Gruissan is a small harbour town with a long fishing tradition. The historic centre has a natural and charming feel. There are small shops, studios of resident artists,
as well as some restaurants, bars and cafés.
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, you can buy cheese, sausages, olives, baked goods and many other products from regional producers at the weekly market,
in addition to fruit and vegetables.
The Massif de La Clape with its imposing limestone cliffs is the largest nature reserve in Languedoc-Roussilion, measuring 15 x 8 km. It is located to the east of Gruissan and begins directly behind the sea.
The evergreen landscape consists of large pine forests, bushes, various herbs and flowers and invites you to walk, hike,
climb and cycle.
The next largest town, Narbonne, is less than 20 km away and absolutely worth a visit. The Canal de la Robine divides the medieval town and
gives it a cosy flair.
The large 13th century cathedral is truly impressive and the market halls "Halles des Narbonne" present the delicacies of the south and are a
must for every gourmet.
At the Réserve Africaine de Sigean, you experience the animals of the savannah in a natural environment and feel like you are on safari because you drive through the first part of the park in a car and the animals roam freely.
Afterwards, similar to the zoo, there is a route through many game enclosures with many barbecue and picnic areas.
Besides lions, giraffes, rhinos, monkeys, bears and wildebeests, there are also leopards, zebras, antelopes, ostriches and dwarf buffalos to see. An exciting and interesting excursion that feels like Africa.
The famous fortified town of Carcassone is about an hour's drive away. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest fortification in the whole of France. It sits loftily on a hill and is surrounded by a double wall and 52 towers.
In the 13th century, Carcassonne housed the administration of the Inquisition in southern France and was also a centre of the Cathar movement and one of the most important towns in the historic region of Occitania. Inside, the city surprises with life: it is inhabited and there are shops,
restaurants and beautiful squares in the shade of old trees.
You should take a day to visit because there is so much to discover.
