Hafen
Sete

Uncover the hidden gem of Aigues-Mortes on this five-hour sightseeing excursion. Travel to the fascinating medieval walled city of Aigues-Mortes for a guided walking tour of this well-preserved city built in 1240. Enjoy a tasting of wine in a local Winery.

Walking Tour Aigues-Mortes

Make the scenic drive (one hour) to the fascinating medieval walled city of Aigues-Mortes and take an informative guided walking tour. This incredible journey back in time takes you through this well-preserved city built in 1240 by Saint-Louis, King of France, to create a port with direct access to the Mediterranean Sea for his crusades to the Middle East.

The city's history goes even further back to the 8^th century when Charlemagne erected a tower on the site to protect local fishermen. Monks were active in salt production for centuries before Saint-Louis built the walls. With some free time, perhaps walk the ramparts of the city walls to get the best view of the salines (salt piles) in a region that produces 500,000 tons of salt per year, much in the way it as for perhaps thousands of years.

Wine Tasting                                                                                                                                                                                  

The Aigues-Mortes region is also known for its delightful wine. Drive 30 minutes to a local winery that produces an excellent wines. Enjoy a refreshment in plein air amidst the vineyards, with time to relax before driving the final 60 minutes back to Sète and the ship.

Discover the "Little Venice" of Languedoc, Sète, on this three-hour bicycle adventure. Sète is France's first fishing ports and one of the few that is still an active fishing operation (primarily shellfish) and also a destination for visitors. Learn why Sète is called "l'Ile Singulière" (singular island) as you ride past unique indicators of culture, tradition and natural beauty that make it truly one of a kind.

From your bicycle, discover this charming port community on the Mediterranean Sea, situated around home-lined canals just like its Italian counterpart. Meeting your guide at the pier, pick up your transport for the day and get a briefing on the tour, your equipment and important safety precautions. Then it is time to begin, setting off first for the Royal Canal, the ancient medieval jousting site.

Ride in the lovely port along Sète's classic, picturesque streets, including Thoniers, Chalutiers and Filets, that take you right beside the most scenic places of the island. Arrive to the Promenade de la Corniche, a path that takes you through a large nature preserve, including a cycling path that provides beautiful views over the Mediterranean Sea.

The Corniche promenade also connects to the beach of the same name, where there is the chance to take a quick swim (weather dependent). After the beach, ride towards the Lagoon of Thau, well-known for its oyster farming (both ancient and active today).

Visit the Plagette Quarter before reaching the Pointe Courte, the vibrant fishermen's district that is one of Sète's most iconic places. Then, cycle back to the ship along the canals of l'Ile Singulière, as this peculiar island leaves its imprint on your memories.

The Cap d'Agde Golf Club is on championship grounds offering relatively hilly courses with many natural water hazards and bunkers to taunt you. The links like fairways and sea breezes are also factors that need to be contended with, however it is a playable course for all skills levels with amazing views.

Cap d'Agde Golf Club

Depart the pier for the scenic 45-minute drive to the Golf Club. Upon arrival, view this magnificent Golf Course that overlooks the sea and Agde seaside resort. The course is surrounded by palm-trees and mini-lakes with 3 various combinations of 18 holes circuits. The championship course was opened in 1989 and was designed by Ronald Fream. There are great additional facilities including a driving range, training bunkers and pitching and putting greens. At the edge of the Mediterranean, in the heart of a sublime landscape, the Golf International of Cap d'Agde is an invitation to live your passion in an unforgettable intensity.

At the conclusion of your round of golf return back to the pier.

An outdoors experience awaits you on the canals of the "little Venice" of France. Discover the beauty of this Mediterranean fishing town in a unique manner and perspective. After crossing some of the numerous canals, sample local flavours with food and wine as your reward after kayaking before your excursion is over.

Old Port District

Depart the pier by coach to the kayak base located in the Old Port district. Known as the 'Venice of Languedoc' due to the many canals criss-crossing the centre of the city, Sete owes its foundation to the construction of its harbour at the end of the 17th century by order of King Louis 14th.

Sete Canal Kayaking

Upon arrival at the kayak base, receive your sea-kayaking instructions and gear, then embark your sea kayak and begin your guided excursion through the canals of Sete. An English speaking group leader will guide you along the way as you take in the splendid sights of the city.

Food and Wine Tasting

Following your sea-kayaking voyage, a refreshment stop is made at one of the main jetties to sample some local delicacies, including four local Thau wines, oysters and octopus pie, or 'tielles'. Kayak back to your starting point to end your leisurely day on the water.

Your excursion concludes with a short drive back to the pier.

Take a walk through French history during this picturesque, full-day guided tour of the medieval walled city of Carcassonne. Since the pre-Roman period, a fortified settlement has existed on the hill where Carcassonne now stands. In its present form it is an outstanding example of a medieval fortified town, with its massive defenses encircling the castle and the surrounding buildings, its streets and its fine Gothic cathedral.

Carcassonne

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate two-hour drive along the highway to Carcassonne. Although this majestic site was inhabited as early as the 3rd century B.C., the expansive walled city we see today was gradually built between the 4th and 13th centuries A.D. Arguably, nowhere else in Europe exists a more intact walled city of this importance and in such an impressive setting.

Upon arrival, a short guided orientation tour of Carcassonne offers a unique insight into its past and present. This fairy-tale collection of drawbridges, towers and atmospheric cobbled streets is a must-see on any trip through this part of southern France. Its medieval core, the cité, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997. Although both the Romans and Visigoths were here, Carcassonne really flourished under the well-to-do Trencavel family of the late 12th century.

Approximately 3-hour free time is afforded to have a meal on your own, and browse the myriad of shops and attractions.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-join your guide, return to the coach parking lot and re-board the coach for the approximate two-hour drive back to the pier.

Experience the scenic, Old World beauty of the Languedoc region during this half-day excursion that combines a walking tour of the old market town of Pezenas with a visit to the Abbey of Valmagne. Pezenas contains narrow streets to explore with some grand 17th century homes and its town centre was one of the first in France to be protected as an historic monument. The Abbey of Valmagne was one of the richest Cistercian abbeys in southern France from the 12^th to the early 14^th century.

Depart the pier for the approximate 30-minute drive to the charming little town of Pezenas.

Pezenas

A former fortified Roman city and the seat of the government of Languedoc, today Pezenas is a city of artists. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour through the Old City. Along the way, see the narrow roads, 17th-century mansions with elegant balconies and ornate doorways, and visit the Roman Catholic Church. There is a well preserved Jewish ghetto dating from the middle ages and one of the most important religious monuments in Pezenas is the 18th century Collegiale Church of Saint-Jean.

Following your guided tour, some free time is made available for you to explore the fine array of artisans' shops before re-boarding the coach for the brief drive to the Abbey of Valmagne.

Abbey of Valmagne

Originally founded under the Benedictine order in 1138 by Raymond Trencavel, the Abbey of Valmagne became one of the richest Cistercian abbeys in the South of France during the 12th and 13th centuries, housing up to 3,200 monks.

Upon arrival, visit all of the elements of a typical abbey; the cloister and its charming Tuscany garden, the Chapter House and the Gothic church that has become a cellar for Valmagne with organic wines from the Languedoc Roussillon.

Your tour concludes with the return drive to the pier.

Savour the wonderful sights and flavours of Sète and the Chateau de l'Engarran during this half-day sightseeing excursion. The Languedoc region still feels very traditionally French, with medieval villages, good food and wine and a countryside that is as beautiful as anything in the Luberon or Tuscany.

Sète

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate 30-minute tour of Sète, a unique French town located on the Mediterranean Sea.

Known as the 'Venice of Languedoc' due to the many canals crisscrossing the centre of the city, the foundation of the construction of its harbour began at the end of the 17th century by order of King Louis 14th.

Mount Saint Clair

Your first stop is at the peninsula of Mount Saint Clair. Upon arrival, take in panoramic views of your surroundings and learn about the history of the site. From here, proceed for a visit to the small chapel of Our Lady of La Salette, which is perched atop Mount Saint Clair and revered by the local population.

Wine Estate

Continue with a drive to the surroundings of Montpellier and visit the "Château de l'Engarran" which is a prestigious wine estate that dates back to the 18th century. Classified as a Historical French Monument, this winery has been dedicated to love, women and wine. The visit combines art, architecture, poetry and wine with guided commentary and wine tasting.

Following a guided tour and tasting at the Château your excursion concludes with a 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore Sete at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Sete at your leisure during your half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Sete at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Sete at your leisure during your half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.