Located alongside the Mediterranean in the south of France, this shellfish farming basin has long provided food for Sète, Balaruc-les-Bains, Bouzigues, Mèze and Marseillan.
A superb site, where you can admire the marvellous shades of blue offered by the heavens and the sea. Located at the foot of Mont St Clair in Sète, this huge lagoon plays an important part in the local economy. It is here that the famous Bouzigues mussels and oysters are produced.
Water sports are also expanding in this natural marine environment.
The Thau Pool... an ocean garden
Covering a total of 7500 hectares, this is the largest pool in France's Languedoc Roussillon region. Oysters and shellfish have been produced here since time immemorial. Two thousand people work on the shellfish farms which are mostly family run. The oyster farms stretch out to the horizon as far as the eye can see, resembling small, carefully managed gardens at water level.
In Bouzigues, home of the oyster bearing the same name, you can visit the Musée de l‘Etang de Thau (Thau Pool Museum) to learn all about oyster farming. The oyster producers will invite you to sample their shellfish for yourself.
Take the time to stroll around the small fishing ports in the unique and magical light of southern France, including such gems as Bouzigues, Marseillan or Mèze. Their colourful boats and the nets drying in the sun are all part of the captivating local atmosphere.
A leisure area in a protected natural environment
The Thau Basin is a natural marine environment unique of its kind in Europe. To protect this fragile environment, leisure activities are strictly regulated.
Sailing, windsurfing and kite surfing are practised at Sète, Marseillan and Mèze.
For those keen to try a spa or health treatment, don't miss Balaruc-les-Bains, France's third-largest spa resort.
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