Palais des Congrès viewpoint: By accessing the Palais des Congrès viewpoint you have the possibility to enjoy a panoramic view of two ancient volcanoes, Mont Saint Loup which peaks at 113m and Mont Saint Clair in Sète rising to 175m. Facing you, you can also enjoy the view of Cap d'Agde harbor center with the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop.

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Direction: walk along the “Casino” and take the pedestrian path toward the roundabout and cross the road. Continue straight ahead on the “Avenue des contrebandiers” pedestrian alley.

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Direction: arrive at the “Boutellou” roundabout, go straight ahead on “Avenue de la butte” and continue straight on the pedestrian path.

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Direction: keep to your right after the big turn, take the 1st pedestrian crossing to cross the road.

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Mont Saint-Loup: In front of you is Mont Saint-Loup, an ancient volcano reaching 113m and extending over approximately 15km². Located at the southern end of the Puys d’Auvergne chain, its eruption 750,000 years ago carved the coast creating coves, beaches, and cliffs. This protected natural area houses pine forests, a scrubland of holm oaks, almond trees where squirrels, cicadas, and birds live... At the summit of Mont Saint Loup is the National Navy semaphore overlooking the Agde coast and offering a magnificent panorama over Cap d'Agde and the Mediterranean Sea. Built in 1836, this rotating semaphore allowed sailors to keep watch on the coast.

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Direction: return to the starting point at the Tourist Office by using the same route for 1.5 km.

In case of emergency, call 112.

+33 4 67 01 04 04

Cap d'Agde Mediterranean Tourist Office