Tour de France 2012 in Languedoc

Tour de France 2012 is taking a clockwise route this year, starting in Liege, and making its way South via the Alps in early July. The Saturday 14th July stage sees the Tour arrive in Cap d'Agde, down from the mountains and into the flat plains and coastline of Languedoc. 

It being Bastille Day, and Cap d'Agde being one of the largest and most popular holiday resorts in France, expect to see large crowds out to cheer the Tour before it heads West to the Pyrénees the following day. Traffic in and out of Adge and the coastal resort Cap d'Agde will be nightmarish; if you plan on being there to see the Stage finish mid-afternoon, arrive early and park up, bring a picnic and plenty of refreshments, and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.

On non-Tour days, Cap d'Agde is a terrific family resort, with plenty to entertain kids, Captain Jackos for the smaller kids (up to approx age 8), and Aqualand for all the family, plus miles of sandy beaches, restaurants, shops and promenade. The port area is pleasant for people watching and a stroll. 

Tour de France 2012

As Cancellara convincingly wins the Italian "hard man's race", Strade Bianche, thoughts are turning to the Spring Classics, and inevitably, the 2012 Tour de France. The 2012 tour actually starts in Liege this year, a nod to the 1-day Classics and their importance in the racing calendar. The 2012 TDF takes a clockwise route this year, so the teams will hit the Alps in the second week, before coming down the the plains of the coastal region of Languedoc, before entering the Pyrennees in week 3.  

Notably for those who will be holidaying in Languedoc during that time, the 215km Stage 13 will finish in the celebrated resort of Cap d'Agde, (only 25 minutes from Pézenas) on Saturday 14th July. 

The last time the tour touched on the Cap (2009), Thomas Voeckler won the stage, and naturally, it being Bastille Day, the French will be expecting something special.

Languedoc Beaches and Resorts

Even though I am partial to lounging poolside, kids will usually demand a day out and the beach tends to be an easy and enjoyable option. Exploring the beaches of the region, the "best" beach depends on your needs and taste.

Cap d'Agde - the large resort at the coast 20 minutes from Pézenas- is a trendy summer destination. It has a choice of 11 beaches, some wilder and quieter, others packed with beach bodies and restaurants on the promenade!

On the left of the map is our personal favourite - La Tamarissiere - a small, shallow family beach surrounded by pine forest. It's simple and it's beautiful.

Further up the coast are the flashier beaches of Rochelongue, the smart area of Grau d'Agde with restaurants, cafe bars, etc., and the essential Aqualand (and Capitaine Jacko for the younger kids). It all really depends on what you are looking for, but one thing is for sure - it's all there in Cap d'Agde.

There's a great "Virtual Visit" section on the Cap d'Agde Tourism website where I found this map - be sure to take a look as it gives you a good idea of which area will meet you needs.

http://www.en.capdagde.com/

"It's honest, it's unrefined and it's absolutely, unexplainably elegant....."

One of my favourite quotes about this part of France...see the full article here about a weekend trip to Beziers and Cap d'Agde, both a 15 minute drive from Pezenas.









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