Discover Vendres: Lagoon, dunes and birdlife

A trip to Vendres brings together nature watching, coastal scenery, an archaeological site, and a port with fishing and shellfish farming. The lagoon and reed beds are central to the area’s natural character, while the ruins of the “Temple de Vénus” villa offer a historical point of interest. If you’re looking for a hotel, these different highlights can help guide your trip planning.

Natural landscapes between the lagoon and coastal dunes

The Basse plaine de l'Aude Natura 2000 site includes the more or less saline Vendres lagoon and an area of coastal dunes. The Le Cordon dunaire dune corridor in Vendres-Plage lies within an area managed by the Conservatoire du Littoral, a Natura 2000 site, and an important zone for bird conservation. The Étang de Vendres is one of the most significant reed bed areas in the Mediterranean region.

The beaches are also part of the area’s natural character: they stretch for more than 3 km through a protected natural area. The lagoon, dunes, reed beds, and beach each offer something different. Birdlife can be observed both along the dune corridor and on the Randonnée de la Boucle du Littoral.

The “Temple de Vénus” archaeological site

The “Temple de Vénus” villa is an archaeological ruin site on a promontory on the Étang de Vendres, 600 metres from the village. It was first used between the 1st and 3rd centuries. This gives the site a specific location on the Étang as well as a historical timeframe. If you’d like to include an archaeological site in your trip planning alongside nature and coastal attractions, the villa is a distinct place to visit in Vendres.

Explore nature: trails and guided activities

The Bayssan–Vendres plage greenway runs into the commune of Vendres, where it features an observatory and information panels about local fauna and flora. The “Balade nature accompagnée” is a guided nature walk in the Étang de Vendres wetland. The Randonnée de la Boucle du Littoral starts at the harbour office at Port du Chichoulet in Vendres-Plage and runs over the seaside dunes, where numerous birds can be observed.

The nature activities each have a different focus: the guided walk centres on the Étang wetland, while the Boucle crosses seaside dunes and offers opportunities for birdwatching. The greenway complements these experiences with an observatory and information panels about flora and fauna. When planning your visit, you can choose between the wetland, coastal dunes, and nature information along the greenway.

Espace Location Jet Rando 34 in Vendres-Plage offers guided hikes and rents stand-up paddleboards for leisurely outings on the sea. As this is a seasonal commercial offering, check operating dates in advance.

Port du Chichoulet: fishing and shellfish farming

Port du Chichoulet is a marina, fishing port, and shellfish-farming port. Fishing and shellfish-farming professionals sell oysters and mussels there to eat on site or take away. If you’re planning to visit for a meal, check the current vendors and opening arrangements in advance; these may change. The port thus combines its three functions with a specific offering of regional seafood.

Discover more destinations: La Tour-Sur-Orb, Montbazin, Coulobres, Valras-Plage, Lespignan, Lieuran-lès-Béziers, Saint-Thibéry, Murviel-Les-Béziers.

For the broader travel overview: Hérault.