Those looking to combine nature and culture will find a range of attractions in Sérignan: the Domaine des Orpellières at the mouth of the Orb, an art museum and performing arts venues. A named walking trail passes through various landscapes, while exhibitions, events and artist residencies are at the heart of the cultural venues. When planning your trip, it is therefore helpful to decide first whether you would like to spend more time in nature and enjoying outdoor activities, or exploring art and the performing arts programme.
Natural area at the mouth of the Orb
The Domaine des Orpellières is shared between the municipalities of Valras and Sérignan. Covering 150 hectares, it includes a beach, a 2.5-kilometre stretch of dunes and an extensive salt marsh. The area is part of Natura 2000 and is home to several animal species and plant varieties. The beach, dunes and salt marsh each give the area a distinct landscape, while the mouth of the Orb provides its geographical setting.
Walking trail and viewpoint
The “Randonnée les Orpellières, Trésors de Nature” route runs along the banks of the Orb and through salt marshes, sansouïres, dunes and lagoons. Information panels explain the landscape and natural heritage. The trail is considered suitable for families and combines time at the beach with discovering the environment. The walk can therefore be enjoyed both as a nature experience and as an opportunity to get to know the area’s diverse habitats.
Another way to take in the landscape is from the Orpellières viewpoint: it can be reached by climbing 71 steps and offers panoramic views of the area’s landscapes. Check the conditions for the walking trail and access to the viewpoint before setting out. The Maison de Site des Orpellières offers visitor services and educational resources to help you explore the area.
Art, performing arts and cultural venues
The Musée régional d’art contemporain in Sérignan brings together temporary exhibitions and a permanent exhibition across 3,200 square metres. The museum also includes a graphic arts cabinet, exhibition spaces and a bookshop-boutique. Those interested in contemporary art will find a range of exhibition formats and complementary facilities under one museum roof.
La Cigalière is located in the centre of Sérignan and is a venue for the performing arts. Its programme includes contemporary music and events for young audiences, as well as circus, theatre, dance and puppetry. As the programme changes, it is worth checking the specific event dates. In 2024, La Cigalière received the designation “Scène Conventionnée d’Intérêt National, Art, Enfance et Jeunesse”. The building itself makes a distinctive statement: it was designed by Nicolas Guillot and Daniel Buren and features 170 metal columns.
The Château Vargoz represents a different blend of history and contemporary culture. This former 19th-century bourgeois residence has been converted into a space for contemporary art and artist residencies. It hosts artists from various disciplines and holds exhibitions, performances, meetings and educational activities in association with the French education system. Sérignan’s cultural offering thus brings together exhibitions and performing arts with artistic practice and opportunities to meet.
Nature or culture as your focus
The difference can be made concrete when choosing a destination: at the Domaine des Orpellières, the landscape and walking trail take centre stage. At the cultural venues, you can choose between exhibitions at the Musée régional d’art contemporain, performing arts at La Cigalière, and residencies and events at the Château Vargoz. Sérignan therefore offers several distinct reasons to tailor your stay to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Campagnan, Félines-Minervois, Magalas, Gigean, Nézignan-L'evêque, Gignac, Portiragnes, Mons.
See the overview of destinations in the wider region: Hérault.
