Fancy something out of the ordinary and a thrill?

A great adventure begins with the unexpected

The Thau Archipelago thrives on the art of surprise. Here, you live, feel and experience. Heritage, nature, festivals and fine dining. Whether you’re seeking thrills, unusual discoveries or moments of pure bliss, unforgettable experiences await you in every corner of the Archipelago.

Heritage as you’ve never experienced it before

We explore it, we admire it, but we also experience it. And in many different ways. Indeed, it is to the most curious that the Thjau Archipelago reveals all its secrets. On the hills above Poussan, the capitelles tell the story of life in days gone by. Valmagne Abbey in Villeveyrac comes alive with magic as night falls. Far from a typical visit, become part of the action when the fancy dress ball takes place, and shiver with excitement at a murder mystery party.

On the canals of Sète, you can explore the town in a different way by kayaking or in Mini Boats. A multifaceted film location, the Cinétour guides film and TV enthusiasts in the footsteps of the actors and actresses who brought it to life. And at the Espace Georges Brassens, the visit becomes a sensory experience. His voice follows you, intimate, as if the artist were walking right beside you.

Losing your bearings, your senses awakened… On the nature front, an almost secret immersion awaits you. The old salt marshes of Frontignan welcome you at a time when nature reclaims its rights, sometimes at dawn, or as night falls. Mèze surprises with an exhibition… underwater! A deep dive to learn all about the lagoon’s biodiversity, with a mask on your face and flippers on your feet.

Cultural activities

A whirlwind of thrills

Above and below the water, the sea and lagoon become a playground for those seeking thrills and unique experiences. Kitesurfers, wingfoilers and wakeboarders glide sportily with the wind, whilst on the opposite shore, a paddleboard yoga class makes time stand still. Enjoy a tow-in session on the Mediterranean waves, and for a real thrill, take to the skies on a parasail and admire the blue stretching as far as the eye can see.

Beneath the surface, explore a little-known world of wildlife. The lagoon reveals the secret life of the spotted seahorse, an endemic species and the destination’s emblem. You’ll also encounter the giant pearl oyster, one of the largest species of shellfish, which finds a thriving habitat in the Thau lagoon. Along the coastline, a diving trip becomes a historical adventure, where mysterious shipwrecks can be explored whilst snorkelling.

Fancy getting up high? A maiden flight in a microlight will offer you spectacular views of the archipelago, the Mediterranean, its villages and its lagoons. On the trails of the Gardiole massif in Gigean, a rather unusual experience awaits you: a camel ride is sure to add an exotic touch to your stay.

What is there to do in the Thau Archipelago?

Unexpected flavours and culinary experiences

Did you think you’d seen and tasted it all? Let our local produce surprise you all over again. Here, gastronomy takes on all forms. It’s something to be savoured. It’s an experience to be lived. Set off on a sea fishing trip, or a lagoon excursion right up close to the oyster beds. And to go even further than the plate, become an oyster farmer for a day during an immersive experience in Bouzigues. And in its harbour, the oyster is even transformed… into ice cream!

The Archipelago’s winemakers are also brimming with ideas to share their passion with you. Sensory and blind tastings, competitive wine quizzes and blending workshops reveal the treasures of our vineyards.

Gastronomy can also be learnt in a fun way. The Tunoscope, a truly immersive museum, is opening its doors in Sète: an opportunity not only to discover local specialities but also to learn all about the local history of bluefin tuna fishing. Just a few quays away, during a workshop at the market halls, cooking octopus will seem easier than ever. But it’s surprising too: how about trying an octopus kebab?

Where to eat in the Thau Archipelago?

A reimagined daily life

In the Thau Archipelago, even sleeping becomes an experience. A fisherman’s cottage with sea views, a night on a houseboat or a sailing boat, a cottage in the vineyards, new-generation campsites… every night here has its own unique setting. Enjoy a gourmet meal on the water aboard a Dutch-style motorboat, and have lunch right at the shellfish farms, with oyster burgers and mussel nuggets on the menu.

In the morning, no metro. We board a 100% electric river shuttle and sail from one bank to the other. At your own pace, the journey is an integral part of the experience.

And before setting off, we pop into a designer boutique. Unique items, inspired by local life, the landscapes and the people who live there. Souvenirs that tell the story of your experience and a history: that of the Thau Archipelago.

Where to stay in the Thau Archipelago?

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