Summer
With 25 kilometres of fine sandy beaches, you are bound to find the ideal beach for you in the Thau Archipelago!
ACCESSIBLE
THE BEACH FOR ALL
All the seaside towns in the Thau Archipelago have beaches with walkways and Tiralos® (wheelchairs available at the lifeguard posts) adapted for bathing for people with motor disabilities, but only the beach at Balaruc-les-Bains has the Audioplage® system, which allows people with visual impairments to swim freely, independently and in optimum safety conditions. Balaruc-les-Bains is also one of the few French towns to have been awarded the national Destination for All label, recognising the spa's commitment to overall accessibility for people with disabilities.
FAMILY
NEVER WITHOUT MY CLANS
There is no shortage of family be...
If you are looking for an idea to occupy your winter or summer evenings or to entertain your children, this article is for you! Indeed, the Thau Archipelago is full of theatres and concert halls where young and old alike can be entertained.
Theatre, concerts, dance, one-man shows, musical tales, puppets... There's something for everyone and in every season. So, curtain up!
The Molière Theatre, Scène Nationale (Sète)
Located along the Avenue Victor Hugo, the Molière Theatre is a well-known venue for the people of Sète. Here you can enjoy theatre, but not only! With nearly forty shows on offer throughout the year, you will be spoilt for choice: music, dance, opera... There are even shows for children.
For the record, we owe this Italian-style theatre to the archit...
After a nice walk on the Canal du Midi, a short break in Marseillan where I decided to visit the Noilly Prat House. I want to know more about this vermouth, made here for more than 200 years, and why not, taste this famous drink!
A recipe with a well-kept secret
The guided tour begins with the discovery of a cellar, where huge oak tuns are placed on each side, giving this area a very special atmosphere. I learned that Noilly Prat is a vermouth, produced from white wine and a secretly kept mixture of aromatic plants such as chamomile and coriander. There are also bitter orange peels and nutmeg. Our guide makes us smell a glass of the mixture... hurry the tasting!An ancestral know-how
We continue our journey outdoors, where barrels are stored as far as the eye can see, in an ...
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...
Discover different art forms in a resolutely cultural destination
Let yourself be surprised by the artistic worlds of the different museums of Sète. In this city that has always inspired artists, enjoy permanent and temporary exhibitions, to be discovered all year round.
The prestigious Paul Valéry Museum and its renowned exhibitions: world-renowned artists are on display. In addition to the permanent collection of Fine Arts, there is the Paul Valéry collection and a collection of popular arts and traditions.
Located on the Sète quays facing the old port, the Centre Régional d'Art Contemporain Occitanie is a laboratory for artistic creation. It offers a programme of temporary exhibitions accompanied by the production of works. Many meetings are organized to promote t...
As a parent, the choice of your holiday destination is crucial! Are you a fan of outdoor leisure activities, or do you prefer cultural outings? In the Thau Archipelago, believe me, there is everything you need!
Enjoy the great outdoors
If, like my children and me, you like walking in the great outdoors and outdoor leisure activities, there are many choices available to you. To name just a few: a donkey ride in Gigean (with good walking shoes), a trip into prehistory at the Museum-Dinosaur Park in Mèze, or a visit to the zoo farm in Bouzigues.
During the summer period, do not hesitate to take part in the walks and activities organised by the CPIE du bassin de Thau, the whole family will enjoye them! On the program: discovery of the most typical places of the area, meeting with ...
A donkey ride to the Saint-Félix de Montceau abbey? It is possible with the association Beau Nez d'Âne in Gigean. Whether you want to offer a unique souvenir to your child(ren) or have a donkey as a hiking companion, Mireille and Christian will be happy to share their passion with you and recommend the best routes. Are you ready? Saddle up!
On the back of a donkey
As soon as you arrive at the Beau Nez d'Âne association in Gigean, you will be greeted by Eliot, the donkey of the group. César and Rosalie will also be eager to come and see you to get their share of scratches.
But beware, because the whole troupe will soon be asking for their due: Nanette, Fanny, Zébulon, Mély and her mother Lolita, Carolin, sweet Manon, mischievous Malicia, Paprika and Margo...
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...
Gastronomy, crafts, exceptional places...
Discover the charm of the Thau Archipelago!
Sète and its canals, its atmosphere, its gastronomy, but also its small shops and workshops will not leave you indifferent! For a successful trip for two, you will have only the embarrassment of choice: going out on board an old rig, refined dinners, soothing treatments... Something to inspire you for your next stay!
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...
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...
Treat yourself to a privileged moment in an exceptional setting!
There's nothing like a trip with friends to forget the little worries of everyday life and recharge your batteries!
Yoga-paddle, spa, straw huts in the Thau Archipelago, we have absolutely everything you need!
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, ...
Take a leap into the history of Sète... Immerse yourself in the intimacy of the poet Georges Brassens and the writer Paul Valéry... Or take a journey through modest and contemporary art... These are just some of the experiences you can have in Sète. Let us tell you a little more about the five museums you'll be visiting.
The Georges Brassens space
In addition to its jousts and its Mont Saint-Clair, Sète also attracts attention thanks to the famous singer-songwriter Georges Brassens. And what better way to discover the works of this great singer than in the museum dedicated to him.
So whether you are a music lover or simply curious, go along Boulevard Camille Blanc, at number 67, to experience a multi-sensory journey. Equipped with headphones, set off on a journey th...
Today I discover the atmosphere of the famous Monday of Saint Louis, the great celebration of the city of Sète.
It's Monday! The last day of the feast of St. Louis, which began on Thursday. A full weekend for me. Between the various parades where all the districts are represented, the famous square ball tournament, the tribute to the railway workers and the concert at the Théâtre de la Mer. We end this party with the "heavy" category jousting tournament!We meet in the morning with our friends in the town hall square, or as the Sète people also call it "Place du Poufre "*. We're waiting for the famous "macaronade"! Players and Sète eat this dish for occasions or on Sundays with the family, but especially before the Languedoc jousting tournaments.
Tomato sauce, sausage, ...
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 ...
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 ...
Discover 5 walking routes near Sète, to recharge your batteries and get some fresh air!
1 and 2 - Around Saint Félix de Montceau Abbey in Gigean
If you like beautiful panoramas, these routes are made for you! From the Gardiole massif, you can enjoy an incredible view of Sète, the Mediterranean and the Thau lagoon and its oyster beds.
There are two routes available to you:
- Easy level: duration 2h, distance 6,5km.
- Medium level: duration 4h30, distance 14,5 km.
3 - The Thau balconies, from Frontignan
The crossing of a fragrant pine forest will lead you to a first point of view on Frontignan and its vineyard. Climb again and this time you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Thau Lagoon, the Mont Saint-Clair and the lido. Don't forget to bring walking shoes...
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...
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....
Would you like to travel back in time? This is the new experience that we suggest you live during your stay in the Thau Archipelago and more precisely in Mèze, at the Dinosaur Museum-Park. Located in the heart of an exceptional palaeontological site, this largest museum-park in Europe dedicated to dinosaurs and prehistory will delight young and old alike with its skeletons, fossils and life-size dinosaurs... So don't wait any longer to take this leap into the history of Man and dinosaurs!
A little history
It all began in March 1996 when a large number of dinosaur eggs were discovered on the site, proving that the region was occupied for nearly 10 million years by different species of dinosaurs.
In 1997, Alain Cabot decided to invest in the site and turn it in...