What to do in Vic-Mireval ? Five ideas for outings in these towns in the Thau basin

Avec les étangs à leurs pieds, ces deux villages ont de bels atouts. Midi Libre – SYLVIE CAMBON

Both wild and medieval, the area of ​​Vic-la-Gardiole and Mireval enchants with its nature and heritage. The area is full of ideas for walks. And if nature is king, so are its products. Impossible to discover the vines without tasting the delicious muscat of Mireval, or walk along the pond without tasting its shellfish…

1. Through the Aresquiers woods on the lookout for pink flamingos

Pink flamingos are legion.

The Aresquiers woods are a preserved natural area, populated with maritime pines. It is home to abundant flora and varied fauna. This path has the particularity of offering a surprising panorama of the birds typical of the region. There are pink flamingos, of course, but also warblers, cuckoos, herons, little egrets, and even storks… Bring your binoculars! Ideal for getting some fresh air and enjoying superb views. Between the lagoons of Vic-la-Gardiole and Ingril, a leisurely hike of 9 km (3 hours) of developed trails is available to walkers, along the seaside and along the salt marshes. Horse riding enthusiasts will enjoy original rides, close to nature (Vic-la-Gardiole tourist office: 04 67 78 94 43). This paradise for lovers of wide open spaces is also the starting point for mountain bike rides. Finally, the wild and unspoiled Aresquiers beach, located a stone's throw from the pine forest, will be the ideal place to make a well-deserved stop.

2. Gourmet ride to taste the famous Muscat de Mireval

Specific visits

How not to succumb to tasting the delicious muscat of Mireval ? The AOC/AOP extends its vineyard over two communes, Mireval and part of Vic-la-Gardiole. In summer, this sweet wine, internationally renowned, can be discovered during gourmet walks and taste breaks among the vineyards, in the different wine estates. We are thinking in particular of the Domaine de la Belle Dame, in Mireval (our photo), as well as that of Mas Rouge or La Rencontre, in Vic-la-Gardiole.
If you are passing through, a stopover at the Cave Rabelais, in Mireval, will allow you to soak up the best of the surrounding area. Open from Tuesday to Saturday (9 a.m.-12 p.m./2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., tel. 04 67 78 15 79).

3. Eating at the Sea Farm

It is located on the edge of the Vic pond.

The “Ferme marine des Aresquiers”, on the edge of the Vic-la-Gardiole pond, produces shellfish and fish which it offers at the table. In the evening, from June to September, the farm staff cooks and serves the products they grow (or raise) throughout the year. Thus, the “Evenings at the Farm” take place every evening except Tuesday, with plates to share. Friday and Saturday evenings are mussel brawls! “Noons at the Farm” take place from Friday to Sunday, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. The opportunity, again, to discover the entire production of the “Ferme marine”. Please note, however, during the summer season, meals at the farm are by reservation only: tel. 0609767867, and online at lafermemarinedesaresquiers.fr.

4. Stretch your legs by cycling along the Rhône canal in Sète

And it’s all flat! Free Midi – PHILIPPE MALRIC

Mountain bikers will enjoy riding their mounts from the Pont des Aresquiers, in Vic-la-Gardiole, towards the Porte de Maguelone, then Palavas-les-Flots, and even Carnon, or even the Camargue! We are here between land and sea, and we take pleasure in crossing this string of ponds (Vic, des Moures, Pierre Blanche…) classified as a Natura 2000 zone. We drive in the middle of these flooded lands, where long-legged birds come to wade to catch their meals. The path winds over thin strips of land inhabited by reeds or pampas grass, and you feel tiny, surrounded by this endless expanse of water. A real family trip between ponds and landscapes.

5. Discovering the Sainte-Léocadie church in the old center of Vic

It was built in 1173.

In the center of the Vic territory stands the old village and its old winegrowers' houses, dominated by the Sainte-Léocadie church. This one, classified as a Historic Monument, was built during the year 1173. It is a military-style monument, a fortress built to defend itself from the invader. Walks in the old center of the village are organized during the summer, and allow the discovery of the Sainte-Léocadie church, every Monday morning in July and August. Free registration at the Vic-la-Gardiole tourist office (04 67 78 94 43).