A place full of life to discover
Separated from the sea by a coastal strip, the vast Thau basin (7,500 hectares) stretches along the Languedoc coast 19 km long and 5 km wide. It has very few beaches, but has other tourist attractions:
It has been a place of shellfish and oyster farming since Antiquity. The latter are marketed under the name Bouzigues oysters, named after the first village which established oyster farming on the pond. It is possible to visit the farms by boat and enjoy tasty tastings with the producers. Sailing, sea kayaking, windsurfing, kite-surfing and even diving are practiced in the basin, while respecting its exceptional marine environment. The vines which border the pond also contribute to its richness. You can notably taste Picpoul de Pinet, this white wine which goes so well with seafood.
The 5 pearls of the pond by bicycle
The pond is surrounded by 5 essential stops, which can be discovered by bike: Sète, Balarucles-Bains, Bouzigues, Mèze and Marseillan. If a continuous cycle route called “Le tour del’étang de Thau” (around 60 km) is planned, the route is already possible thanks to 2 sections of greenways linked together by sections of road: the Mèze route at Balaruc-le-vieux (12 km) and the Voie Verte du Lido, from Sète to Marseillan beach (12 km).
- Sète, the Venice of Languedoc
Birthplace of Georges Brassens, Sète charms with its numerous canals, its picturesque fishing port and its 12 km of protected beaches. To enjoy a striking panorama of the city, 2 viewpoints are recommended: Mont Saint Clair which reveals the structure of the city at an altitude of 183 meters and the Domaine des Pierres Blanches, from where you can see, if weather permitting, the Pyrenees and Mont Canigou. Other unmissable attractions in Sète: the George Brassens space and the Saint-Louis festivals, typical nautical jousts which take place at the end of August.
- Balaruc-les-Bains, 1st spa resort in France
Balaruc-les-Bains specializes in rheumatology and phlebology and welcomes more than 46,000 medical spa guests per year. A new establishment, “les Thermes de Balaruc-les-Bains”, opened its doors on March 2, 2015. It brings together over 16,000 m², 5 collective treatment pools and 7 independent hydrotherapy treatment areas. 4 are dedicated to the application of thermal mud, the resort's renowned treatment, with the use of a new application bed specially developed and patented for the Thermal Baths.
- Bouzigues and its oyster and mussel farms
This charming fishing village is a mecca for shellfish farming. A visit to the Etang de Thau Museum allows you to learn more about the professions of the “peasants of the sea” and the activities of the Thau basin. An original display of objects recreates the fishing atmosphere: aquariums, video, models…
Mèze is the oldest town in the Thau basin. A research center dedicated to environmental protection and aquaculture, the Pays de Thau ecosite, explains to visitors how “nature cleans water” with microscopic plants and animals.
- Marseillan and its wine heritage
The listed port of Marseillan proudly testifies to its past linked to viticulture. Old master buildings and other majestic cellars frame the waves. A short distance away, the Pointe des Onglous and its lighthouse mark the mouth of the Canal du Midi in the waters of the Etang de Thau. You can enjoy a sublime view of Sète and the entire lagoon. A visit to the Noilly Prat cellars also allows you to discover the techniques for making Vermouth, an aperitif made from white wine.
