All experiences

Winter is just around the corner and we have only one wish: to escape the cold! So we dream of being in the sun, enjoying the gentle way of life typical of the south of France. What if you could make this dream come true? Head for the Thau Archipelago to spend a few days in cocooning mode in a cosy apartment hotel, for a gastronomic dinner followed by a concert, in an unusual museum or even in pools of thermal water at 34°C and under the expert hands of masseuses. We'll tell you a little more about the weekend we've planned for you right now!  The Marcel suites It is in the heart of the city of Sète, along the Léopold Suquet quay, that you will find the first stage of your stay in the Archipel de Thau: your accommodation! Located above the mythical restaurant The Rio, ...

See you in 2024 to vibrate to the same rhythm in the Thau Archipelago! On the programme of this top (non-exhaustive) list of festivals: music, art, good local produce, a little reading and poetry... K-Live (early June) Each year, by leaving their mark on the walls of the city, they enrich the Musée à Ciel Ouvert (MACO) in Sète, which offers an artistic and picturesque stroll all year round, dotted with mural works. But the highlight of the K-Live Festival remains the beginning of June, when urban arts, visual arts and contemporary music concerts converge in the streets of the city centre and in the famous Théâtre de la mer. When I think of Fernande (end of June) When you think of Fernande, you actually think of the most gently impertinent festival in Sète. A real n...

Festive meals are the ideal occasion to sublimate the riches of our land. Advice, recipe ideas, here are our top 5 local products to have on your table at the end of the year! 1 - Oysters from the Thau basin Their iodine perfume and their characteristic nutty taste make us melt all year round, but it is in the heart of winter that they are at their best. Produced in Bouzigues, Mèze and Marseillan, Thau oysters are an essential part of our festive meals, let's face it! Raw, they go very well with a simple lemon juice, but can also be eaten with a shallot sauce or with a dash of balsamic vinegar, olive oil and a turn of the pepper mill. Gratinated, they go wonderfully well with parsley butter, but also with a white wine or leek-based sauce.   Don't hesitate to ask ...

If you want to pamper yourself or have a romantic get-together during your stay in the Thau Archipelago, we have put together a top 3 list of spas where you can relax while discovering the region's treasures. On the agenda: relaxation in the renowned thermal water of Balaruc-les-Bains, an unusual massage using oyster shells, a 100% made-to-measure treatment in Marseillan...  The O'Balia thermal spa In Balaruc-les-Bains, France's first thermal spa, we take you to discover the O'Balia thermal spa. But before telling you more about the treatments that the establishment has in store for you, we are going to take you on a journey through time.  Indeed, thermalism has been a part of the history of the city of Balaruc since Antiquity, as the resort has one of the hottest and...

Nearly 3000 tons of Mediterranean mussels are produced each year in the Thau lagoon. And here, cooking them is an art. Ready for a tasting? Discovery and delicacies While on a trip to Mèze, I wander around the city centre and discover the covered halls. The atmosphere is friendly, the merchants call each other from one stand to another, and offer passers-by to taste their products. After picking bits of melons and a few olives, I stop in front of a shellfish farmer's stall. He asked me to taste the mussel track. I, who only knew about marine mussels, am not being asked to do anything! These mussels, cooked, are marinated in olive oil and lemon and perfectly seasoned. A delight! Amused by my enthusiasm, the producer explains to me that nearly 3000 tons of Mediterranean ...

Whether you are looking for the perfect gift or the wine that will go perfectly with your food at Christmas, you will make a great discovery this winter in the Thau Archipelago thanks to the wine tasting at Valmagne Abbey, preceded by a visit to the historic monument. And if you're still hesitating, let us convince you with our article dedicated to this unmissable stage of our destination!   A little history Founded in 1139, Valmagne Abbey can boast many assets: "one of the most beautiful Cistercian abbeys in France"; "one of the best preserved examples of Cistercian art"; "one of the oldest vineyards in the Languedoc"; "the cathedral of wines"... But what makes its richness above all is its history, the traces of which can be found in its 29m high central nave, in it...

On holiday, it's not always easy to please everyone! However, the Thau Archipelago offers a lot of good addresses and great escapades to make up memorable days, with young and old alike. Follow the guide!   Dinosaur Park Museum   Ready for a trip back in time? Head to Mont-Mèze for a visit to Europe's largest museum park dedicated to dinosaurs and prehistory. In this large wooded park, located in the heart of an exceptional palaeontological site, your children will shiver with pleasure! Life-size reproductions of dinosaurs, fossils, educational films... All the elements are there to learn and be amazed. Your visit continues in a second part of the park, dedicated to Man and his evolution, which will undoubtedly delight the older children.   A booklet is given to ch...

In Sète, there are the beaches of Paul Valéry, Georges Brassens... but there's also a life after the beach A life of hut, on Mont Saint-Clair. A cultural life, with the Chapelle du Quartier Haut, the MIAM or the Espace Brassens. A lively culture also, from the Pointe-Courte fishermen's quarter to the Halles centrales, where you can taste tielles and shellfish, without forgetting the daily ball of the trawlers returning to the port. A nocturnal culture too, with the fairy tale of the canals at night or the Théâtre de la Mer and its magical scene. More than a view, a vision....  

With an exceptional sunshine rate of 320 days per year, the Thau Archipelago offers a beautiful back-season to all those who wish to prolong the summer or treat themselves to a vitamin D cure after the start of the school year. Leave the daily grind, traffic jams and dullness behind and experience the Indian summer in the Thau Archipelago!  Not convinced yet? Here are some ideas for activities to get you started on your next stay...  Muscatel wine tasting in a wine estate  Between the maritime plains and the garrigues, the Thau Archipelago is now recognised as a wine destination par excellence. The area has also been awarded the Vignobles et découvertes label.    If many producers open the doors of their domain to visitors wishing to taste the products of our s...

For me, holidays are about discovery, a lot of walking but also a little relaxation. After an evening dancing at the Théâtre de la Mer, I suggest that my group of friends go and relax a little and that's good, not far from our accommodation we were told about Balaruc-les-Bains, famous for its Baths, perfect for the day we had planned. We will have breakfast by the pond of Thau, what a treat, the hot sun, good pastries and here we go for a day of relaxation. We arrive at O'balia, warm welcome, we opt for the Magic of Water and a small body massage. Large pools with thermal water at 34°C, a Hammam, a sauna, everything is perfect!  After 2 hours in the spa we decide to go to eat, a beach straw mat? We are tempted to eat with our feet in the sand, our activity being in ...

We've always dreamed about it, so this year we're going for it! Departure for an initiation to scuba diving on the plateau des Aresquiers. On this sunny Wednesday in July, we have an appointment in the early afternoon at the diving center located on the east bank of the port of Frontignan. We are greeted by Pierre and Stéphanie, who will be our instructors for this first scuba dive at a depth of 6 meters. Although very enthusiastic about the idea of discovering the underwater world of the Mediterranean Sea, I must admit that I am a little stressed. But the team of instructors quickly puts me at ease and I listen carefully to the safety instructions. We start by putting on the diving suits provided by the club: neoprene suit, stabilizer vest, mask, fins, tanks and diving...

This summer, it's decided, I'm opting for an eco-responsible holiday! I rent a bike in Sète, and I'm going on a mop, discovering the diversity of the landscapes of the Thau Archipelago. Heading for the Gardiole The Gardiole massif is a beautiful playground for thrill-seekers. If, like me, you are a seasoned sportsman, don't hesitate to go there, preferably in the early morning to avoid the heat. Take advantage of your outing in the garrigue to admire the exceptional view that the massif offers you over the lagoon and the Thau archipelago, a great reward after the effort!

What better way to (re)discover the Thau Archipelago, its towns and monuments through a treasure hunt during your family holiday? This is the experience you can have in Sète, Villeveyrac, Frontignan-Plage or Balaruc-les-Bains. Don't wait any longer!   Barberoussette: the treasure hunt for young and old (Sète) According to legend, the famous pirate Barberoussette was active in the maritime city at the end of the 16th century and hid his treasure there. Even today, many adventurers have tried to find it... Without success! Fortunately for you, the pirate left several pieces of the map that allow you to find his riches in Sète. But before you can hope to find them all, you will have to solve several riddles related to the monuments and history of Sète. Go to the tour...

From the foothills of the Gardiole to the shores of the Thau lagoon, here more than anywhere else the vineyards reflect their past. Sun-drenched clay-limestone soils, a combination of wind and a favourable micro-climate, this was all it took for the Etruscans, Greeks and Romans to invest in this terroir and plant vines here. Two millennia later, one of the oldest vineyards in France continues its wine odyssey. A long maturation Sète was still an uninhabited mountain when, in 1666, Louis XIV ordered the construction of a port to facilitate the export of wine throughout Europe. The area produced mainly white wine. Until then, vines had been confined to the plateaux, but they were soon planted on the plains and ended up producing high yields of poor quality wine: a red wave ...

Who would have thought it? Red gold in the Thau Archipelago! As well as being renowned for its oysters, wine and Muscat, the area boasts not one, but two saffron farms! So there's no excuse to make your dream come true and enjoy a fragrant excursion to Villeveyrac.  The saffron shop Overlooking the Thau Basin, we invite you to discover this first saffron farm of 6000 m² nicknamed "La boutique du safran" or "My home farmer" and its owner Jorge Fernandez. Passionate about plants and flowers for their aromas and effects, Jorge will be happy to take you on a fragrant journey to discover this red-orange spice, but also the aromatic plants and elderberries that he grows organically. He will also share with you the traditional techniques inspired by permaculture and elect...

Fed up with traffic jams and dreariness, this weekend, we escape for a romantic getaway for two to Sète, the little Venice of the south! As soon as our luggage is dropped off at the hotel, we head for one of the typical districts of Sète, the short point. In this fishermen's district, almost cut off from the world and bordered by the lagoon, it is a total change of scenery. Forgotten the pale lights of the office, the warm rays of the sun and the sea breeze caressing our faces, a delight...Then, direction Mont Saint-Clair, to enjoy the panoramic view of Sète, its port and its lagoon. The opportunity to make a selfie and share this moment with all our friends!After a lunch on a terrace in the city to taste local specialities, a short trip to the city's museums. We prefer two ...

There's nothing like the warmth of a tasty dish to cheer you up when the temperatures drop! Our local specialities, mostly based on fish and seafood, are ideal for indulging yourself while eating locally.  Cuttlefish rust  This is a speciality with a reputation that is well established! Melting pieces of cuttlefish, dipped in a simmering tomato sauce and bound with a delicious aioli... To be enjoyed with potatoes, rice or tagliatelle. A dish whose finesse and flavours will make you fall over, to be discovered in all the good restaurants of the Thau Archipelago.  Stuffed squid  Squid? What's that? They are in fact small squids whose tube (i.e. the body without the tentacles) measures between 8 and 14 centimetres.   Delicately stuffed with a mixture of sausage...

Today, I'm learning to make the famous Sète tielle to bring back the flavours of my vacation with me. I have often heard about the tielle, this octopus pie and tomato sauce. I like to travel, but above all, I like to taste the culinary specialties! There's no better way to discover a culture, is there? I go to the Halles de Sète to drink my coffee before starting the cooking workshop. The chef, very friendly, explains the origin of the tielle, its ingredients and how we will cook the octopus. We start by making the dough, which was often the baker's dough at the time. A little flour, olive oil, yeast and salt, we knead well and here is our dough ready, we will let it rest until we prepare the rest. The thawed octopuses, ready to boil, in a saucepan. Now we remove ...

Would you like to discover one of the most beautiful Cistercian abbeys in France in an original way and at the same time live a unique experience? Head to the charming village of Villeveyrac to visit Valmagne Abbey.   A little history Founded in 1139, this historic monument is one of the best preserved examples of Cistercian art, with its 29-metre-high central nave, its 9 chapels, its Romanesque cloister, its fountain and its medieval garden... But its particularity lies in its cellar and in its 35 hectares which are among the oldest vineyards of Languedoc. We won't tell you any more and we'll let you discover the secrets of this pure Cistercian jewel through its treasure hunt.   The lost treasure of the colours of Valmagne A bag full of surprising objects and...

In Sète, we live with the elements, and in particular with water, that lifts you up and takes you away Enclaved between the Mediterranean and the Thau Lagoon, the singular island lives to the rhythm of the water. On the water, in ULM, hobie cat or sea kayak; underwater, diving to discover Lagunethe coves of Sète; above the water, in ULM, parachute or kite surfing. But Sète is not only the song of the waves, it is also the many festivals that punctuate the summer season, such as the Worldwide Festival, or the evenings spent strolling in beach bars....