Walking in the Thau Archipelago
The Thau Archipelago is full of footpaths and hiking routes along which you can discover or rediscover the natural riches of the area.
Between vineyards and ponds, pine forests and the sea, a whole range of smells and colours are available to you during an outing in the fresh air.
Between vineyards and ponds, pine forests and the sea, a whole range of smells and colours are available to you during an outing in the fresh air.
Walking tours
There are many walks available from the various communes.
Here are three ideas for walks to recharge your batteries close to home:
The Capitelles trail - Poussan
Duration: 1h45 to 2h - Distance 5 km - Difficulty: Easy
This pleasant walk in the Moure massif takes you on a journey back in time. Discover the "capitelles", the dry stone buildings that have served as shelters for farmers over the centuries. Perfectly renovated, they will punctuate your walk through the surrounding scrubland where the scents of thyme, rosemary and wild lavender mingle. You will even be able to see two buildings that are rare for the region: an underground capitelle and the trou de Bonnefoy, a lavogne (watering hole) that looks like a Roman bath.
Once on the heights of the village, you can admire a sumptuous panorama of the Thau lagoon and its surroundings.
Find here the itinerary for a nature break in the heart of the Moure. Follow the blue dots along your walk to find your way more easily.
Where to park: between rue des Pampres and rue Pasteur or place de Cabrelous.
This pleasant walk in the Moure massif takes you on a journey back in time. Discover the "capitelles", the dry stone buildings that have served as shelters for farmers over the centuries. Perfectly renovated, they will punctuate your walk through the surrounding scrubland where the scents of thyme, rosemary and wild lavender mingle. You will even be able to see two buildings that are rare for the region: an underground capitelle and the trou de Bonnefoy, a lavogne (watering hole) that looks like a Roman bath.
Once on the heights of the village, you can admire a sumptuous panorama of the Thau lagoon and its surroundings.
Find here the itinerary for a nature break in the heart of the Moure. Follow the blue dots along your walk to find your way more easily.
Where to park: between rue des Pampres and rue Pasteur or place de Cabrelous.
The Conch Walk - Mèze
Duration: less than an hour - Distance 2 km - Difficulty: easy
On the outskirts of Mèze, on the edge of the Thau lagoon, is the Conch walk. It is divided into two paths that are accessible according to the bird nesting season.
Situated in the heart of a wetland area classified as Natura 2000, you can discover the local fauna and flora as you walk along. Halfway along the route, an observation post allows you to admire the birds in their natural habitat without disturbing them.
The more experienced walkers can start their walk from the Tourist Information Office in Mèze, not far from the marina, and why not continue to the shellfish farming area. Some shellfish producers such as Mas de Cati, Noisette d'Oc or Degus'Thau will be happy to let you taste the oysters and mussels of Thau over a good glass of Picpoul. A nice way to reward yourself after a nice walk in the quietness of the Conque.
Count on a 4 km walk, always with the Thau lagoon in the background.
Where to park: parking de la Conque.
On the outskirts of Mèze, on the edge of the Thau lagoon, is the Conch walk. It is divided into two paths that are accessible according to the bird nesting season.
Situated in the heart of a wetland area classified as Natura 2000, you can discover the local fauna and flora as you walk along. Halfway along the route, an observation post allows you to admire the birds in their natural habitat without disturbing them.
The more experienced walkers can start their walk from the Tourist Information Office in Mèze, not far from the marina, and why not continue to the shellfish farming area. Some shellfish producers such as Mas de Cati, Noisette d'Oc or Degus'Thau will be happy to let you taste the oysters and mussels of Thau over a good glass of Picpoul. A nice way to reward yourself after a nice walk in the quietness of the Conque.
Count on a 4 km walk, always with the Thau lagoon in the background.
Where to park: parking de la Conque.
La crique de l'Angle - From Balaruc-le-Vieux to Bouzigues
Duration: 2h30 - Distance: 9.6km - Difficulty: Medium
The "crique de l'angle" is a natural cove situated to the east of the Etang de Thau.
This marshy area, classified Natura 2000, is a real paradise for bird lovers who can come and admire the various species that have taken up residence in this cove. A walk from Balaruc-le-Vieux allows you to return to the village of Bouzigues, while enjoying this wild interlude with its fascinating biodiversity.
Here, nature reigns, far from the bustle of the surrounding towns.
Once you arrive in Bouzigues, wander through the narrow streets of this small authentic fishing village where oysters are celebrated all year round. You will inevitably pass by the Etang de Thau ethnographic museum, which is full of information and objects retracing the history of shellfish farming from yesterday to today. The port, its cafés and restaurants will welcome you for a gourmet break, before heading back to Balaruc-le-Vieux.
Find here the complete itinerary of the walk.
Where to park: Car park of the Carrefour shopping centre in Balaruc-le-Vieux (departure of the cycle track nearby)
The "crique de l'angle" is a natural cove situated to the east of the Etang de Thau.
This marshy area, classified Natura 2000, is a real paradise for bird lovers who can come and admire the various species that have taken up residence in this cove. A walk from Balaruc-le-Vieux allows you to return to the village of Bouzigues, while enjoying this wild interlude with its fascinating biodiversity.
Here, nature reigns, far from the bustle of the surrounding towns.
Once you arrive in Bouzigues, wander through the narrow streets of this small authentic fishing village where oysters are celebrated all year round. You will inevitably pass by the Etang de Thau ethnographic museum, which is full of information and objects retracing the history of shellfish farming from yesterday to today. The port, its cafés and restaurants will welcome you for a gourmet break, before heading back to Balaruc-le-Vieux.
Find here the complete itinerary of the walk.
Where to park: Car park of the Carrefour shopping centre in Balaruc-le-Vieux (departure of the cycle track nearby)
Walking tours
From Gigean
Nestled in the heart of the Gardiole massif, the Saint Félix de Montceau Abbey and its monastic gardens overlook the commune of Gigean.
Two signposted walks are available. A first loop of 6.5 km and a second of more than 14 km.
These hikes will allow you to discover various fabulous panoramas on the Archipelago of Thau and its shades of blue but also on the hinterland and its greenery. As soon as you arrive, visit the gardens of the abbey and admire the remains of the religious building.
During your walk, you will discover numerous dry stone constructions shaped by Man over the centuries, such as the clapas, the low walls or the capitelles de la Gardiole.
To obtain all the information on these signposted walking routes, consult our downloadable walking sheets:
- Around the Abbey - Duration: 2 hours - Distance 6.5 km - Difficulty: Easy.
- Saint-Félix en Gardiole - Duration : 4h30 - Distance : 14,5 km - Difficulty : Medium.
You can also find them in paper version on sale in all our Tourist Information Offices.
Starting from Montbazin
Duration: 4h - Distance: 12.5 km - Difficulty: Medium.
Montbazin is a pretty village located at the crossroads of the Thau lagoon and the Moure hills.
A beautiful 12 km hike awaits you from the village and invites you to discover these limestone hills bordered by garrigues and kermes oak trees. You will be able to see some very well preserved capitelles as well as various 360° panoramic viewpoints. During your walk, immerse yourself in the world of the farmers of the time and let yourself be told about life in the La Moure massif by downloading this superb audio guide where you will be accompanied by Fernande, a shepherdess and her flock.
Once you have completed your tour, set off to discover Montbazin and its cobbled streets. The chapel of Saint Pierre houses remarkable Romanesque frescoes with Byzantine influences, which are very rare in our region. During the summer, this listed building hosts exhibitions, concerts and other cultural events. You can consult the full programme here.
Montbazin is a pretty village located at the crossroads of the Thau lagoon and the Moure hills.
A beautiful 12 km hike awaits you from the village and invites you to discover these limestone hills bordered by garrigues and kermes oak trees. You will be able to see some very well preserved capitelles as well as various 360° panoramic viewpoints. During your walk, immerse yourself in the world of the farmers of the time and let yourself be told about life in the La Moure massif by downloading this superb audio guide where you will be accompanied by Fernande, a shepherdess and her flock.
Once you have completed your tour, set off to discover Montbazin and its cobbled streets. The chapel of Saint Pierre houses remarkable Romanesque frescoes with Byzantine influences, which are very rare in our region. During the summer, this listed building hosts exhibitions, concerts and other cultural events. You can consult the full programme here.
