Pieces by artists and craftsmen
The Archipelago of Thau is full of creative souls. To bring back beautiful souvenirs, you can go around the galleries and artists' studios in search of a painting or a sculpture that will touch you. You can also visit the designer boutiques that offer a wide range of locally made products. Talented artisans offer a variety of worlds and techniques: silk-screening, ceramics, sewing, jewelry, stationery... Among these stores are Twenty Uno and the Joyeux Chichois in Sète, La méduse électrique in Mèze, and the Chai des créateurs in Marseillan.
Beauty
To take home the benefits of the Thau Archipelago, there are two ranges of local cosmetics:
BLB cosmetics. Designed and manufactured directly from the Balaruc-les-Bains thermal baths, these face and body care products are formulated with thermal spring water. The textures and scents are pleasant, and the formulas offer skin radiance, comfort and freshness. Beauty rituals to tide you over until your next vacation.
Ostrealia by Tarbouriech. Maison Tarbouriech, an oyster farm for three generations, has created a range of natural marine cosmetics whose main active ingredient is the mother-of-pearl from Tarbouriech oysters. Body, hair and face care, as well as dietary supplements, teas and infusions, oils, perfumes and accessories: individual or boxed, these are inspired local gifts.
Sweet treats
The adventure of La Cure Gourmande began in Balaruc-les-Bains. Now famous all over the country, the brand is still made locally. Cookies and confectionery are made in Frontignan; madeleines, cakes and some chocolates are made in Balaruc-les-bains; wooden furniture and cardboard boxes are designed in Gigean. While you're here, you can do some gourmet shopping.
Sète's zézettes are an essential part of the local gastronomy. La Belle Époque, an artisan biscuit-maker set up in Frontignan in 1997, markets zézette de Sète in France. This tasty, crunchy cookie, the fruit of an old pied noir recipe, is made from flour, dry white wine, sugar and oil, and flavored with vanilla. Delicious with coffee, a scoop of ice cream or a cream dessert. Since 2010, it has gone from strength to strength.
Other delights to include in your basket before you leave include aniseed navettes, almond croquants and local honeys, which caress the taste buds with their scents of thyme and garrigue.
Sunshine basket
Don't forget: oysters from the Thau lagoon can be eaten anywhere, all year round, thanks to the magic of the internet and the passion of ingenious producers who offer "bourriches" for delivery.
If you want to take Mediterranean flavors home in tins, savor and cook Archipelago specialties at home, there's Azais Polito. This famous manufacturer has been canning the best of local gastronomy and coloring cuisines around the world since 1963.
You can also round off your shopping with Saveurs de Cocagne products. Based in Frontignan, this manufacturer transforms the terroir into a gourmet aperitif: duck terrine with Muscat, campagnarde with Camargue fleur de sel, bull pâté...
Nectars of the South
Muscat de Frontignan or Mireval, Picpoul, Côtes de Thau wines, Noilly Prat vermouth from Marseillan... There is no shortage of cellars and wine shops in the area to bring back good bottles. You can even turn your shopping into a wine tourism experience to meet the local winemakers and their sweet nectars. And to fill up on vitamins all year round, think of the delicious fruit juices from Verger de Thau, which are made in Villeveyrac.
