The Thau Lagoon, the flavors of the authentic

Covering 7500 hectares, the Thau basin is above all the largest pond in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, a few kilometers from Cap Soleil.
It is also a place where oysters and shellfish have been cultivated since antiquity. Two thousand people work on shellfish farms, mainly family-owned. Between Bouzigues, Mèze and Marseillan, the oyster beds stretch as far as the eye can see, like small, well-tended gardens, right on the water. The Mont St Clair, in Sète, watches over this vast lagoon.

• The Thau Lagoon is a natural marine environment without equivalent in Europe. To protect this sensitive area, leisure activities are regulated: sailing, sea kayaking, windsurfing, kite-surfing and even diving are practiced in Sète, Marseillan and Mèze.
• In Bouzigues, capital of the oyster of the same name, visit the Etang de Thau Museum to understand everything about oyster farming. On the spot, producers will make you taste their shellfish. The colorful boats and the nets drying in the sun are part of the scenery.
• On the banks of the pond, both in Bouzigues and Marseillan, in the shade of the terraces of restaurants or producers’ huts, to accompany these magnificent shellfish, do not forget to taste the Picpoul de Pinet. This white wine goes so well with seafood!

In Marseillan, take the opportunity to discover the last French vermouth by visiting the Noilly-Prat cellars. The small port is also very welcoming.

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