A colorful resort, built on the flat land on the beautiful Bassin de Thau, is a pleasure to visit either for water sports or for therapeutic needs. This is the third most visited spa in France, where many are happy to be basted with a mixture of sea mud and chlorinated sodium potent spa water, - which apparently has been proved to aide the treatment of bone disorders and rheumatism. For those seeking the age old cure of beautiful vistas, a visit to the old town of Balaruc-le-Vieux is worthwhile for its intrinsic Languedoc architecture. (back to map)

For lovers of oysters and mussels, which are cooked to perfection in Languedoc, Bouzigues, a pretty village nestling on the Bassin de Thau, offers a glorious sight. Visit the museum of the Étang de Thau, on the quay of the harbour. The museum offers an insight into the fishing industry and the mussel and oyster farms that are so much part of the landscape here. Find more information on the Around Town Page. (back to map)

Another center for the mussel and oyster industry Mèze has an aquaculture research center called the station de lagunage, with information, films, photographs, and displays. The town streets are picturesque around the harbour and are busy in the height of Summer. Check out the Chapelle des Pénitents a 12th Century Romanesque church near the shore and the many excelent restaurants located around the Port. Markets are held in the town's two squares on Thursdays and Sundays. The beaches are a great place to relax in the spring and summer months. Like Sete and Marseillan, Mèze has the local tradition of boat jousting in the month of August. (back to map)

This charming village, founded by a wandering fisherman from Marseille in the 6th century AD, is a busy port attracting tourists and fishermen alike. Close by is the famed Caves of Noilly-Prat, which is well worth a visit. Marseillan Plage is located on the coast, a few miles from the old town, and provides the town with golden beaches and the venue for the August boat jousting contests. (back to map)

Particularly fascinating in this Venice of Languedoc is the boat jousting that dates back to 1666, which can be seen in all its flamboyance on August 25 (St Louis's Day). Another festival connected to the sea is the festival of St Peter, where the patron saint of fishermen is carried aboard a boat and adorned with flowers, that are later sprinkled over the water. Sète is the perfect place to visit at any time of the year - as it is always busy with fishing boats, and people wandering its many picturesque streets. If you want somewhere to go to eat fish - this is the place for you. After dinner walks are pleasantly rewarded by panoramic views from Mont St Clair of sea and the glorious landscape of Languedoc, evoking memories of two of Sète's sons - Paul Valéry (visit the museum named after him) and Georges Brassens (museum - Espace Brassens). (back to map)

Dating back 2,500 years, this town is dominated by the fortress church of Cathedral St Étienne, built in black lava rock, and standing next to the broad river l'Herault. here along and up from the riverfront are many good restaurants and the town hosts a good market all year round. Visit the local museum Musée Agathois, which is in the midst of colorful narrow streets, for an interesting collection of local history. (back to map)

This seaside resort is a magnet for sunlovers - particularly naturists - creating one of the largest nudists resorts in the world with everything one needs from supermarkets, restaurants, bars, stores, and an exotic nightlife. The Cap also boasts 8 marinas, catering for an inexhaustable mix of boats, as well as a museum for underwater archaeology - Musée d'Éthèbe and a water fun world called Aqualand catering for the young at heart. (back to map)