All experiences
Summer is shaping up to be beautiful, hot and long... the perfect recipe for a lovely evening with friends or family. But what about spicing things up with an unusual experience at sunset? That's what we've come up with in this top list of things to do at dusk!
Kayakmed
We're off to a great start with a sea kayaking excursion on the Bassin de Thau. But before you take to the water with your paddle, let your instructor tell you what's in store for you on this tour with the evocative name "Sun Sète" (6-9pm). Once you've been introduced to the water, you can finally head off in the direction of Les Thocs, a real lagoon in Languedoc. It's here that you can watch the sunset while sipping a glass of local Muscat. Find out more here.
A little extra: Kayakmed has been awarded ...
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...
The theatre of the sea is an amphitheatre that is one with the rock and offers a face-to-face with the open sea,
bathed by the light of the moon and its reflections on the water. Irresistible.
At the foot of Mount Saint Clair, the Théâtre de la Mer dominates the Mediterranean. Every summer, this ancient 18th century fortification welcomes the great artistic events of the city of Sète. The acoustics are exceptional. It is the ideal setting for hosting the festivals organised during the summer season.
Originally Fort Saint-Pierre, the Theatre of the Sea was originally part, with the semaphore, of a defensive complex designed to protect the population and the port of Sète from land and sea attacks. Built on seven platforms arranged in an amphitheatre facing the sea, and equi...
Kayak through our territory!
Discover the fauna and flora, come and taste the oysters from the Thau lagoon or simply rent a kayak and go on an adventure in complete autonomy. From Marseillan to Frontignan via Sète, Mèze and Balaruc-Les-Bains, sail towards an exceptional nautical adventure.
Go on an expedition, between sea and pond!
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 macaroonade! Players and Sète eat this dish for occasions or on Sundays with the family, but especially before the Languedoc jousting tournaments.
Tomato sauce, sausage, me...
With 12 km of golden sand on a blue background and nearly 320 days of sunshine a year, the reputation of the beaches of Sète is well established. They are even one of the major assets of the Thau Archipelago as they offer holidaymakers the choice of enjoying a view of the Thau lagoon or the Mediterranean Sea. Not to mention that they are served all along by the greenway which links Sète to Marseillan over 12 km. So, don't wait any longer to put on your swimming costume and go to this charming town!
The beaches of Sète
For a moment of freshness during your holidays in Sète or, quite simply, to take advantage of the iodized air all year round, we suggest you go, by bike via the green way or by bus (line 9), to one of the numerous beaches, with the Blue Flag label, which ...
What better way to (re)discover the Thau Archipelago, its towns and monuments through a treasure hunt during your family holiday? This is the experience you can have in Sète, Villeveyrac, Frontignan-Plage or Balaruc-les-Bains. Don't wait any longer!
Barberoussette: the treasure hunt for young and old (Sète)
According to legend, the famous pirate Barberoussette was active in the maritime city at the end of the 16th century and hid his treasure there. Even today, many adventurers have tried to find it... Without success! Fortunately for you, the pirate left several pieces of the map that allow you to find his riches in Sète.
But before you can hope to find them all, you will have to solve several riddles related to the monuments and history of Sète. Go to the tour...
A stroll to the Sète covered market, one of the little pleasures that I offer myself in all simplicity during my stay in the Thau archipelago.
All the flavours of the South
The covered market of Sète is a paradise for epicureans. The stalls are full of local produce and mouth-watering specialities: sun-drenched fruit and vegetables, wines and cheeses of character, shellfish, fish and crustaceans, not forgetting the famous tielles, or the zézettes of Sète. When you're curious and greedy like me, you don't know what to think!
After enjoying a cup of coffee and a few sweets, I begin my journey of the senses. I taste a delicious tapenade that will be ideal for an aperitif with friends, take advantage of the advice of a fishmonger to learn which wine will go best with the s...
Walks in the salt marshes or in the heart of the garrigue, observation of insects and birds, visits to vineyards... These are all experiences that the Tourist Office offers you during a "Nature outing".
Discovery of emblematic places
Whether you are a connoisseur of the wilderness that makes up the Thau Archipelago or an initiate, each "Nature outing" is a great opportunity for you to learn more about the history, fauna and flora that make up the archipelago.
We invite you to meet us near the Occitan villages of Balaruc-les-Bains, Frontignan and Loupian to (re)discover the terraces of the Gardiole, the old salt marshes, the Aresquiers wood, the abbey of Saint-Félix, the gulf of Aigues-Mortes...
So, open your eyes wide so as not to miss anything of the landscapes of the ...
There's nothing like the warmth of a tasty dish to cheer you up when the temperatures drop! Our local specialities, mostly based on fish and seafood, are ideal for indulging yourself while eating locally.
Cuttlefish rust
This is a speciality with a reputation that is well established! Melting pieces of cuttlefish, dipped in a simmering tomato sauce and bound with a delicious aioli... To be enjoyed with potatoes, rice or tagliatelle. A dish whose finesse and flavours will make you fall over, to be discovered in all the good restaurants of the Thau Archipelago.
Stuffed squid
Squid? What's that? They are in fact small squids whose tube (i.e. the body without the tentacles) measures between 8 and 14 centimetres.
Delicately stuffed with a mixture of sausage...
Between tasty local specialities and abundant cultural creation, Sète abounds in both cultural and gourmet treasures. Its historic centre, its port, the famous Cadre Royal, its beaches, the Mont Saint-Clair or the Pointe Courte district, there are so many things to discover... That's why we've put together a top 20 list of Sète's must-sees. With a little bonus! So, don't wait any longer to explore this "singular island" with its undeniable charm.
The city centre
Between canals, quays and small squares, you will immediately be charmed by the city that is now known as the "Venice of Languedoc".
Founded in 1666 by Louis XIV to give a maritime opening to the Canal du Midi, Sète reveals its history during a stroll through the historic centre, particularly along the Cadr...
What better way to discover all the secrets of Sète than to take a tour with one of our guides? Whether you want to know everything about the life of Georges Brassens, the Molière theatre or the amazing street-art that covers the walls of the surprising MaCO, explore the port city every school holiday. Discover all the guided walking tours offered by the Office de Tourisme Archipel de Thau.
SÈTE HISTOIRE-LÀ
For history lovers, we suggest you start your stay with the "Sète Histoire-Là" guided tour. Meet your guide every Tuesday during the school holidays on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville to escape for about two hours.
You will go back to the time of the creation of the port, through the upper quarter, before taking your way back to the marine cemetery and going back ...
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 ...
Looking for an idea for your Sunday walks despite the winter? The Archipelago of Thau is the place to go to get some fresh air and enjoy the mild temperatures of southern France. That's why we've put together a short list of places to go for a walk, so all you have to do is make your choice: a guided tour of the Bagnas reserve, an iodine bowl along the Lido, birdwatching at the old salt pans of Frontignan...
The Bagnas reserve: To be discovered freely or with a guide
Situated on 561 hectares between Marseillan and Cap d'Agde, the Bagnas reserve has become over the years a paradise for birds and nature lovers alike. Now protected, it can be discovered through the anecdotes of one of the guides of the Maison de la Nature or freely for a little more adventure.
You can, for...
No matter which destination you have chosen for your holiday in the Thau archipelago, we invite you to take advantage of these few days to get away from it all and discover the 14 communes that make up our destination.
You can also find more information in our magazine.
Balaruc-le-Vieux
Set on a hillock, the village dominates the creek of the corner with a view on the lagoon. A medieval village wrapped in its ramparts, which magnifies the past. We love to get lost in its narrow streets.
Discover Balaruc-le-Vieux
Balaruc-les-Bains
The first spa in France, Louis Bonaparte already came here for a cure in the 19th century! People come here to enjoy the benefits of its thermal waters, but also to stroll through the flowery alleys of the Mediterranean Ant...
Thau lagoon is a stunning example of biodiversity.
An ecological gem, the lagoon is 20 km long and 5 km wide. It is separated from the Mediterranean by a long stretch of sand, known as the Lido. The salty water has made it the ideal breeding place for oysters and shellfish since antiquity.
The only one of its kind in France and listed a Natura 2000 site, the lagoon is a reservoir of biodiversity with nearly 400 plant species and 100 animal species including clams, sea snails, sea urchins, sea bream, mullets, seabass and the famous seahorse that attracts divers from around the world.
Shellfish farms occupy over 1,300 hectares of the water in Thau lagoon.
Shellfish are Thau lagoon’s main resource. Oysters and mussels are grown by 800 farms on 2,800 shellfish rafts.
Take ...
The halles de Sète reflect the identity of Sète. This is where you can breathe the atmosphere of the city, a concentration of local specialities, regional products and authenticity.
From its esplanade to its shopping alleys, the exceptional products carry high the flavours of the south. Naturally, fish and shellfish are at the top of the pavement!
The atmosphere is friendly and sunny. All generations meet up among the sun-drenched fish, shellfish, fruit and vegetables, you can only be seduced. You come here to do your shopping of course but also to taste some oysters from Bouzigues or a Sète tielle (small pie topped with spicy octopus) accompanied by a glass of white wine from the region.
An unforgettable experience.
Les Halles de Sète welcomes you every day of the y...
In Sète, there are the beaches of Paul Valéry,
Georges Brassens...
but there's also a life after the beach
A life of hut, on Mont Saint-Clair. A cultural life, with the Chapelle du Quartier Haut, the MIAM or the Espace Brassens. A lively culture also, from the Pointe-Courte fishermen's quarter to the Halles centrales, where you can taste tielles and shellfish, without forgetting the daily ball of the trawlers returning to the port.
A nocturnal culture too, with the fairy tale of the canals at night or the Théâtre de la Mer and its magical scene. More than a view, a vision....