What are the Mediterranean Art Walks (BAM)?

This is a free, permanent art project spread across four routes (Versants de Thau, 1tangs, Rivages de Thau, Sète), linking contemporary art, heritage and the landscapes of the Thau Archipelago. 19 works by various artists are dotted across the 14 municipalities of Sète Agglopôle Méditerranée, to be installed gradually until 2026.

How can I take part in the Mediterranean Art Walks?

Via the free “BAM | Archipel de Thau” app (available on Android and Apple), which pinpoints the location of artworks, nearby points of interest, artist interviews and videos. The app is constantly being updated as new installations are added and offers a family version featuring games and augmented reality.

Are the Artistic Walks in the Mediterranean suitable for children?

Yes, exactly: ZigZag the seahorse (the emblem of the Thau Lagoon) guides children through interactive quizzes about the Thau Archipelago, turning every tour into a fun and educational adventure.

Are the Mediterranean Art Walks accessible by sustainable transport?

Yes, most sites are connected via the Sète Agglopôle Mobilité bus network or by bike. The “BAM | Archipel de Thau” app (available on Android and Apple) provides detailed information on how to get there, helping you to avoid using your car and encouraging the use of sustainable transport.

Are the Art Walks in the Mediterranean free and open all year round?

Yes, the artworks are permanent and freely accessible at any time. The trails combine contemporary art with heritage, enhancing the area’s appeal to tourists.

Artistic Walks in the Mediterranean

A major hub of cultural inspiration, the Thau Archipelago boasts a constantly evolving heritage, enriched by the presence of four hundred artists basedin the area. In 2024, Sète Agglopôle Méditerranée, in partnership with the Archipel de Thau Destination Méditerranée Tourist Office, is launching a major artistic project:BAM – Balades Artistiques en Méditerranée.

A permanent exhibition in the Thau Archipelago

The Mediterranean Art Walks offer a permanent exhibition open to all, spread across four routes designed to reveal the links between contemporary art, historical heritage and the region’s remarkable landscapes.

This project, which will run until 2026, celebrates the region’s creative vitality through 19 permanent artworks installed at strategic locations across the 14 municipalities of the urban area. These creations enhance urban regeneration projects, heritage trails and sustainable walks through natural areas.

This initiative is supported by the State under the Territorial Planning and Development Fund (FNADT).

To guide visitors on this artistic stroll, a free app called “BAM” is available onthe App StoreandGoogle Play. It allows users to explore the artworks along the four routes, as well as nearby points of interest, and will continue to be updated as new artworks are installed.

When art enables to discover the heritage

Historically, artists have been pioneering travellers, drawing inspiration from local landscapes and cultures.

Just like Monet in Giverny or Van Gogh in Arles, the unique island of Sète bears the mark of iconic figures. Among them: Paul Valéry, Georges Brassens, Agnès Varda, Jean Vilar, Pierre Soulages, Robert Combas, Hervé Di Rosa and many others.

Today,the entire Thau Archipelago radiates this artistic aura, a reflection of its deeply Mediterranean character. Art invites us to slow down, to contemplate and to feel. It encourages us to explore works off the beaten track, to observe landscapes with fresh eyes and to immerse ourselves in the soul of a place. These Artistic Walks in the Mediterranean carry on this tradition by offering a sensitive and unique way to discover the region.

Renowned artists

No fewer than19 renowned artistshave come together for this project, some with deep roots in the region, others invited for their connection with the Mediterranean.

The guest artists: CélesteBoursier-Mougenot, André Cervera, Robert Combas, Jean Denant, Hervé Di Rosa, Richard Di Rosa, Élisa Fantozzi, Ève Laroche-Joubert, Maxime Lhermet, François Liguori and Agnès Rosse, Johan Creten, Chourouk Hriech, Fabrice Hyber, Victoria Klotz, Pedro Marzorati, Élise Morin, Françoise Petrovitch and Bob Verschueren bring their unique perspectives to the landscapes of the Thau Archipelago.

Each work engages in a unique dialogue with its surroundings. Forexample, Maxime Lhermet pays tribute to his family’s oyster farming tradition in Marseillan, whilst Jean Denant has installed a hollowed-out steel pergola in Gigean that casts the shadow of the town’s cadastral map onto the ground.

“Through their works, the artists offer viewers a fresh perspective on the traditional view of landscapes and heritage, as well as on the use of these shared spaces. It is the diversity of these works that will subtly weave together the meaning behind these Walks.”

Salvador GARCIA, Artistic Director

4 courses iconic

The Thau Slopes

From the stone huts of the garrigue to Valmagne Abbey and the Montbazin mill, this route offers an opportunity to discover the architectural, vernacular and landscape heritage of the towns ofPoussan, Villeveyrac, Gigean and Montbazin.

It features works byAndré Cervera, Robert Combas, Jean DenantandPedro Marzorati, amongst others.

The Ponds

With its alternating beaches, plains, scrubland, woods, vineyards and wetlands, this route is an invitation to appreciate the finer things in life.

The former salt marshes ofFrontignan areremarkable aquatic habitats ideal for birdwatching.

This route, which also passes throughMireval and Vic-la-Gardiole, will feature installations byCéleste Boursier-Mougenot, Hervé Di Rosa, Victoria Klotz, Ève Laroche-JoubertandAgnèsRosse.

The Shores of Thau

From the mosaics of the Gallo-Roman Museum in Loupian to the plants of the Ancient Mediterranean Garden, this trail traces the region’s thousand-year history.

It highlights the shellfish-farming ports ofBouzigues, Mèze andMarseillan; the typical Languedoc villages ofLoupian andBalaruc-le-Vieux, as well as France’s first spa resort,Balaruc-les-Bains.

Here, visitors will discover the creations ofRichard Di Rosa, Élisa Fantozzi, Maxime Lhermet, François Liguori, Élise Morin andBob Verschueren.

Sète

The “unique” island so dear to Paul Valéry offers incredible views of the Thau Archipelago.

This city tour exploresSète, a town where art is accessible to all, from the quays with their colourful facades to the picturesque neighbourhoods.

Works byJohan Creten, Chourouk Hriech, Fabrice HyberandFrançoise Petrovitchwill further enrich this already vibrant cultural landscape.

List of works

What are the Mediterranean Art Walks (BAM)?
How can I take part in the Mediterranean Art Walks?
Are the Artistic Walks in the Mediterranean suitable for children?
Are the Mediterranean Art Walks accessible by sustainable transport?
Are the Art Walks in the Mediterranean free and open all year round?