The edge of the Thau lagoon in Mèze
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Begin your exploration ofthe Thau Archipelago with a stroll through the historic centre of Mèze. The town centre unfolds before you as you wander through its cobbled streets, past its shaded squares and remarkable buildings, all bearing witness to a rich and colourful past.
You simply can’t miss this imposing church towering over the town centre! Built in the 13th century and subsequently remodelled in the 17th and 18th centuries, Saint-Hilaire Church is distinguished by its southern Gothic architecture. Its austere design, massive buttresses and pointed-arch stained-glass windows create an atmosphere that is both austere and elegant.
The Puget organ, the baptistery, the ciborium and the stained-glass windows are listed as Historic Monuments, bearing witness to the building’s rich heritage. Its façade, fully renovated in 2022, still bears the republican motto, a visible reminder of the separation of church and state.
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Mèze Square
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Mèze town centre, *Lettre à la terre*, sculpture, artwork, statue, hand, garden, flowers, urban design, square, architecture, buildings, vegetation, outdoors, natural light, vertical
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Opposite the church, you’ll find the Mèze market halls, easily recognisable by their Baltard-style metal framework. This temple of taste is home to food stalls offering local produce and regional specialities. The esplanade running alongside them comes alive on Thursday and Sunday mornings with the market, where producers and artisans meet locals and visitors alike.
In summer, the bandstand overlooking the square hosts concerts and entertainment. The ‘Wednesdays at the Bandstand’ series, running from July to August, brings the evenings in Mèze to life with the sounds of Latin and electro music, choirs and brass bands. A sculpture by Nicolas Jouas, an artist from Lodève, also adorns this central square. Entitled “Lettres à la terre”, it pays tribute to Yves Piétransanta, the town’s former mayor.
Further down, you’ll find the renovated Town Hall Square and the monumental fountain, which has also been given a facelift. Completely redesigned, this square has become a real hub of conviviality and interaction for both residents and passing visitors.
Just a stone’s throw from the esplanade, the Château de Girard displays its classical elegance. Built in 1660 by the Muret family on the site of a former farmstead, it now houses the town hall and the offices of the Festival de Thau. You can stroll through the gardens, which are open to the public all year round.
These landscaped areas, featuring southern honey-producing plant species, host cultural and culinary events throughout the seasons. The château’s wine cellar has been transformed into the Carré d’Art Louis Jeanjean, an exhibition space showcasing local and contemporary artists. Exhibitions run throughout the year, offering an artistic perspective on the lagoon and the surrounding area.
Girard Castle
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Now leave the historic centre behind and head for the shores of the Thau lagoon, where Mèze’s maritime spirit is revealed in all its glory.
MEZE
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COUPLES' WALK IN PORT MEZE
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Built in the 12th century, this chapel has stood the test of time and served various purposes. Restored by the White Penitents in the 17th century, it served in turn as a hospital and a cooper’s workshop before being reoccupied by the Penitents until 1912, after which it was abandoned.
Today, the association Les Amis des Pénitents organises concerts and exhibitions in the summer to fund its restoration and keep alive the memory of this place steeped in history. A detour that will delight heritage enthusiasts.
Little Harbour of the GondolasFishing net, gondolas, lagoon
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Below the chapel, the Port des Nacelles is still home to the flat-bottomed boats typical of the lagoon’s fishermen, known as “nacelles”. These traditional vessels bear witness to the age-old fishing techniques still practised today. At the entrance to the harbour, a sculpture by the Chilean artist Hernan Torrès, “Man, the Sun and the Fish”, symbolises Mèze’s deep connection to the Thau lagoon.
The harbour, with its colourful boats and fishing nets drying in the sun, offers a living postcard of the bond that has united Mèze with its lagoon for centuries.
Continue your stroll to the marina, built as early as 1300 in the heart of a natural cove. The commercial and industrial activities of yesteryear have given way to tourism and recreational boating, creating an atmosphere that is both lively and peaceful.
On Place des Tonneliers, don’t miss the Baphin, a sculpture that is half-whale, half-fish, created by Nicolas Jouas. Beneath its dorsal fin, this steel sculpture offers a magnificent view of the Thau lagoon. A permanent exhibition of old photographs traces the history of Mèze and its inhabitants, offering a visual journey through time. The panorama is enhanced by the silhouette of Mont Saint-Clair in Sète rising in the background.
On the quays, discover the many restaurants where you can savour the local produce that the chefs take pride in showcasing every day, offering you a truly gourmet and authentic experience.
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Mèze offers visitors a well-preserved and authentic natural environment. Whether you’re by the lagoon or further afield in the surrounding scrubland, there are plenty of excursions to enjoy.
Mèze Beach
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MEZE BEACH PAIR
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Just a stone’s throw from the town centre, Thalassa Beach and La Plagette offer peaceful, family-friendly spots for swimming. Less crowded than the major beaches along the Mediterranean coast, they appeal to families thanks to the shallow waters at the water’s edge, allowing little ones to play in complete safety. These beaches are ideal for a refreshing break in summer or a contemplative stroll by the lagoon in winter, under the gentle Mediterranean sun.
Tip: settle down in the late afternoon when the golden light bathes the lagoon and the surrounding hills in a beautiful glow.
MEZE BEACH PAIR
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Port of Mèze
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Thalassa Beach now features an underwater trail. This new, innovative and accessible educational trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the riches of the Thau Lagoon. Thanks to five submerged panels, underwater explorers, equipped with a mask and snorkel, can discover the great diversity of this lagoon ecosystem: giant pearl mussels, spotted seahorses, blennies, mullet… they’ll all be there!
The Mèze underwater trail does more than simply showcase the biodiversity of the Thau lagoon. It is the first to feature a section dedicated to lagoon-based trades, thanks to the installation of an oyster farming table, a testament to the essential shellfish farming activity in the Thau lagoon. You don’t need to be an experienced diver to enjoy this attraction: the identification panels are attached to buoys, just below the surface.
For a relaxing break in the countryside, head to La Conque! Not far from the shellfish farm, this Natura 2000-designated wetland can be explored via a circular footpath of around one kilometre that runs alongside the Thau lagoon. Little egrets, pied avocets and black-headed gulls go about their business in their natural habitat, offering a spectacle that is as fascinating as it is relaxing for birdwatchers.
This walk, accessible to all, allows you to discover the local flora and fauna whilst enjoying the soothing landscapes of the lagoon. A real breath of fresh air appreciated by visitors and locals alike all year round.
The conch shell
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For a uniquefamily experience in the Thau Archipelago, head to theDinosaur Museum and Park! Nestled in a 5-hectare pine forest on the outskirts of Mèze, this exceptional site takes you on ajourney back to the Cretaceous period.
Built on a genuine palaeontological site discovered in 1996, the museum displays thousands of dinosaur eggs and bones found on the site. Life-size reconstructions, including a brachiosaurus standing 12 metres tall and 25 metres long, mark out a fun and educational trail through a shady pine forest. It’s sure to amaze children and adults alike whilst teaching them new things about our prehistoric past!
Children can try their hand atarchaeological excavations on a replica dig site, whilst educational videos enhance the visit. An ideal outing combining relaxation, scientific discovery and family time in the shade of the pine trees.
Visiting Mèze without sampling its oysters and enjoying its beaches would be missing out on the best of it! The Thau lagoon offers treasures both culinary and natural.
No visit to the Thau Archipelago is complete without sampling the famous oysters and mussels farmed in Mèze! These exceptional shellfish benefit from a unique terroir and expertise. Raised on ropes suspended in the rich waters of the lagoon, they thrive in an ecosystem where fresh and salt water mix.
Head straight to one of the local oyster farmers for an authentic tasting by the water’s edge. The tasting huts, often run by families of shellfish farmers for several generations, offer a friendly experience with stunning views over the Thau basin. Tasting oysters fresh from the water, accompanied by a glass of Picpoul de Pinet, the famous local white wine, all against the backdrop of the lagoon’s exceptional panorama, makes for an unforgettable experience.
These establishments are mainly open from Easter to All Saints’ Day and welcome both discerning foodies and families with children. Fancy a romantic picnic on the beach? The oyster farmers can prepare lovely platters of fresh shellfish for you to take away!
The Amoutous, shellfish farm, view of the lagoon, jetty, railing
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Greenway between Mèze and Marseillan, vineyards
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The area around Mèze is dotted with vineyards that benefit from an exceptional terroir, shaped by the sun and sea breezes. The region’s winemakers produce fine, elegant wines that reflect the area’s Mediterranean character.
Whites, rosés and reds each express the nuances of this unique terroir where vineyards meet the lagoon. Whether you’re a fan of crisp whites, delicious rosés or full-bodied reds, the estates around Mèze offer tastings that give you a deeper understanding of the region’s ancestral expertise. The winemakers welcome you with passion and reveal the secrets of their production, offering a complete immersion in the art of Languedoc wines.
Mèze wouldn’t be Mèze without its cultural and festive programme, which sets the pace for the year and keeps the town’s heart beating!
Every summer for the past 35 years, the Thau Festival has transformed Mèze into the capital of world music. The 2025 edition welcomed over 12,400 festival-goers to the port of Mèze and the region’s iconic venues.
Flavia Coelho, Charlie Winston, Oxmo Puccino, Dub Inc, Zoufris Maracas and many other artists brought the evenings to life in an eco-friendly and friendly atmosphere. The electro open-air dance party gets the crowds dancing and creates unforgettable memories by the lagoon. An eclectic line-up that appeals to all audiences and all generations!
Thau Festival
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Traditions, totemic animals Lop Festum, Occitan festival in Loupian, Traditions, parade of totemic animals
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Every August, Mèze has been celebrating its traditional festival with the same enthusiasm for over 200 years! Six days of multi-generational festivities bring together locals and visitors alike to enjoy the legendary capelet, water sports, village dances, Mèze beef, sporting competitions and a variety of shows. This tradition embodies the friendly and festive spirit of the town. An authentic experience that immerses visitors in the local culture and Mediterranean spirit!
Mèze also comes alive with a range of other cultural events. The gardens of the Château de Girard host culinary and cultural events, whilst the Carré d’Art Louis-Jeanjean features regularly changing exhibitions. Every year, the town also celebrates St Patrick’s Day, the end of the grape harvest and the flower parade. A packed calendar that brings the town to life all year round and always promises wonderful discoveries!
The Estivales in Mèze
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Getting to Mèze and exploring the Thau Archipelago is a breeze thanks to the wide range of transport options available in 2025.
From May to September, a daily water bus service runs between Mèze and Sète, taking 35 minutes. Seven return trips a day allow you to reach the Pont de la Gare in Sète from the Quai Augustin Decournut in Mèze. With a capacity of 95 passengers, 70 of whom can be seated, this shuttle provides space for bicycles and pushchairs.
This picturesque crossing of the lagoon offers a unique opportunity to relax and an eco-friendly alternative to driving. The views over the Bassin de Thau, the oyster beds and the villages lining the lagoon are worth the trip in themselves.
The Sète Agglopôle Mobilité network serves the entire Thau basin, including Mèze, with regular services running seven days a week. The “Sète Agglopôle Mobilité ” mobile app lets you plan your route, locate stops and buy tickets in just a few clicks. Tickets are also available from drivers or at authorised sales points.
The network has recently been restructured with increased frequencies and Sunday services to make travel within the area easier. More information at mobilite.agglopole.fr.
The Thau Archipelago is expanding its network of safe cycle paths, providing easy access between the villages in the basin. The greenway that circles the lagoon offers miles of peaceful rides through vineyards, past the lagoon and through charming villages. The cycle path passes through Mèze and connects the town to Balaruc-le-Vieux and Bouzigues on one side, and Marseillan on the other.
Bicycle parking facilities are available at the main tourist sites. Combining the ferry service with cycling allows you to create unique discovery loops around the Thau basin. A gentle and eco-friendly way to explore the area!
