All experiences

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 ...

Two days to discover the Thau Archipelago? Challenge taken up! Need a change of scenery for a weekend? To the Thau Archipelago! The charm of its preserved nature, the flavours of its gastronomy and the art of living of its inhabitants will give you a second wind... and the desire to return there!

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 ...

At the gates of Montpellier, in the middle of the Aleppo pines, lulled by the song of the cicadas, here you are galloping with your hair blowing in the wind on a real Camargue horse... Has this introduction given you ideas for your next holiday in the Thau Archipelago? Head for the riding centre along the Aresquiers road in Vic-la-Gardiole to enjoy this unique experience in the Aresquiers woods. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, come and explore the ponds of Vic-la-Gardiole, Ingril and even the old salt marshes of Frontignan on horseback or on a pony for the little ones. But first, a bit of history about the place you are about to discover!   The Aresquiers wood Lost between the lagoons of Vic-la-Gardiole and Ingril, on the edge of the sea and the salt ...

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....  

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...

Today, we are heading for Villeveyrac! We are going to discover the "cathedral of the vineyards"... After taking a winding country road, we arrive in Villeveyrac and see the imposing building erected in the middle of the vegetation and the vines. The closer we get, the smaller I feel in the face of such grandeur. I can't wait to discover what's behind these old stones. Entering the abbey, we quickly find ourselves in the nave. It takes my breath away. Its size, its gothic architecture and the height of its vault create an atmosphere that commands respect. And we are not at the end of our surprises: all along the aisles of the nave there are wine casks, large barrels of several hundred hectolitres. We then understand that the history of the abbey is closely linked to that of th...

Visit our Archipelago and its cultural sites in a different way, emblematic of our history. Do you like history and stroll around Sète? Let's go to the Sea Museum! History of the construction of the port, ship models, Languedoc jousting... This museum will reveal all the secrets of the city of Sète, its traditions and its exceptional maritime heritage. Extend your visit to Sète by visiting the Espace Georges Brassens and discover the internationally renowned Sète artist, his life and work thanks to image and sound. Whether you are a music lover or just curious, this place will not leave you in the dark! Why not then head for Frontignan to see its church (Saint Paul), built at the beginning of the 12th century? This surprising construction is made up of limestone from...

If you would like to immerse yourself in the traditions and culture of the Thau Archipelago, we look forward to seeing you in 2024 to experience or relive the highlights of our Destination, whatever your desires: gastronomy, history, jousting... The Oursinade (mid-March) Every year in Sète, the Oursinade, a large open-air guinguette, attracts visitors who come to taste the best that the Thau Basin has to offer: sea urchins, but also oysters, mussels, tielles and other gastronomic and wine-making delights of the region. Time in the lagoon (mid-May to mid-June) This is a new event during which artists, scientists, shellfish farmers, fishermen, wine growers and inhabitants share their views on the Thau lagoon. Meetings, debates, shows and workshops will give pride of place to ...

Today, I indulge myself and offer myself a shellfish tasting, facing the lagoon. We're not going to lie to each other... If I came to spend a holiday in the Thau Archipelago, it's not just to laze in the sun! Epicurean at heart, I especially want to taste all the local specialities, especially the famous shellfish from the Thau lagoon. No time to waste! I'm heading for the north of the lagoon, between Bouzigues and Loupian, where producers offer tastings at their production site, the shellfish farms. Once there, I am immediately in the mood. Objectives: pleasure and relaxation. And the setting is perfect for it. I sit at a table on a wooden terrace, facing the deep blue of the lagoon, with an extraordinary view of the oyster beds and Sète in the background. I feel lik...

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 ...

Today, I'm off to the Bagnas reserve with my little family for a break in the middle of nature! Among the guided tours offered by the Reserve House, we have opted for bird watching at sunset. We are warmly welcomed by a passionate and exciting guide, who is very educational with children. It's not a bad start! He provides us with binoculars and long sights, allowing us to see wonderful birds (egrets, herons, and flamingos) in great detail, all in a peaceful and green setting!This excursion was also an opportunity to discover more surprising animals, such as turtles, but also many plant species. To our great surprise, our teenagers had a great time, and took advantage of it to take beautiful pictures that will allow us to remember this precious moment when we are four back ...

The Mediterranean Sea and the Thau lagoon are beautiful playgrounds for lovers of water sports and leisure activities, whatever their level. What are you waiting for to jump into the water? The Thau archipelago along the water. Local words: to discover the lagoon and the secrets of shellfish production for which the Thau basin is famous, there is nothing better than a boat trip! From the ports of Mèze and Bouzigues, former oyster farmers take you on a trip along the river, with explanations! Don't miss: the tasting walks and "sunset" outings in Mansathau, a delight for your taste buds and eyes! The Thau lagoon: an ideal spot for kite-surfing Kite-surfing combines the pleasure of a sliding sport, the technicality of a sailing sport and the adrenaline of an extreme sport...

A stroll to the Sète covered market, one of the little pleasures that I offer myself in all simplicity during my stay in the Thau archipelago. All the flavours of the South The covered market of Sète is a paradise for epicureans. The stalls are full of local produce and mouth-watering specialities: sun-drenched fruit and vegetables, wines and cheeses of character, shellfish, fish and crustaceans, not forgetting the famous tielles, or the zézettes of Sète. When you're curious and greedy like me, you don't know what to think! After enjoying a cup of coffee and a few sweets, I begin my journey of the senses. I taste a delicious tapenade that will be ideal for an aperitif with friends, take advantage of the advice of a fishmonger to learn which wine will go best with the s...

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 ...

This morning, direction Frontignan-Plage for a walk along the ponds to contemplate the ballet of the birds. I learned at the tourist office that many species gravitate there all year round (more than 130) and that the spectacle is breathtaking, especially in spring, during the migratory period. The ideal is to go there early in the morning at sunrise, the colours on the pond and the shadows of the pink flamingos plunge you into a special atmosphere. But first of all, what is birdwatching? It is a new tourist activity that comes to us from our English neighbours who are very fond of nature, fauna and flora. In France, we call it "birdwatching". It is a photographic hike which will also delight those who love beautiful pictures. I've been doing it for a few years now, and I'm ...

All the experiences to live for an unforgettable stay! Explore the lagoon by kite-surfing, admire it from a restaurant in front of a shellfish tray, before leaving it for a walk or a concert by the sea... Tempting, isn't it? Explore our site to discover all the experiences to be lived in the Thau Archipelago!

Rich in history, the little Venice of Languedoc can also boast a generous culinary heritage. And what could be better than to experience this during a cooking workshop during your holidays? If you are tempted by the experience, go to the heart of the Halles de Sète to meet Joe the Cooker and his chef, Magali Mag.  For adults  With friends or family, beginners or experts, the chef Magali invites you to discover the secrets of Sète's recipes during one of the three thematic workshops she offers: Discovery, Authentic, Ronda Viticole. You will have the choice between: making a dish and a dessert; cooking a starter, a dish and a dessert; unless you prefer to accompany your dishes with a wine tasting. And if the dilemma is too great, it is even possible to do a course (180...

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!

 The Thau Archipelago, a circuit of space and time All eras are found and intertwined on the Thau Archipelago: the Middle Ages and Baroque art, with the Abbey of Valmagne in Villeveyrac or the Abbey of aint-Felix de Montceau in Gigean, the circulating gardens of Balaruc-le-Vieux, the Gallo-Roman centuries, with the Villa des Prés Bas of Loupian and its mosaics of the 2nd century, the Grand Siècle, with the Canal du Midi, or the 17th century, with the Saint-Louis lighthouse, which stands at the end of the mole...  

Summer vacation with friends is clearly the best time of the year. No schedules, no strings attached, just cool sharing time. When I booked the summer holidays for our group of friends, I already had a few criteria in mind, set during our last evenings: a trip that didn't make us waste too much time, a festival with a good program, the beach to recover from our evenings. And I had the perfect plan: the Thau archipelago. After a few hours on the train, we disembark in Sète and put down our stuff. Just enough time to change our clothes, and here we go for an afternoon on the beach, which will finally turn into an aperitif in a straw hut.  After a short stop in our rental for a small shower, direction the city center and its lively terraces to eat a bite to eat. We find ours...

Tonight, I'm surprising the children and offering them a magical evening at an amusement park! Top departure, the whole family is ready and we walk to the Luna Park from our campsite. As we approach the park, we hear music and laughter, and the children can't hold still. When we arrive in front of the park, we come across a sign announcing that a big fireworks display will close the evening. The excitement is at its peak! We start by pleasing the little ones, too impatient to wait another minute. Duck fishing, merry-go-rounds, sweets, they have stars in their eyes and don't know what to think. Then it's up to the teenagers to enjoy themselves on the thrill rides. We meet them in front of the ghost train and laugh heartily as they scream and then get out of the ride blaming e...

Tribute to the missing sailors and fishermen. Discovering Sète's traditions Sunday morning. I enjoy a coffee on the terrace, in a small bar near the market of Les Halles, when I am challenged by excitement and music. Curious, I let myself be guided by the noise and came face to face with a procession led by a marching band. Is it one of those parades that precede the jousting tournaments, as I was told by friends who came to Sète last summer on holiday? To be sure, I decide to call someone when my eyes meet those of a lady of a certain age with a benevolent look. She tells me that today is St. Peter's Day, the patron saint of fishermen. The next stop of this great celebration takes place in the church of Saint Louis which, according to him, is worth a visit. I let myse...