The 2023 highlights of the Thau Archipelago

Every year in Sète, the Oursinade, a large open-air guinguette, attracts visitors who come to taste the best that the Thau Basin has to offer: sea urchins, but also oysters, mussels, tielles and other gastronomic and wine-making delights of the region.

This is a new event during which artists, scientists, shellfish farmers, fishermen, wine growers and inhabitants share their views on the Thau lagoon. Meetings, debates, shows and workshops will give pride of place to this small inland sea. Events in Mèze, Sète, Frontignan, Balaruc-les-Bains, Balaruc-le-Vieux, Bouzigues, Loupian and Marseillan.

By accompanying the fishermen during this fervent procession, come and feel the feeling of communion that takes hold of the public gathered in homage to Saint Peter, around the Old Port and the Marine district in Sète or in Mèze and Bouzigues.

Marseillan, Loupian, Montbazin, Frontignan, Bouzigues, Mèze, Mireval, Balaruc-les-Bains, Sète... One date = one town to taste wines and local products! Les Estivales de Thau, it is, every Thursday, a warm atmosphere favourable to greediness: tielles, shells, cakes, chocolates, ice cream... You will be spoilt for choice and will only want to come back the following week.

Ha, there's nothing like a movie-muscade session to relax! The concept, as you will have understood, is to enjoy an open-air cinema while sipping a small glass of wine, all within one of the wine-producing domains of Frontignan. However, film lovers will not take their seats without first enjoying a braised mussel dish. The session starts at sunset.

Hear ye, hear ye, happy onlookers of Balaruc-le-Vieux, come and attend the summer festivities! Medieval and craft market, knights' fights, initiations to disappeared trades... And even the marriage of the beggars! A return to the Middle Ages that ends in fire.

Come to Loupian for a journey through time to discover Roman antiquity. These days, designed to share moments with the family, are a fun introduction to this fascinating period in our common history.

A major summer event in Bouzigues, Mèze and Marseillan, the Oyster Festival is a reminder that these three pearls of the Etang de Thau are a major oyster farming centre in the lagoon, and even in France. 20,000 people flock to enjoy the celebrations (tastings, animations, shows...).

This is the biggest event of the year and it sets the pace for the life of all Sétois. Let's face it, the Saint Louis festivities have a wild atmosphere, which is maintained by street shows, workshops, a cycle race, bodegas and the famous jousting tournaments! All this under the benevolent gaze of Louis, the town's patron saint, who has been celebrated every year since the creation of the port in 1666.

It's a festival. It is popular. It's joyful. In the end, it's a beautiful tribute to our friend Brassens, held every autumn, during the anniversary season of the birth and death of France's most famous Georges. The event, which is totally free of charge, is entirely dedicated to his songs, which are played and sung by more than 100 artists, in various languages and musical styles.

Market of local producers and craftsmen, local products on one side, cultural and festive animations on the other. To get through the day's attractions, follow the queen of the day, the eel... Which you will taste marbled, in bourride, smoked on toast or even Provençal style. To accompany all this, wine tasting tickets are available.

It's a festival. It is popular. It's joyful. In the end, it's a beautiful tribute to our friend Brassens, held every autumn, during the anniversary season of the birth and death of France's most famous Georges. The event, which is totally free of charge, is entirely dedicated to his songs, which are played and sung by more than 100 artists, in various languages and musical styles.

Come to Escale à Sète and take in this exceptional event, which brings together some of the most beautiful ships in the world every two years around Easter, on which you will even have the opportunity to climb aboard! Internationally renowned, the event is also an excellent excuse to extend the discovery of the priceless maritime heritage of the Thau Archipelago.