These lavish gardens were constructed in 1694 as a residential retreat for Mitsutomo, the second Lord of the Owari clan. Sadly, however, most of the garden and its buildings were destroyed during World War II. Restoration took a long time, with the garden being finally opened as a public park in 2004. If time permits, visit the adjacent Tokugawa Art Museum, the third oldest private museum in Japan, which miraculously survived the World War II air raids.

Agde, a history founded in 580 BC by the Greeks, anchoring the city between maritime trade and fishing. Developing over the centuries, it has left behind strong traditions in the daily life of the inhabitants, with festivities and times of togetherness that you’ll have the joy of sharing with the locals, leaving you with the happy memories! Water jousting tournaments are a fun time when teams of 2 boats and their jousters wearing white clash to the sound of fanfares; the games keep coming all summer at the foot of the cathedral, stopping only in low season. Another event embedded in religious fervour and festivities is the Fête des Pêcheurs (Fishermans’ Celebration) in July, where fishermen, sailors and residents come together with the Belles Agathoises parade in traditional costume. To better understand these maritime roots, be sure to visit the Belvédère de la Criée aux Poissons (the name given to the fish market). At Pézenas, which is so close and unique, UNESCO now protects this "intangible cultural heritage" that is so heart-felt and generously shared by the local residents, making it part of the place's DNA or better yet, its spirit. During your stay, be sure to take part in these seasonal events, which follow the path of the Sun: Nadal, the revival of light just before Christmas on the winter solstice; Carnival, the end of winter with the insolent breath of spring and rising sap; Sant Joan at the triumph of the summer solstice, and Martror, the day of the dead and winter of life accompanied by macabre dances.

Built on the mouth of the Colligan river in the 12th century, the Anglo-Norman Castle of King John is an important landmark in Irish history: it served as a barracks in the 18th century, and was at the forefront of battles during the Irish Civil War, when it was almost completely destroyed.