Where can you go for a walk in spring in the Thau Archipelago?

Looking for ideas for your Sunday strolls? The Thau Archipelago is the perfect destination for a breath of fresh air and to enjoy the mild temperatures of the south of France. That’s why we’ve put together a short list of places to explore – all you have to do is choose: a guided tour of the Bagnas nature reserve, a stroll along the Lido, birdwatching at the old salt marshes of Frontignan…

Published on 4 March 2026

The Lido A breath of fresh air between Sète and Marseillan

For this new idea for a ride, you’ll need a bike. Head to your garage or one of the bike hire shops in Sète or Marseillan before setting off along the sand dune ridge that separates the two seaside resorts – known as the Lido.

Over 12 kilometres, (re)discover the beaches of Sète (seven in total) or the one at the entrance to Marseillan. Don’t hesitate to stop off to try and catch a glimpse of the Corniche, the Castellas tower, the Saint-Louis pier or the Onglous lighthouse, before reaching your final destination: Marseillan-Plage, 50–80 minutes away (Easy), or Marseillan-Ville, 80–110 minutes away (Moderate).

My cycling holiday

The Pierres Blanches Forest: One of the most beautiful views of the Thau Archipelago

An unmissable stop in the Languedoc’s ‘Venice’, the Pierres Blanches Forest is THE place to appreciate the Thau Archipelago and its colours. Standing proudly on the slopes of Mont Saint-Clair, this 27-hectare pine forest can be explored via its signposted trail and numerous viewpoints overlooking the Thau lagoon, the salt marshes, the Mediterranean Sea and the Lido…

Along the way, you’ll even find a map showing Mont Canigou and the Pyrenees, visible only on clear days. But be warned, as they say round here, if they’re clearly visible, it’ll be bad weather in a few days’ time.

TIP

To find out more about the history of the site, download the free app created by the ONF and the town of Sète.

The Gardiole Massif: Where heritage meets nature

For this new idea, you’ll need to give your calves a bit of a workout! Whether on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback, the Gardiole massif is well worth the effort, as a breathtaking view of the Thau lagoon awaits you at the top, at an altitude of 234 metres. We recommend taking the Balcons de Thau walk (2½ hours / 7.5 km / Easy).

The Balcons de Thau Walk

Why not also take a detour to the Abbey of Saint-Félix de Montceau, a listed historic monument founded in the late 11th century, via the route known as ‘Around the Abbey’ (2 hours / 6.5 km / Easy) or the one called Saint-Félix-en-Gardiole (4½ hours / 14.5 km / Moderate)?

The former salt marshes of Frontignan: A birdwatcher’s paradise

Nestled between the hills of the Gardiole massif and the Ingril lake, the old salt marshes of Frontignan are the perfect place for a stroll if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. Before setting off, we recommend taking your binoculars so you don’t miss the many species of birds that nest there: white stilt, terns, flamingos, ducks…

Also designated a Natura 2000 site, this 230-hectare bird paradise also serves as a testament to history. Indeed, it is here that you’ll find the main traces (canals, old salt pans, salt works…) of Frontignan’s salt-making industry between the 1330s and 1968. Discover it via the route entitled “Ponds and Salt Marshes” (3½ hours / 15.5 km / Easy).

"Ponds and Salt Marshes" Walk

The Aresquiers Wood: Between ponds and pine forest

Just like a primeval forest, the Bois des Aresquiers is idyllic whatever the season! As soon as you set foot on its paths, particularly the Aresquiers walk (3 hours / 9 km / Easy), you find yourself immersed in a world of Aleppo pines, maritime pines, holm oaks, kermes oaks and a whole world of scents.

Along the way, you’ll find a few picnic tables where you can rest and even a capitelle. A little further on, the trees give way to the ponds of Vic-la-Gardiole and Ingril, where a host of bird species bask: cuckoos, storks, ducks, flamingos, warblers, owls, grey herons, little egrets… Keep your eyes peeled!

PLEASE NOTE: The Bois des Aresquiers should be avoided on windy days.

The Aresquiers Walk

The Bagnas Nature Reserve: Explore it on your own or with a guide

Spanning 561 hectares between Marseillan and Cap d’Agde, the Bagnas Nature Reserve has, over the years, become a paradise for both birds and nature lovers. Now a protected area, it can be explored through the stories of one of the guides at the Maison de la Nature, or independently for a touch more adventure.

For example, you can follow one of the five marked trails near Mont Saint-Loup, not far from the Onglous lighthouse, along the Maraval estate, via the Canal du Midi, or from the observation area bordering the road. Would you prefer to explore the flora and fauna of the Bagnas with a guide? Then why not try one of the many themed guided tours on offer, including: the Bagnas for children, wading in the lagoon, discovering the birds of the Bagnas, the world of insects…

INFORMATION: Due to the significant challenges involved in preserving animal and plant species and maintaining the integrity of the site’s natural habitats, access to the Bagnas Reserve is restricted.