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Lagoon and jetty, view of the lagoon. Le St Barth.

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Welcome to Marseillan

Marseillan Between the lagoon and the Mediterranean

Marseillan lies between two bodies of water and two worlds. On one side, the Thau lagoon and its oyster beds glistening under the Languedoc sun; on the other, the 6 kilometres of fine sandy beaches at Marseillan-Plage opening out onto the Mediterranean. Between the two, a town that has weathered the centuries with elegance, sustained by its vineyards, its shellfish and the inimitable Noilly Prat. A former fishing port that became a major commercial port dedicated to wine and spirits in the 19th century, Marseillan has retained all its authenticity along the quays, amongst old merchants’ houses, wine cellars and characterful façades. The Bagnas nature reserve, a sanctuary for flamingos and grey herons, completes this rich picture where nature makes its presence felt at every turn.

For Marseillan lives at its own pace: that of the lagoon’s calm waters, the terraces that come to life at the end of the day, the markets brimming with local flavours, and strolls along the Canal du Midi. Here, everything invites you to take your time: a vermouth tasting in the courtyard of the Noilly Prat house, a boat trip to the Pointe des Onglous, a platter of oysters overlooking the water. Marseillan possesses that rare quality found in destinations that are effortlessly beautiful, generous without ostentation, and unforgettable without you even realising it.

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Lagoon and jetty, view of the lagoon. Le St Barth.

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N_CHAUVEAU_OT-THAU

Marseillan
Nestled between Agde and Mèze lies Marseillan. Its beach, its lagoon, its oysters, its vineyards overlooking the sea, flamingos mingling with egrets and grey herons at sunset… Why not, for example, set out to discover Marseillan on an impromptu photo safari? It might take you to the heart of the village in search of the porticoes of old bourgeois houses, or to the banks of the Canal du...
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The must-sees in Marseillan

A bustling harbour, golden beaches, a nature reserve, the Canal du Midi and the Noilly Prat distillery: Marseillan brings together in a single location a variety of experiences that few other destinations can boast. Whether you’re a lover of nature, heritage, fine dining or water sports, this Languedoc town has something to satisfy every taste. Here are the must-see attractions to discover during your stay.

The history of Marseillan

The history of Marseillan is inextricably linked to that of the Canal du Midi. Once a fishing port, it became a major commercial port specialising in wine and spirits in the 19th century; the town owes much of its prosperity to this exceptional waterway linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.

Created in the 17th century during the reign of Louis XIV by Pierre-Paul Riquet, the Canal du Midi played a vital role in the development of local trade: thanks to it, the wines produced around Marseillan could be transported and distributed throughout France. Its natural outlet onto the Thau lagoon quickly turned the town into a bustling and strategic port, with goods then heading to the port of Sète to open up access to international trade. It was via this same route that the raw materials arrived which contributed to the boom in the local vermouth industry and the founding of the Noilly Prat company.

Today, the Pointe des Onglous marks this iconic meeting point where the canal ends its course in the lagoon, offering a remarkable panorama that is ideal for a stroll in the fresh air. A fascinating history, which you can discover in detail in our article dedicated to the Canal du Midi.

Marseillan in the flesh

Nestled between the Thau Lagoon, the Mediterranean Sea and unspoilt wetlands, Marseillan boasts a natural heritage of rare richness along the Languedoc coastline. From protected natural areas and unspoilt landscapes to views over the lagoon and bike rides in the great outdoors, nature here comes in all its forms, catering to every pace and every desire. Whether you’re a lover of peace and quiet, curious about biodiversity, or simply seeking wide open spaces, Marseillan has plenty to offer beyond the beaches.

We’re here to help you plan your stay!

Need help planning your visit? Find all the practical advice, top tips and must-see attractions on the Marseillan Tourist Office website.

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