Discover Lattes: Lattara, Harbor and Nature

On the edge of the lagoon in the Lez delta stood the ancient harbor of Lattara, an important center of economic and cultural exchange for the peoples of the western Mediterranean. It existed from the 6th century BC to the 3rd century AD. This means that the site combines a clearly defined historical period with its location by the water.

Culture

The archaeological site of Lattara was listed as a historic monument by decree of February 28, 2003. Since September 17, 2003, the Site archéologique Lattara – musée Henri Prades has carried the designation “Musée de France.” The historic monument and the museum therefore focus on different aspects within the same cultural field.

For planning purposes, this cultural focus can be considered alongside water- and nature-based destinations and other museums. This creates not one uniform type of outing, but a selection encompassing history, landscapes and different ways of exploring the area.

Water and Paths

Port Ariane is a navigable freshwater harbor on the Lez with 100 berths, including five visitor berths, and a lock providing access to the harbor. The Sentier des Tamaris trail has walkways over the water and observation points for birdwatching.

The harbor and waterway offer a different focus from the archaeological sites and museums. The information about the harbor facilities and trail design also shows that water-based destinations and nature observation can be considered as distinct themes.

Surroundings

The Fontaine des Trois Grâces, a monument, is located in the immediate vicinity of Lattes. The Phare de la méditerranée, a viewpoint, is also located nearby. These two destinations therefore represent different types of local landmarks.

The Artothèque de Montpellier, a museum marked as closed, is located in the area around Lattes. The Musée Fabre, a museum, and the Carré Sainte-Anne, also a museum, are likewise located in the surrounding area. These three museums complement the cultural focus with additional destinations outside the archaeological site.

Other destinations in the surrounding area include the Parc du Lunaret - Zoo de Montpellier, a zoo; Plage du Pilou, a beach; and the Arc de Triomphe, a natural arch. Together with the monument, viewpoint and museums, they provide a broad selection of destination types that can be organized according to the desired focus.

For planning a day, cultural destinations, water-based activities and nature observation, as well as landscape and outdoor destinations, can be set alongside one another as separate themes. This leaves open whether the focus should be on historical context, museum visits, observing nature by the water or experiencing changing local landscapes.

Experiences

Domaine de Fangouse – Manade Michel Robert offers various horse-riding activities. Horse-riding activities form a separate area of experience alongside museums, wildlife observation and landscape destinations, expanding the range of themes with an active way to spend time in the area.

In summer, Domaine de Fangouse – Manade Michel Robert offers two types of public outdoor events: Tuesday evenings with tapas and music groups, and Thursday evenings featuring Camargue traditions. The days of the week, the summer period and the different event content each serve as separate points of reference.

The destinations in and around Lattes thus combine historical sites, institutionally recognized cultural venues, waterside locations, nature observation, museums, landscape features, horse-riding activities and events scheduled for specific times. Depending on the desired mix, these themes can be considered separately or combined into different daily itineraries.

More local destination pages: Sussargues, Puimisson, Guzargues, Beaulieu, Nissan-Lez-Enserune, Vérargues, Argelliers, Faugères

For the overarching travel overview: Hérault.