Etang du Thau

The Etang de Thau is a large lagooon, separated from the Mediterranean by a long bank of raised sand. It's the largest of the lagoons along the Languedoc coast. The Mediterranean sea can be reached from the Etang at Marseillan and Sete. The Canal du Midi enters the etang at Marseillan.

It's created some important industry for the region and its towns - the supply of oysters and mussels all along the coast. It's natural therefore that the region proliferates with seafood restaurants -both Sete and Bouzigues are highly regarded.

The region is popular with nature lovers - there are many unusual bird species that inhabit the Etang de Thau. It is also popular with sailing schools and other water activity lovers such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Many activities are followed by visitors to the region, including beaches and water based sports, walking and cycling, following local wine routes, taking barge trips along the Canal du Midi, and exploring the attractive towns.



The towns of Bouzigues, Loupian, Meze and Balaruc-le-Vieux are around the northern end of the lake, and Marseillan and Marseillan Plage at the southern end.

Pézenas is less than 20km from Meze on the Montagnac road.