Situated between the communes of Agde and Vias, the Plaine des Verdisses is a 650-hectare natural area bordered by the Canal du Midi to the north, the Mediterranean to the south and the Hérault River to the east. This verdant setting is home to a rich and remarkable biodiversity, both plant and animal, as well as vast expanses of greenery, wetlands and woodland.

The site, some of which is owned by market gardeners, winegrowers, a manadier and a shepherd, offers a haven of peace for locals and visitors alike. Come and discover Les Verdisses, an ideal place to enjoy the tranquility and natural charm of Agde. A little gem just a few minutes from our La Tamarissière campsite for lovers of green tourism!

What to see at Les Verdisses: an exceptional ecosystem

Discover an unusual landscape

The flora of Les Verdisses is particularly diverse, thanks to its rich, saline soils. The banks of the canal are home to a wide variety of plants typical of wetlands and Mediterranean environments, such as reeds, which provide shelter for local fauna, but also willows and poplars. The meadows of Les Verdisses are also home to aromatic plants such as wild fennel and thyme, which perfume the air, particularly in summer. The wooded areas of Les Verdisses are home to umbrella pines, holm oaks and a few olive trees.

Observe a variety of wildlife

Among the emblematic species of the Verdisses, here are the two stars of the territory:

• the European pond terrapin, a small freshwater turtle.
• the European Bee-eater, a brightly colored bird.

But the area is also home to many other bird species, such as herons, ducks and various migratory species, attracted by the waters of the Canal du Midi and nearby ponds.

🦆 Autumn is a good season for birdwatching at Les Verdisses, as they make their southward migration to their wintering grounds.

The Verdisses is also a haven for mammals such as cottontail rabbits, hedgehogs and foxes, which take advantage of the dense vegetation to hide and feed. The wetlands are also home to a variety of amphibians and reptiles such as frogs and lizards, while insects, specifically dragonflies and butterflies, abound near the water.

Bonus: Discover a unique hydraulic network

Les Verdisses is also criss-crossed by a remarkable hydraulic system, made up of roubines (small irrigation or drainage canals) and artesian wells (wells in a water table whose water rises to the surface spontaneously).

This network testifies to the importance of water management in this wet plain, which feeds the land and promotes biodiversity.

What activities are available in Les Verdisses?

To visit Les Verdisses in Agde, you have several options for enjoying this unspoilt natural area. One of the most pleasant ways is to follow the well-maintained footpaths, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature while observing the local flora and fauna. Cycling along the Canal du Midi is also very popular, with superb views over the verdant landscape. For a guided experience, check with Agde’s tourist office to find out about organized tours or upcoming nature events.

So there are plenty of ways to enjoy this incredible natural space, at your own pace and according to your own desires. Here are just a few ideas.

• Take a stroll along the Les Verdisses footpaths to explore the wetlands and meadows, observe the local flora and enjoy the peace and quiet. Pets are allowed, but please keep them on a leash.
• For birdwatchers and nature-lovers, bring your binoculars (or your good eyes) to observe the fauna of Les Verdisses, especially migratory birds.
• Hop on your trusty bike or rent one and pedal along the Canal du Midi for a moment out of time.
• Book an unforgettable horseback ride from Les Verdisses to the beach (approx. two hours). Take the opportunity to visit the manade and admire the bulls.
• Simply (and environmentally) enjoy a picnic in the heart of nature.
• Nature photography: the region’s natural landscapes and biodiversity make it an excellent place to immortalize birds, rare plants and breathtaking panoramas.

The Tour des Verdisses, a waterside course!

For hiking enthusiasts, the Tour des Verdisses is one of the must-do routes, offering 12 kilometers of guaranteed change of scenery.

• Departing from Agde (Parc de Belle-Isle), the route first follows the Hérault River, towards the Mediterranean Sea.
  Walk along the Quai du Commandant-Réveille, admire the view of Saint-Étienne Cathedral, then continue along the Route de la Tamarissière and enjoy the view of the mouth of the Hérault from the Quai Théophile-Cornu).
• After a few hundred meters on the coast, surrounded by the Mediterranean and the Etang du Clôt de Vias, climb the dune and follow the path to the bunkers.
• The route then climbs back inland, this time along the Canal du Clôt, then the Canal du Midi, until it reaches the tunnel to enter the grounds of the Château de Laurens and return to the starting point.

From the La Tamarissière campsite, it’s possible to get a partial view of Les Verdisses, although the distance limits direct perspectives. Note that it can also be the starting point for your hike.

If you’re closer to Vias, set off from the Plage des Œillets and follow the 10km canal circuit along the Canal du Midi and the Verdisses area.

A precious but fragile ecosystem

In 2012, a perimeter for the protection of peri-urban agricultural and natural areas (PAEN), the first in the Hérault department, was launched to preserve Les Verdisses.

The project is structured around four challenges:

• The agricultural issue, to encourage respectful farming, in keeping with the topography and soil characteristics.
• Environmental issues, to protect the area’s natural heritage (flora and fauna).
• Tourism, to enhance the attractiveness of the area (trails, mountain bike trails, picnic areas).
• The challenge of land-use planning, to combat the phenomenon of “cabanisation” in a high-risk area (submersion).

This is good news, because the biodiversity of Les Verdisses makes it a special place for nature lovers, but above all a dynamic ecosystem that absolutely must be protected!