Cocooning weekend in the Thau Archipelago
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, which we'll tell you about below, The Marcel suites are ideal for a weekend getaway.
Each of these six rooms is named after an artist or a festival that is a historical partner of The Marcel and is decorated with unique works by Gilles Favier, William Mackendree, Stéphane Couturier, or from the ImageSingulières, Sète-Los Angeles, and Jazz à Sète festivals. Each room has an unobstructed view of the Canal Royal and Mont Saint-Clair, or a private terrace that is both bright and soothing, and will immerse you in an Art Deco spirit of luxury and well-being throughout your stay.
Once you've packed your bags, let your explorer's and/or gourmet's soul take over and venture one floor down to The Rio restaurant.
The Rio
Savour the gastronomic secrets of Chef Denis Martin around an ambitious daily artistic programme: exhibitions, screenings, concerts, performances, DJ sets. In this real meeting place where Bistronomy and Sétoise Culture meet, you will not be disappointed by the authentic and inventive cuisine with Mediterranean accents prepared before your eyes or served on the terrace facing the Canal Royal.
But what makes the place so charming is its history. Opened in 1958, it was the destination of many moviegoers for about 40 years thanks to its unique 500-seat screening room, 200 of which are on the mezzanine. Before becoming The Marcel counter in 2019, which plans to revive this legendary institution through three universes: a restaurant, an exhibition room and a performance hall. Indeed, the former cinema hall has become the scene of several exhibitions and, regularly, concerts, shows, etc.
Tip: Don't hesitate to ask about the events organised at The Rio during your stay to make your evening/weekend complete.
The MIAM
After your hearty breakfast or gourmet lunch, escape along the canals of Sète towards the MIAM (Musée International des Arts Modestes). Once there, push open the doors of this former wine storehouse refurbished by the architect Patrick Bouchain and plunge into the world of the two founders of the Musée International des Arts Modestes, Hervé Di Rosa and Bernard Belluc. In the midst of toys, figurines, gadgets and trinkets, you will be taken on a journey through the "archaeology of childhood", and explore the facets of modest art, art brut, naive art and popular art.
Don't miss the temporary exhibitions, which question the boundaries of contemporary art. Or visit the garden of modest plants created by the botanical artist Liliana Motta, which tells the story of plants that are generally considered to be "weeds".
The Halles of Sète
On your way back, make a diversion to the Halles de Sète. A veritable temple of local gastronomy, they bring together around 70 traders in food and craft trades. Fish, seafood, fruit and vegetables, Italian specialities, you can find everything you need for an impromptu picnic at the top of Mont Saint-Clair for example. But the main asset of the Halles de Sète is the tables set up everywhere where you can sit down to have a drink with friends, enjoy the typical cuisine of one of the restaurants present or taste shellfish from the Thau lagoon.
Tip: Recently, you can also order and pick up your groceries directly on the spot or have them delivered directly from the online shop.
O'Balia
End your romantic weekend with a wellness break at O'Balia. Located about twenty minutes from your accommodation, this oasis, dedicated to thermal water and its beneficial properties, will make you experience "magical" moments! You will have the choice to start with one of the two areas of the thermal spa: the Magic of Water or the Magic of Hands.
On one side, you will find :
- the Oasis, a large sensory pool with bubbling baths, swan necks, geysers....
- the Onsen, a Japanese-inspired whirlpool bath nestled in a green setting and bathed by a waterfall.
- the sauna,
- the hammam.
On the other hand, a multitude of treatments and well-being activities:
- thermal breaks,
- scrubs,
- targeted anti-stress massages,
- slimming treatments,
- relaxation massages, facial treatments,
- wraps,
- massages and sports rituals,
- world rituals,
- aquagym.
The ideal moment for a one-to-one session is the 20 or 50 minute duo massage. On the programme: a customised massage on two areas of your body and an hour of access to the Magic of Water. You can also be tempted by the duo massage entitled "Félicité à deux" which consists of a 15-minute thermal mud illutation followed by a 50-minute duo massage adapted to your needs and desires, without forgetting access to the Magic of Water (1 hour).
