Things to do around the Abitarela guest house in Sigean

If you arrive in Sigean early, a stroll through the medieval centre is a must. Admire the church of Saint-Félix-de-Gérone, a 17th-century building that towers over the town centre. At its foot is the Place de la Libération, the heart of the town and the meeting point for all the locals. The market is held here twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

For lunch, head to the restaurant “Le Jardin des Oliviers”, a few hundred metres from the house. It offers a varied menu in a lovely open-air setting, with a family atmosphere and games for children.

In the afternoon, don’t miss the Port-Mahon water sports centre, 5 km from the house. We recommend going by car or by bike: parking is easy and beautiful walks await. A large picnic area by the lagoon is perfect for an afternoon snack if the weather allows.

Your host welcomes you at 7 rue Nationale, 11130 Sigean and is there from 5 pm to 8 pm. If you plan to arrive at another time, please contact us in advance. You are of course welcome to knock, and if we are available we will be happy to let you in. Sometimes we are out shopping or busy. While you wait, read on…

At the end of the day, have a drink at Café La Rotonde, a 1900 café that is a real institution in Sigean, where locals and visitors meet for a drink or a snack.

Discover the natural beauty of the Étang du Doul at Peyriac-de-Mer, a former salt pan in the heart of a protected nature reserve. Follow the easy path along the lagoon, “walk on water” on the boardwalk and spot all kinds of wildlife, including herons, ducks, moorhens and flamingos.

After exploring the Étang du Doul trail, relax on the benches along the path and enjoy a drink or a meal at the O Vieux Tonneau restaurant in Peyriac-de-Mer (booking recommended), or go straight to the next stop: a picnic area overlooking the lagoons awaits you at the entrance to Bages, along the lagoon road from Peyriac-de-Mer.

In the afternoon, wander the picturesque streets of Bages, a village of art and culture between Sigean and Narbonne. On the shores of the Bages-Sigean lagoon there is a large playground for children and a breathtaking view of Narbonne, the lagoon and the Massif de la Clape.

Enjoy the Mediterranean pace of life! The restaurants tucked away in the narrow streets and pretty squares of Bages will welcome you for a drink. Make it a meal and try the mackerel from the Bages-Sigean lagoon, for example.

Spend the morning discovering the rich history, culture and architecture of Narbonne. Visit Narbonne Cathedral, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral famous for its ornate architecture and stained glass. The Archbishops’ Palace, a 12th-century palace that now houses the Narbonne Museum of Fine Arts, is also well worth a visit. Explore the well-preserved Roman Horreum, an underground warehouse from the 1st century BC, and stroll along the 13th-century Canal de la Robine and the Pont des Marchands, a 13th-century bridge lined with shops and houses.

For lunch, head to Les Halles de Narbonne, the famous covered market known for its fresh produce and local specialities. Open every day except Sunday and Monday, it is a great place to experience local culture and taste the delicious food of the region.

In the afternoon, continue exploring Narbonne with a visit to Narbo Via, a museum about the history of the ancient Roman city of Narbo Martius. Then take the scenic road through the Massif de la Clape to the Mediterranean and enjoy the views of the sea and the vineyards.

End the day with an aperitif and dinner at Narbonne Plage, watching the sun set over the sea.

Looking for relaxation and fun? Look no further than Port-la-Nouvelle beach, a 10-minute drive from the Abitarela guest house in Sigean. This wide stretch of sand is perfect for soaking up the sun and getting away from it all. With lifeguards on duty and a range of water sports such as paddleboarding, kitesurfing and windsurfing, you are sure to have a great day at the beach.

In summer, you can even take a boat trip from Port-la-Nouvelle to Gruissan. This full-day excursion takes you to explore Gruissan, a fishing village just along the coast.

Port-la-Nouvelle and Gruissan are popular destinations, so you will find plenty of places to eat and shop, perfect for picking up souvenirs of your trip to the south of France. So pack a picnic and spend the day relaxing on the sand, or cool off with a swim in the Mediterranean.

Carcassonne is a must for anyone visiting the south of France. The fortified medieval city is home to one of the best-preserved castles in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cité de Carcassonne is a magnificent example of medieval military architecture and a true wonder to behold.

The town’s origins go back to Gallo-Roman times, but the castle was built in the 13th century by the Trencavel family. Its 52 towers and 3 km of ramparts offer a unique view over the Aude valley. Inside the walls, cobbled streets are lined with charming shops, restaurants and cafés.

But Carcassonne is not just a historic site, it is a lively town too. Visitors can explore the castle, walk along the ramparts and wander through the streets of the old town. The town has a vibrant cultural scene, with many festivals and events throughout the year.

Allow a full day to visit Carcassonne. From Sigean, it takes about 45 minutes by car to reach the car park of the Cité.

Start your day with a visit to the Salins de La Palme, where you can admire 400 hectares of salt marshes surrounded by a nature reserve. Take a guided tour or visit the museum to learn about the history of salt production in the region. Don’t forget to support local trade by taking home some fleur de sel, and have a look at the restaurant’s menu.

In the afternoon, head to La Franqui beach for sun, sand and fun! Whether you love water sports or just want to enjoy the sunshine, this big sandy beach has something for everyone. From windsurfing and kitesurfing to playgrounds, sandcastles and swimming in the sea, there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained.

At sunset, go to the fishing harbour of Leucate to enjoy fresh oysters and local wine while watching the sun go down. With so many ways to relax, have an adventure and eat well, there is lots to do around the Abitarela guest house in Sigean!

In the morning, discover the hidden gem of Fontfroide Abbey, just 30 minutes’ drive from Sigean. Tucked away in the countryside and showcasing beautiful Romanesque and Gothic architecture, the abbey is a must for every visitor to the region. Founded in the 11th century, Fontfroide Abbey is a true masterpiece of medieval art.

Enjoy lunch at the restaurant in the heart of the abbey and soak up the beauty and history of this remarkable place.

In the afternoon, discover Le Somail, one of the liveliest villages on the Canal du Midi, thanks in particular to its boat hire base for trips along the canal. This historic canal, built in the 17th century by Pierre-Paul Riquet, links the Mediterranean to Toulouse. It is considered an engineering feat and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Le Somail, don’t miss the charming bookshop “Le Trouve Tout du Livre”, which has a touch of Harry Potter magic.

End your day with a memorable meal on the banks of the Canal du Midi in Le Somail. With the peaceful canal as a backdrop, enjoy a delicious meal in one of the local restaurants, and as the evening draws in, take in the serene beauty of the Canal du Midi for an unforgettable end to the day.

The Réserve Africaine de Sigean safari park is a must for nature and wildlife lovers. Just a few minutes’ drive from Sigean, this popular park is home to more than 2,500 animals of over 160 species. From majestic lions and towering giraffes to powerful rhinos, the park is a true celebration of the beauty and diversity of African wildlife.

Visitors to the Réserve Africaine de Sigean can join guided visits and watch animal presentations (in season), learning about the behaviour and habitats of the animals. For a truly immersive experience, start with a safari by car to see the animals in their natural habitat, then continue on foot to explore the rest of the park. Before you leave, don’t forget to drive the safari route again (included in your ticket) to spot the animals that were hiding or asleep the first time. Whether you are a seasoned wildlife fan or just looking for a fun day out, the Réserve Africaine de Sigean is a must for everyone.

After a day full of exciting activities, come back to the Abitarela guest house and relax in our air-conditioned dining room. Raise a glass to a wonderful day with a bottle of local wine from the Cap Leucate cellars. With its unique mix of wildlife and relaxation, the Réserve Africaine de Sigean and the Abitarela guest house really are the perfect holiday destination.

Remember to book your tickets on the Réserve Africaine de Sigean website (booking is required).

If you are visiting Sigean over the festive season, don’t miss the Barcarès Christmas market. The Christmas Village opens at the end of November (last weekend of November) and closes in early January (the weekend after 6 January). It offers plenty of entertainment for children and adults, with activities such as sledging and ice skating, as well as delicious seasonal dishes from the chalets, like tartiflette. You will feel as if you have been whisked away to a winter village in the Alps!

It can be busy at weekends, but the Christmas market is one of the highlights of the region. Everywhere you look there are Father Christmases and snowmen, which makes for a festive atmosphere. Your children are sure to sleep soundly after such a busy day!

Closer to the house, Narbonne gets into the Christmas spirit too: a giant tree, festive lights and a funfair bring the town centre to life over the holidays.