Get out there
On this page you can read about what to discover in the region. And be prepared…there is a lot!
The campsite is located in one of the largest natural parks in France. You only get to know the full extent of it and explore all its wilderness during a trip by bicycle, boat, on foot or by car. Here you can read about our village La Salvetat sur Agoût and the local markets and towns in the region. You can also visit a nearby historical city or embark on a day trip to the stunning Mediterranean Sea. La Salvetat sur Agoût falls just outside the largest wine area in France, the Languedoc-Rousillon, but don't let it stop you from getting to know the wine from the region! In addition to enjoying the wine, we can give you advice on where to buy it and other groceries in the local village.
La Salvetat-sur-Agoût
Centrally located in the "Parc Natural du Haut Languedoc" is the lovely village, Salvetat sur Agoût, where our campsite Le Peyral is also found. The Agoût is the winding river that flows through the village and which feeds the reservoir Lac de la Raviège. With only 1,200 inhabitants, it is not a big city, but it is a classically quiet, small, and romantic southern French village. The village was founded in the 12th century and has a turbulent history. More than 5,000 inhabitants once lived here and the Cathar Struggle clearly left its mark. Salvetat has long been the capital of the local diocese.
In Salvetat, you will find all kinds of shops such as a butcher, bakery, vegetable shop, drugstore, pharmacy, and souvenir shop. There are also 2 supermarkets (Spar and Utille) where you can make all basic purchases. These shops are open every day, including on Sundays until 12:30. Please note, in the afternoon the shops are closed from 12:30 to 15:00. A half hour drive, in Lacaune or in Saint Pons de Thomières, you will find a larger supermarket. The hyper supermarkets are in and around the big cities, so it is best to combine with an excursion.
Nature
Parc Natural du Haut Languedoc
Camping Domaine Le Peyral is in the middle of this gigantic natural park. It is one of the largest natural parks in France. This region extends from the foothills of the Cevennes to the Montagne Noir, just before the Pyrenees.
In the different cardinal points of the park you will find a wide variety of landscapes. You can find yourself amid the endless pristine dark forests, or on a hilltop covered with heather between the bare rocks or around plenty of the typical vegetation that you also encounter in Provence. Click here for more information.
Canal du midi
Canal du Midi is a 250 km long canal from Toulouse to the Mediterranean. It is the oldest canal in Europe (1680) and with the Canal de Garonne it forms a direct connection by water between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
The canal is extremely popular with pleasure boaters, who can discover the most beautiful and peaceful places along the water. The canal is on the World Heritage List for a reason and has been described by UNESCO as one of the most extraordinary architectural achievements of the modern era.
Ecluses de fonserannes
This lock complex on the Canal du midi near Béziers, originally consists of 8 lock rooms. Over 300 meters, boats are moved 21.5 meters in height. This historical monument dates from around 1830 and attracts many visitors every year. You can also book a boat trip on the Canal du Midi here or make a Virtual Reality trip in history about the canal.
Gorges d’Heric
The Héric rises at an altitude of more than 1000 meters in the Espinousse and, after a fall of 800 m at 8 km, plunges into the river l'Orb. The "Gorges" are a steep and jagged gorge, often used as a training ground by mountaineers. It is also an ideal excursion for hikers, for whom an excellent path has been laid out. You can cool down in one of the many inlets.
Sidobre
Le Sidobre is not far from Castres, in the Tarn. It is a granite massif (10km x 10km x 10km) that hides in the shade of its beech forests a concentrate of mineral quirks: chaotic and strange rocks, stacked or haphazardly scattered as if they had fallen from the sky, or emerging from the water, like in the beautiful lake of Merle. Astonishing is also the Peyro Clabado (the stone that has been locked), which, unrealistic with its 780 tons, remains balanced on a block of 1 m²!
l 'Enfant Sauvage
In 1798, hunters in the forests of Lacaune discovered a child of about 12 years old: a wild child. No one knows where the child came from and how long it survived in the forest. It is a story that has always appealed to the imagination. A route has been mapped out through the forest where you can follow in the footsteps of the "wild child": you discover the child's hut and learn how to track.
If you want, you can buy a bag* with some attributes at the tourist office to make the trip even more fun. Admission is free. (*we have an example in the Chouette)
Cirque de Mourèze
It is a drive (about 70 km), but definitely worth it. A special natural phenomenon can be admired near the village of Mourèze. A worn area of wild limestone cliffs that feels unreal and magical. You can walk straight through it on indicated paths or find your own way.
An orientation table has been placed at the Belvédère of the Parc des Courtinals. From there you have a beautiful view over the boiler valley and the picturesque village of Mourèze.
Markets
France is known for it’s small local markets. You will find all kinds of regional products and get acquainted with the pleasant French lifestyle.
La Salvetat sur Agoût also has around 2 markets per week (Thursday and Sunday). In Saint Pons de Thomières (half an hour drive) you will find the largest market on Wednesday.
In the Chouette you can find a list of other markets in the area. The tourist office provides a weekly newspaper in which the activities in the area are described: evening markets, vide grenier (flea market) etc.
