Sigean terroir — Bages and Peyriac-de-Mer

Bages

Bages is a picturesque fishing village on a steep rocky outcrop overlooking the Etang de Bages with its transient population of pink flamingos and other waterfowl. There is no longer much commercial fishing here, but it is increasingly popular with holidaymakers. As well as being an attractive place in its own right, it is conveniently placed for access both to Narbonne and to the sea. It has several restaurants, and the presence of two art galleries in this small village bears witness to its attractions for artists, here for the calm beauty of the lagoon, and the light.

Bages

Peyriac-de-Mer

A delightful road from Bages takes you along the narrow strip of land between the shore and the salt marshes to Peyriac-de-Mer, another fishing village on the bank of the lagoon. Drive slowly, and admire the view. Part of the lagoon has been declared a nature reserve, and this is a good place for spotting flamingos, herons, storks, and other waterfowl. The smaller Etang de Doul, near Peyriac, has the notable feature of being 43% salt ... comparable to the Dead Sea! Swimming, or rather floating, in it is an interesting experience. There is an archaeological museum in Peyriac-de-Mer containing finds from the nearby oppidum, and a Tourist Information office next door, in the Chemin du Moulin (tel. 04 68 41 38 12).