Greek trading facilities remain today in Agde dating back to the 7th century BC.

Catharism became a widely supported religion in 12th century Languedoc. Cathars believed that there should be no barrier between Man and God - thus negating the work of priests. For the Catholic Church this was a dangerous heresy. In 1207 Pope Innocent III instigated the Albigensian Crusade, the only crusade in Europe, which wrested control of the Languedoc from the local princes and landowners and secured the region for the first time for the King of France.

In the 17^th century the Canal du Midi was built, one of the most impressive engineering feats of its age. Its tree-lined banks link the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. It was never quite the economic saviour that everyone had hoped, but it is now a pleasant spot to motor down in a barge or cycle along the banks.