Getting around the Thau Archipelago without a car

Discover the Thau Archipelago without a car? It's easy, thanks to our environmentally-friendly and sometimes surprising forms of transport, which will allow you to take full advantage of the passing scenery without the stress of traffic jams. The ideal way to get away from it all!

1. How do I get around the Thau Archipelago?

By bus:

Sète Agglopôle Mobilité (SAM) operates 24 bus routes throughout the Thau Archipelago. This is a unique opportunity to discover all our communes at a low price and with a gentle ecological impact. Visit the SAM website.

Car-pooling:

BlaBlaCar Daily, a 100% free car-sharing service, is the ideal way to get around our region and join one of our 14 communes. The principle is simple: after downloading the application, simply enter your departure and arrival points and select your driver.

By bike:

For the more sporty among you, take advantage of your visit to cycle along no less than 50 kilometres of cycle paths, including the famous tour of the Etang de Thau (we'll tell you more about it below). Find out more here.
Please note that only folding bicycles are accepted on buses serving the communes of the Thau Archipelago.

2. How can you visit Sète without a car?

Are you passing through the pretty Little Venice of Languedoc? We've put together a programme for you to do on foot during the day, so you don't miss a thing of our very special island: a stroll along the seafront, a stroll through the Quartier Haut, a gourmet break in the heart of Les Halles de Sète, a cultural interlude in the museums, relaxing along the canals, a sunset in the Pierres Blanches forest and dinner in the Old Port. Are you tempted? See the programme.

Maritime shuttles:

From early May to early September, take a free boat trip to the market in Sète town centre every Wednesday morning. On board this unusual shuttle, you can cruise the canals of Sète and avoid the sometimes heavy road traffic at this time of year. It departs from the Quai Paul Riquet, alongside the Mas Coulet car park (free parking / remember to register at the ticket office) and arrives on the Quai du Général Durand. This shuttle service is also available on festival evenings at the Théâtre de la Mer. For further information.

City buses:

The town of Sète has a number of internal bus routes that allow you to discover the town district by district. Whether you prefer to go to the beach, stroll through the town centre or admire the view from the top of Mont Saint-Clair, you can use the SAM bus network to get around easily.
Bonus: Line 8 is free and serves Sète town centre from the station. For your convenience, you can buy your bus ticket on board by credit card or directly on the ‘Sète Agglopôle Mobilité’ mobile application.

My cycling holiday :

To help you organise your cycling holiday in Sète, consult our dedicated menu referencing all the Accueil Vélo-labelled professionals, bike hire companies, as well as cycling routes directly here.

Discovery tours :

Would you like to discover Sète and its monuments on a guided walking tour? It couldn't be easier! The Tourist Office offers a number of themed tours throughout the year. Whether you want to find out more about the life of the famous Georges Brassens, discover the street art frescoes that grace the town or learn about the seafaring trades at the Sète fish auction, just follow the guide! Book my guided tour.

3. How can you visit Balaruc-les-Bains without a car?

The resort of Balaruc-les-Bains is all about well-being, but it's also popular for the atmosphere of its market, the panoramic views from its Georges Brassens promenade, the flower-lined paths of its Mediterranean Antique Garden, its restaurants overlooking the Thau lagoon, the green lane and its rich cultural programme at the Piano-Tiroir. If you fancy spending a day in Balaruc-les-Bains without a car... follow the guide!

Maritime shuttles :

From April to October, the Ecothau, which specialises in eco-friendly cruises, will take you from Balaruc-les-Bains to Sète in 20 minutes. After booking on 07 71 71 03 52 (€8 per person per crossing), go to the ‘La Piscine’ landing stage in Balaruc-les-Bains or to the Tivoli bridge in Sète. Cyclists will also be able to board the Ecothau, as there is a special area for bikes. They also offer themed outings in small groups to suit all tastes. For more information.

The bus network :

Several bus routes in the SAM network take you to Balaruc-les Bains. Whether you arrive at Sète station or during your stay, there's always plenty of time to stroll around Balaruc-les-Bains! Find out more here.
A little extra: With the Thermalis card, you can use the bus network throughout your 21-day stay.

My cycling holiday :

Discover Balaruc-les-Bains by bike from our dedicated menu.

4. How to visit Mèze without a car

Fancy taking a stroll around Mèze? Let yourself be tempted by a morning stroll through the town centre to discover its flower-filled lanes and architectural heritage. Then take to the Thau lagoon for a water sports activity (kayak, paddle, optimist) or why not bask in the warm sands of the beaches. After the effort, the comfort! Many restaurants open their doors in the port of Mèze, where you can sample local produce and seafood. Come to Mèze by bus.

And don't miss the many museums and religious sites dotted around the hinterland, including the Étang de Thau museum in Bouzigues and the Villa-Loupian Gallo-Roman museum in Loupian. Find out more here.

Maritime shuttles:

To link the unique island to Mèze in just 45 minutes, take the maritime shuttles (€6 to €11 / free for under-10s) organised by Sète Croisières and the urban area. The shuttle departs from Sète SNCF station or the port of Mèze, from early June to late September.Here too, cyclists can take their trusty steed with them, as there is space for bikes (limited space, extra charge) and pushchairs.People with reduced mobility (able to climb stairs independently) are also welcome.Where this is not possible, line 20 of the Sète Agglopôle Mobilité network is accessible from the ‘Marianne’ stop in Mèze and the ‘Gare SNCF’ stop in Sète.For more information, click here.

My cycling holiday :

If you'd like to discover Mèze by bike, we invite you to consult our menu dedicated to organising your stay on two wheels.

5. How to visit Frontignan without a car

Nestling between ancient salt marshes, a 7km-long beach and the Gardiole massif, the town of Frontignan is the ideal destination for a trip back in time.

Start your day with a stroll through the covered market or the traditional market before heading to the Tourist Office.It's there that you can pick up Le Médiéval Challenge, a family treasure hunt that's ideal for exploring the history of the area while having fun. Fans of street art can also wander through the narrow streets of the town to discover the frescoes scattered here and there, another way of discovering the built heritage.

Coming to Frontignan by bus from other towns in the Thau Archipelago.
Come to Frontignan by bus or train from Montpellier.

Just as famous for its unspoilt countryside as for its Muscat wine, Frontignan can also be discovered through a tasting of fragrant nectars in a cooperative cellar, followed by a nature walk and a birdwatching session in the old salt marshes. See the full programme.

The city of Muscat can also be explored on two wheels. To help you organise your cycling holiday, we invite you to consult our dedicated menu.

6. How can you visit Marseillan without a car?

Famous for its beach, the seaside resort of Marseillan has a lot more to offer for a day out.

Start the morning with a bike ride along the greenway between Sète and Marseillan, then stop off at the Bagnas nature reserve for an activity/outing to discover the many species that live in these 600 hectares. Getting to Marseillan by bus.

In summer, an additional bus service allows you to come and enjoy the pleasures of the sea from Agde.

Over a platter of shellfish and the famous Mediterranean oysters, recharge your batteries in one of the shellfish farms while enjoying the view of the oyster beds and Thau lagoon. Then head for the Canal du Midi and the Pointe des Onglous for a digestive stroll before trying your hand at cocktails at Noilly Prat, famous for its vermouth. See brochure.

If you'd like to cycle around Marseillan, check out our dedicated menu.

7. How can you visit the communes of the Thau Archipelago without a car?

Balaruc-le-Vieux, Bouzigues, Gigean, Loupian, Montbazin, Mireval, Poussan, Vic-la-Gardiole, Villeveyrac... Nine communes that complement each other like precious pearls to form the Thau Archipelago.

Between garrigues and lagoons, vineyards and shellfish, ramparts and monuments, come and discover these Languedoc towns and villages during your stay with us.

The Sète Agglopôle Mobilité bus network:

Serving the whole of the Bassin de Thau, the Sète Agglopôle Mobilité bus network is ideal for visiting the Thau Archipelago without a car. Visit their website to find your next destination and the best route to get there. You'll also find sector-by-sector maps, timetables, advice, as well as fares and season tickets (several options are available depending on the age or situation of the person travelling). The standard fare is €1.3. Free for children under 10. See the ‘Sète Agglopôle Mobilité’ website or mobile application to buy your bus tickets (on-board purchase by credit card also possible).

Cycling around the Etang de Thau:
The Thau Archipelago is criss-crossed by the Mediterranean by bike, the Canal des 2 Mers by bike and the Via Rhôna, and boasts some great cycle paths and greenways that will enable cycling enthusiasts to explore its coastal communities and even cycle around the Etang de Thau. Along the way, you're sure to see oyster beds as far as the eye can see, Mount Saint-Clair looming in the background and a host of unspoilt natural areas.

The little extra: The Géovélo app will be your best companion during your stay. Find all the region's cycle routes directly on your phone. After entering your departure and arrival points, the application will suggest several routes, from the quickest to the safest. You'll also have access to various data such as distance, journey time, average speed, etc. Finally, there are also themed zooms and walks highlighting the local heritage.

Need help preparing your trip on two wheels? Take a look at our My cycling holiday section. All our reception offices have the Accueil Vélo label. This means we can provide you with maps and cycle routes, as well as a bike repair kit (to be used on site) and recharging facilities for your electric bike (during our opening hours).

Hiking in the Thau Archipelago :

Through the garrigue, along the lagoon or by the sea, the Thau Archipelago abounds with footpaths ideal for a pleasant nature break. In the shade of the pine forests of the Bois des Aresquiers or the Pierres Blanches forest, at the top of the Gardiole massif or amidst the vineyards, you'll be able to take full advantage of the diversity of our typical, unspoilt landscapes.

A word of advice: In summer, we recommend that you avoid the hottest times of the day (from 12pm to 4pm). Consult the prefecture's website before heading out into the countryside (fire prevention).

On horseback, donkey or dromedary:

Turn your hike into a unique experience with a horse ride on the beach or a donkey/dromedary ride in the garrigue. Whatever your level, there are a number of riding schools and even a camelid centre where you can discover the riches of our region at any time of year. All you have to do is choose!

Hire a boat or paddle... :

Sailing, boats of all kinds, stand-up paddle, kayaking... The Thau lagoon and the Mediterranean Sea offer an exceptionally diverse playground for lovers of water sports and discovery. From slow-paced activities to thrills and spills, you're sure to find the perfect craft to get away from it all for a few hours.

8. What can you do around the Archipel de Thau without a car?

Situated in the Occitanie region, in the Hérault département to be precise, the Archipel de Thau enjoys an idyllic location. Take advantage of your stay in our beautiful region to visit the surrounding communes by minibus, or opt for a train journey throughout Occitanie.

By minibus :

Yves Bousquet (Buscapade Languedoc) knows his region like the back of his hand, and he's offering to show you around on his mini-bus. Leaving from Sète or Balaruc-les-Bains, there's a whole range of themes to choose from: a visit to an oyster farm with oyster tasting, a meal on the Canal du Midi, a visit to Larzac and its Templar commanderies... Choose your minibus excursion.

Would you like to discover Sète and its emblematic sites with an authentic Sète guide?
Come aboard now with Arnaud from Sète Grand Tour, who will share his love of his home town with you on a mini-bus excursion!
I would like to book a minibus tour of Sète.

The Occitanie Rail Tour :

Discover the treasures of the Occitanie region with the Occitanie Rail Tour. From the mountains to the countryside, via the Mediterranean coast and the most beautiful towns in Occitanie, this service is offered in partnership with LiO Train. The Occitanie Rail Tour is also a great way to save money (€10 a day to travel as much as you like), limit your impact on the environment and travel in slow mode through a region as big as a country, while meeting new people at every stop. Buy your Rail Tour pass.

9. Organising your stay in the Thau Archipelago

If you need help organising your stay, our reception offices are at your disposal:

Sète
60 Grand Rue Mario-Roustan
+33 4 86 84 04 04
www.tourisme-sete.com
Balaruc-les-Bains
Pavillon Sévigné
Square Bordes
+33 4 67 46 81 46
www.balaruc-les-bains.com
Frontignan-Ville
6 place de l'Hôtel de Ville
+33 4 67 18 31 60
www.frontignan-tourisme.com
Marseillan-Plage
Avenue de la Méditerranée
+33 4 67 21 82 43
www.marseillan.com
Mèze
Quai Baptiste-Guitard
+33 4 67 43 93 08
www.thau-mediterranee.com
Vic-la-Gardiole (in season)
32 boulevard des Aresquiers
+33 4 67 78 94 43
www.frontignan-tourisme.com