Best practices for the holidays

Visiting the Thau Archipelago means discovering an exceptional area nestled between the lagoon, vineyards and the Mediterranean. It also means choosing to preserve it. Whether you’re out walking along the marked trails, aboard a barge on the canal or sitting at a table overlooking the lagoon, every action counts in protecting this fragile natural and cultural heritage.

Buying locally, using sustainable transport, saving water, sorting waste, staying in eco-friendly accommodation: these are all simple habits to adopt to ensure your holiday in the Thau Archipelago is as environmentally friendly as it is unforgettable.

Here are a few tips for enjoying your holiday in the Thau Archipelago:

➡️ Choose to buy from local producers and support short supply chains.
➡️ Choose sustainable transport options for getting around.
➡️ Stick to marked trails on your walks and follow the rules to protect natural areas.
➡️ Discover localskills and traditions.
➡️ Sort your waste, minimise it and, above all, don’t leave any behind in the countryside.
➡️ Even on holiday, be responsible consumers!
➡️ Choose eco-friendly accommodation.
➡️ Save water: take short showers, etc.

Drought alert Let’s cut down on our consumption

The Hérault Prefecture has placed most of the department, including the Thau basin,on drought alert dueto abnormally low groundwater levels. We are all urged to save water by adopting the right habits:

➡️ Actively check for water leaks and have them repaired.
➡️ Do not empty swimming pools. If you need to top up the water, do so at night between 8pm and 7am.
➡️ Shorten shower times and, in general, reduce the time spent using water points (brushing teeth or washing hands, etc.).
➡️ Limit garden watering to what is strictly necessary.
➡️ Do not water lawns during periods of severe drought; they will turn green again as soon as the first rains come.
➡️ Take into account forecast or actual rainfall.
➡️ Collect rainwater that is forecast or has already fallen.
➡️ Water late in the evening to reduce water loss through evaporation.
➡️ Limit car washing. Use car wash facilities.
➡️ Avoid washing roads and pavements.
➡️ Avoid cleaning terraces and building facades that are not undergoing renovation work.

Want to do more? The Thau Nature website listsall the best practices for various activities: at home, out for a walk, on the water, at the beach, fishing… You’ll also findthe charter for responsible travellers in Occitanie, published by the region.

River-friendly actions

Are you spending your holidays this year on the Canal du Midi or the Canal du Rhône to Sète? This is your chance to discover a rich heritage, but also a fragile environment that needs protecting. ‘Ecogestes’ are simple, accessible actions you can take from the moment you start planning your trip, at the port and whilst on the water, to reduce the impact of your activities. Every little helps! Are you ready to get involved?

Further information is available on the Écogestes Méditerranée Occitanie website