Located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, 30 km from our campsite near Narbonne, the Etang de Bages-Sigean is the largest of the Narbonnais lagoon complex. A jewel of our natural heritage, this magnificent Mediterranean lagoon is the perfect setting for a nature vacation in the Aude. Discover it for yourself!
A remarkable natural site on the Aude coast
Nestled south of Narbonne on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the Etang de Bages-Sigean is one of the largest lakes in the Languedoc region. Part of the Narbonnaise Regional Nature Park, this classified lagoon stretches 14 kilometers from north to south, covering an area of over 5,000 hectares. It communicates with the Mediterranean Sea via the grau de Port la Nouvelle. Until the end of Roman antiquity, the Etang de Bages formed a gulf opening onto the Mediterranean, stretching right up to the gates of Narbonne.
Walks and bike rides
The Etang de Bages can be explored on foot, by bike or mountain bike. Long-distance hiking trails offer several signposted itineraries and short loops departing from Sigean, Bages, Peyriac-de-Mer, Port-la-Nouvelle and Narbonne.
In “The wake of the eel”, the Bages heritage trail (2 km) will lead you to discover this typical fishing village perched on its rock, its history and its traditional activities. You can follow the Etang de Bages to Peyriac, via a steep path to Les Monadières or the small asphalt road to Estarac.
Similarly, the Caunes loop (“caves” in Occitan) offers a lovely hike on the heights of Bages. This balcony circuit winds for 5 km through vineyards, lagoons and Corbières. From the Caunes hill, there’s a lovely panoramic view over the pond, the Clape massif and the deep blue sea.
A privileged spot for water sports enthusiasts
#water sports
The Etang de Bages-Sigean is also a popular spot for swimming and water sports in the Narbonnais region. A host of water sports are available: catamaran, kitesurf, windsurf, paddle… The Narbonne nautical center sits right on the edge of the pond. All that’s left to do is register! In Peyriac-de-Mer, the Etang du Doul is both a place to swim and stroll, and a natural curiosity: its waters are saltier than those of the Dead Sea! The beach is not far from the parking lot. Pontoons allow you to tour the old salt pans.
Discovering birds
The lagoon coast between Bages and Port la Nouvelle is a veritable paradise for birds. The combination of fresh and salt water creates a rich natural environment that attracts many feathered guests, including herons, flamingos, white spoonbills and storks. Nearly 200 species of migratory or sedentary birds can be observed, some all year round, others in winter or during the migrations between August and September. Situated on the edge of the Etang de Bages-Sigean, the Grand Castellou observatory is a meeting place for birdwatching enthusiasts.
From pond to plate
Small-scale fishing is still very much alive on the Etang de Bages-Sigean. In the typical village of Peyriac-de-Mer or in the small port of Bages, you can buy your fish directly from the fishermen: eel, sea bass, sea bream, smooth… We recommend Bourride d’Anguilles, a traditional Bages dish. A real treat to enjoy on a sunny terrace!
Heading for Ile de l’Aute, Planasse, Sainte Lucie
The Etang de Bages is interspersed with islands and islets, most of which belong to the Conservatoire du Littoral. Just a stone’s throw from the Grand Salin de Sigean, at Port-Mahon, the nautical base offers canoe trips to discover theislands of Ile de l’Aute, Planasse, Sainte Lucie and La Nadière. Four exotic islands covered in scrubland, four biodiversity treasures that embellish the landscape of ponds and marshes.
Things to see and do nearby :
- The Sigean African Reserve Animal park and African safari between Narbonne and Perpignan.
- Fontfroide Abbey A Cistercian jewel in Narbonne, in the heart of Cathar country.
- Les salins de l’île Saint-Martin: a mecca for salt cultivation and oyster farming near the old village of Gruissan.
Access: from Narbonne, take the D6009 (route de Perpignan) then the D105. Etang Bages-Sigean is located 30 km from our campsite in the Aude department (about 45 minutes by car).