Travel guide Archipel de Thau

Where does the heart of theHérault beat? It's in Sète and the Thau Archipelago that it really beats! It's a sublime stretch of land that stretches between garrigues, ponds and the Mediterranean shore, with all its uniqueness and beauty! Between the superb sunsets, the lilting Sétois accent, the morning fish market and the festive evenings, you won't know where to turn! Like a hidden treasure in the south of France, Sète has to be earned, because it's full of nuances and subtleties. This destination enchants with its unique blend of Mediterranean culture, picturesque landscapes and powerful maritime heritage. Our travel guide will show you the best places to stay, the best restaurants to try and the must-sees to visit !

Sète, nicknamed the Venice of Languedocis a charming port town where canals and bridges weave a watery labyrinth. Its lively quaysides, lined with colorful fishing boats, are a vivid spectacle of maritime life. The local gastronomy is a feast for the senses: sample the tielle, a speciality of Sète, or savour fresh oysters from the Bassin de Thau, renowned throughout France and bred in situ. You can even watch them grow, thanks to the region's passionate oyster farmers. Les Halles de Sète is a daily celebration of this taste bud fervor. What a pleasure to sit on the terrace with a glass of local wine and fresh oysters!

The Thau Archipelago is a collection of sparkling lagoons: welcome to a paradise of birds, flamingos and egrets, where speed-loving kitesurfers and sailing boats drop anchor opposite the villages of Balaruc, famous for its thermal baths , or Loupian, famous for its Gallo-Roman museum - Villa de Loupian - or its incredible prehistoric dinosaur park! Between kayaking, diving and sailing, the aquatic experience is simply unforgettable. Fishing villages like Bouzigues and Mèze are charming ports of call where festivals are in full swing in summer: the Festival de Thau welcomes international artists, as does FiestaSète, which takes place in Sète and the surrounding villages. Grab your tickets for the Théâtre de la Mer and thrill to the sound of a concert facing the deep blue sea: it's truly unique!

Sète's culture is also revealed through its festivals, such as the famous Fête de la Saint-Louis, where nautical jousts and concerts enliven the town for almost a week! Museums, such as the Musée Paul Valéry, enrich the cultural journey with collections of art and history. And don't miss a visit to the Réservoir, an atypical gallery well worth the detour! Then, as you make your way up to the Quartier Haut, marvel at the facades tastefully transformed by street art. Sète's alleyways are transformed into open-air galleries, where the works of renowned graffiti artists rub shoulders with those of emerging artists. This lively, colorful urban art reflects the city'suntamed, creative spirit. Take a good look at the walls, and you'll find some lovely surprises, some of them tiny...

There's no shortage of exhibitions: the Centre Régional d'Art Contemporain offers an impressive panorama of current artistic trends. For history and maritime heritage enthusiasts, the Musée de la Mer reveals the secrets of Sétois sailors and fishermen. Each cultural space is a window onto the soul of this singular city. Sète, this peninsula nestled between sea and lake, is a charmingly authentic place, with canals winding through the town, markets scented with Mediterranean perfumes, and little squares where you'll want to linger. The port, the beating heart of Sète, is a place to meet and share stories and smiles.

The uniqueness of Sète and the Thau Archipelago lies in its ability to harmoniously blend heritage, nature and artistic creation. There's something for everyone here, whether you stroll along the quays, explore the city's hidden treasures, or immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the archipelago.

For the beauty of the region is breathtaking! Mont Saint-Clair offers a majestic 360° view of the city and sea, and is a must-see for photography enthusiasts. The fine sandy beaches, such as Plage de la Corniche and Plage de Mèze, are havens of peace. Let yourself be enchanted by the smiles of the people of the Bassin de Thau! The region's dynamism is in no way inferior to that of neighboring Montpellier! Businesses and local players unite to bring life to this unique region, whose powerful identity extends beyond its borders: the film industry has understood this, as many films are shot here. Discover the new, sublime Manitas de Platas Conservatory building, which has a lot to offer in the land of Georges Brassens. In fact, pay him a visit in the pretty Cimetière marin, and you might just hear a few notes of his guitar. This tourist guide to Sète and the Thau Archipelago is a passport to a journey where every corner of an alley, every wave of the sea and every sparkling gaze will make you fall in love.