Agde Old Town & Cathedral
Agde
A port town founded by the ancient Greeks, with the Cathedral of Saint-Étienne built of black basalt and rising like a fortress on the banks of the Hérault.
Agde was founded by Greeks from Phocaea in the 6th century BC and is known as the 'Black Pearl of the Mediterranean.' Buildings in the old town make extensive use of black basalt from nearby volcanic areas. The 12th-century Cathedral of Saint-Étienne has a fortress-like exterior, with battlements and a 35-meter tower. Fishing boats line the riverbank. In the old town's alleys is the Agde Folk Museum, which covers the lives of local fishermen. The town is about 22 km from Béziers and has direct train service. It can be combined with a visit to Cap d'Agde for a full day.
Opening hours
All day; cathedral approx. 09:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Cap d'Agde
- Musée de l'Éphèbe
- Valras-Plage
- Arènes de Béziers
- Plateau des Poètes
- Allées Paul Riquet
- Musée du Biterrois
- Basilica of Saint-Aphrodise