©

View of Sète from Bouzigues

|

G_DELOYE_OT-THAU

Highlights of the Thau Archipelago

Throughout the year, the Thau Archipelago comes alive with its festivals and traditional celebrations. From Sète to Frontignan, via Mèze, Loupian, Balaruc-le-Vieux, Bouzigues, Villeveyrac, Montbazin and Poussan, each town contributes to a rich and varied cultural programme.  World music, jazz, hip-hop, street art, literature, poetry, cinema, maritime traditions, local cuisine, Occitan and Roman heritage: the events follow one another and reflect the region’s diversity.

Whether you’re a fan of large-scale festive events, intimate moments or popular celebrations, the Archipel de Thau calendar has something for everyone. Here’s an overview of the events not to be missed, month by month.

CARNIVAL February–March | Poussan

The whole town of Poussan celebrates its carnival with four days of festivities, led by its totemic pig.


THE THAU SEA URCHIN FESTIVAL March | Sète

This large open-air bistro offers a welcoming retreat in the heart of Sète and attracts visitors who come to sample sea urchins and other local delicacies, accompanied by live music.


LOP FESTUM – TOTEMIC ANIMALS March | Loupian

The whole town of Poussan celebrates its carnival with four days of festivities, led by its totemic pig.


STOPOVER IN SÈTE March–April | Sète (biennial)

An international event, Escale à Sète brings together some of the world’s most beautiful ships every two years and showcases the priceless maritime heritage of the Thau Archipelago. Each edition attracts more than 300,000 visitors from all over the world.


THE TIME OF THE POND May | Mèze (biennial)

This biennial event invites you to discover, share, dream, taste, see and listen to an old friend dear to the region: the Thau Lagoon.


INTERNATIONAL CRIME FICTION FESTIVAL May | Frontignan

The festival offers literary walks, book signings, unusual readings and other cultural events featuring both established masters of the genre and up-and-coming talents, in both literature and comics.


K-LIVE – SEA, ART & SOUND June | Sète 

Every year, street artists bring new life to the Musée à Ciel Ouvert (MACO) in Sète. In early June, K-Live reaches its peak when urban art, visual arts and contemporary music concerts come together.


AMATEUR THEATRE FESTIVAL May | Sète

This new cultural event brings together a jury of professionals and welcomes amateur theatre companies to the stage of the Manitas de Plata Inter-municipal Conservatoire.


MEDITERRANEAN AGRICULTURAL FAIR June | Villeveyrac

The Mediterranean Agriculture Fair invites visitors to spend three days discovering the richness of the agricultural world and showcases the region’s expertise in both land and sea.


SCOPIE FUN FEST June | Frontignan

Scopie celebrates the arrival of summer in Frontignan with a programme of shows, concerts, environmental activities and a craft market.


WHEN I THINK OF FERNANDE June | Sète

Throwing a spanner in the works of the self-righteous, this annual event brings together the best artists on the current scene and sets the tone for the start of summer in Sète for lovers of French chanson.


FEAST OF THE GREAT FORGIVENESS OF SAINT PETER June–July | Sète, Mèze and Bouzigues

This lively procession of fishermen pays homage to Saint Peter and brings together families of seafarers, fishermen and jousters for a time of fellowship, combining traditions with jousting tournaments.


THE THAU SUMMER FESTIVAL Every Thursday throughout the summer | Thau Archipelago

Every Thursday evening, the Estivales bring the towns of the Thau basin to life, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere perfect for indulging in good food and sampling local produce.

THAU FESTIVAL July | Mèze, Montbazin, Villeveyrac...

The Thau Festival has been bringing the Archipelago to life for over thirty years, celebrating connections, music and emotion. Its commitment to these values recently earned it the ‘Événement Détonnant’ label.


JAZZ IN SÈTE July | Sète

The renowned festival brings together jazz greats and up-and-coming artists for unforgettable musical performances at the Théâtre de la Mer.


VOIX VIVES DE MÉDITERRANÉE POETRY FESTIVAL July | Sète

This major poetry festival brings together a host of poets and invites the public to experience moments of pure enchantment, with readings on boats, musical performances in the gardens and street entertainment.


THE MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL July | Balaruc-le-Vieux

A medieval market and craft fair, jousting tournaments, hands-on workshops on lost trades, and even a ‘beggars’ wedding’: the Balaruc-le-Vieux Medieval Festival promises to take you right back to the Middle Ages.


MUSCAT FESTIVAL July | Frontignan

The Muscat Festival celebrates this divine small-berried grape variety through markets, open-air cafés, wine bars, tasting sessions and other culinary delights.


THE AUGUSTALES, ROMAN DAYS July | Loupian

The Villa-Loupian Gallo-Roman Site Museum invites the whole family on a journey back in time to discover Roman antiquity during these open days.


CULTURE THURSDAYS July–August | Frontignan

‘Culture Thursdays’ bring the summer to life in Frontignan with street performances in a festive atmosphere.

SEAFEST July | Frontignan

The Fête de la Mer celebrates maritime traditions in honour of Saint Paul.


FIEST'A SÈTE July–August | Sète

For over twenty years, this iconic world music festival has brought together artists from all corners of the globe, featuring concerts, musical films, and music and cooking workshops.


THE EMMUSCADES July–August | Frontignan

Les Emmuscades organise open-air film screenings at the vineyards in Frontignan, accompanied by a plate of mussels in a braised sauce and a glass of Muscat.

OYSTER FESTIVAL July–August | Mèze and Marseillan

The Oyster Festival brings together seafood lovers for tastings, culinary specialities and demonstrations of oyster farming.


DEMI FESTIVAL August | Sète

The Demi Festival, founded by rapper Demi Portion, celebrates hip-hop culture and has established itself as a must-attend event for fans of urban music.


THE CINEMA OF THE SEA August | Sète 

The Cinéma de la Mer presents five evenings of film and music overlooking the sea, in the most beautiful venue in the world: the Théâtre de la Mer.


SAINT LOUIS FESTIVITIES August | Sète 

The Saint-Louis Festival is the biggest event of the year and sets the pace for life in Sète. Combining tradition and authenticity, it features street performances, bodegas and the famous jousting tournaments.


AUTOMN'HALLES September | Sète

The Automn’Halles festival has established itself as an unmissable event for literature lovers. Over five days, Sète hosts author talks, public readings and panel discussions.


THE OYSTER'S DAYS September | Sète

Organised by the CRCM, The Oyster’s Days celebrates the excellence of local produce and features tastings, demonstrations, festive entertainment and oyster-shucking competitions.


22 HERE'S GEORGES October | Sète 

Every year, ‘22 V’la Georges’ pays tribute to Brassens’ timeless work and transforms the Révolution neighbourhood into a veritable village dedicated to his memory.


CREATVTY October | Sète

Creatvty showcases new audiovisual works and offers preview screenings of brand-new series and TV films.


BAZR FESTIVAL December | Sète

The BAZR Christmas pop festival is one of a kind, combining concerts, digital art and a Christmas market featuring local craftspeople, as well as offering a wide range of family-friendly activities.