Thau lagoon - An inland sea
Presentation
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.
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 time out to taste the Bouzigues deep-cupped oyster: fleshy, exquisite in the mouth and amazingly flavoursome. They are produced in small, family-run shellfish farms (Mas) that occupy the entire north shore of the lagoon.
Visit the Thau lagoon museum in Bouzigues to discover the locals’ main activities: breeding oysters and mussels (shellfish farming) and fishing.
Shellfish are Thau lagoon’s main resource. Oysters and mussels are grown by 800 farms on 2,800 shellfish rafts.
Take time out to taste the Bouzigues deep-cupped oyster: fleshy, exquisite in the mouth and amazingly flavoursome. They are produced in small, family-run shellfish farms (Mas) that occupy the entire north shore of the lagoon.
Visit the Thau lagoon museum in Bouzigues to discover the locals’ main activities: breeding oysters and mussels (shellfish farming) and fishing.