All experiences
Are you on holiday in Frontignan, Mireval and Vic-la-Gardiole? Prepare yourself for unforgettable experiences!
Tasting Muscat wine in the vineyards, visiting wine cellars, going back to nature in the Aresquiers woods, sunbathing on the seafront, pilate paddle, a family bike ride, an escape game in the streets of the town centre... Get ready for a thousand and one experiences, all of them unique, in Frontignan as well as in Mireval and Vic-la-Gardiole!
By Ludivine - July 2021
This summer, Frontignan is celebrating its Muscat wine in several events. As I am not from the region, the tourist office advised me to take part in the Musc'Halles to discover the local terroir. What is the Musc'Halles? An oenology workshop lasting about half an hour organised around the Halles during the traditional Thursday market.
Several slots are offered from 10am to 1pm. I personally booked for the one at 11:30. When I arrived at the Halles de Frontignan, I found the stand just behind it, which I could spot thanks to its barrels and its yellow banner.
I am welcomed by Valérie from the Tourist Office who introduces me to our oenologist, Didier Duquenoy, and invites me to sit around a barrel. It's rather convivial, there are 3 of us per bar...
By Marie - July 2019
During our summer holidays in Frontignan, we go for an initiation to scuba diving on the plateau of Aresquiers. The "Baptême duo" formula proposed by the diving centre is an excellent opportunity to get into the water!
Meeting at the club Plongée Passion on the port of Frontignan
On this Wednesday in July, we meet in the early afternoon at the diving centre located on the east bank of the port of Frontignan. We are welcomed by Pierre and Stéphanie who will be our instructors for this first scuba dive at a depth of 6 meters.
Although I was very enthusiastic about the idea of discovering the underwater world of the Mediterranean Sea, I must admit that I was a bit stressed. But the team of instructors quickly put me at ease and I listen carefully...
By Paul - July 2019
My holidays are starting, and starting well in fact! I take the beautiful road between Vic-la-Gardiole and Frontignan-plage, it disconnects me directly. All around me: ponds, the Mediterranean, pink flamingos... A beautiful discovery!
Direction the marina. I stop at the Tourist Office to know the good plans of the inhabitants. Where to eat? Where to have a drink? And where to find a nice place to buy and read a good book?
I am not disappointed, Johanne tells me that in July and August there is a beach library and assures me that it is quiet. I'm intrigued and why not! I put on my swimming costume and went to read by the sea.
I walk along the sailboats and other motorboats, towards the beach of the municipal nautical centre (west port beach). There's ...
Walks in the salt marshes or in the heart of the garrigue, observation of insects and birds, visits to vineyards... These are all experiences that the Tourist Office offers you during a "Nature outing".
Discovery of emblematic places
Whether you are a connoisseur of the wilderness that makes up the Thau Archipelago or an initiate, each "Nature outing" is a great opportunity for you to learn more about the history, fauna and flora that make up the archipelago.
We invite you to meet us near the Occitan villages of Balaruc-les-Bains, Frontignan and Loupian to (re)discover the terraces of the Gardiole, the old salt marshes, the Aresquiers wood, the abbey of Saint-Félix, the gulf of Aigues-Mortes...
So, open your eyes wide so as not to miss anything of the landscapes of the ...
See you in 2024 to vibrate to the same rhythm in the Thau Archipelago! On the programme of this top (non-exhaustive) list of festivals: music, art, good local produce, a little reading and poetry...
K-Live (early June)
Each year, by leaving their mark on the walls of the city, they enrich the Musée à Ciel Ouvert (MACO) in Sète, which offers an artistic and picturesque stroll all year round, dotted with mural works. But the highlight of the K-Live Festival remains the beginning of June, when urban arts, visual arts and contemporary music concerts converge in the streets of the city centre and in the famous Théâtre de la mer.
When I think of Fernande (end of June)
When you think of Fernande, you actually think of the most gently impertinent festival in Sète. A real n...
What better way to (re)discover the Thau Archipelago, its towns and monuments through a treasure hunt during your family holiday? This is the experience you can have in Sète, Villeveyrac, Frontignan-Plage or Balaruc-les-Bains. Don't wait any longer!
Barberoussette: the treasure hunt for young and old (Sète)
According to legend, the famous pirate Barberoussette was active in the maritime city at the end of the 16th century and hid his treasure there. Even today, many adventurers have tried to find it... Without success! Fortunately for you, the pirate left several pieces of the map that allow you to find his riches in Sète.
But before you can hope to find them all, you will have to solve several riddles related to the monuments and history of Sète. Go to the tour...
Festive meals are the ideal occasion to sublimate the riches of our land.
Advice, recipe ideas, here are our top 5 local products to have on your table at the end of the year!
1 - Oysters from the Thau basin
Their iodine perfume and their characteristic nutty taste make us melt all year round, but it is in the heart of winter that they are at their best. Produced in Bouzigues, Mèze and Marseillan, Thau oysters are an essential part of our festive meals, let's face it!
Raw, they go very well with a simple lemon juice, but can also be eaten with a shallot sauce or with a dash of balsamic vinegar, olive oil and a turn of the pepper mill. Gratinated, they go wonderfully well with parsley butter, but also with a white wine or leek-based sauce.
Don't hesitate to ask ...
Oh no, it's raining! Don't panic, whether you are with adults or with your family, we suggest 10 activities to do on the rare days when it rains in the Thau Archipelago.
1 - Let's go to the movies?
Comfortably installed in your seat, with a packet of popcorn in your hand, enjoy the latest films in one of the two cinemas in Sète, the Comoedia and the Palace, at the Taurus in Mèze or the CinéMistral in Frontignan. Block-busters, art house films, screenings for young audiences, you're bound to find something to suit you! In autumn and spring, screenings are also organised every Sunday afternoon at the Piano-Tiroir cultural centre in Balaruc-les-Bains.
2 - Take advantage of the opportunity to learn something new!
In Sète, culture is king and can also ...
Between vine cultivation and natural areas as far as the eye can see, Frontignan is full of treasures to discover during your stay: the municipal museum of Frontignan; the old salt marshes... To help you with your programme, we've put together a list of the must-sees with a little bonus!
Frontignan
There is the Lido of Paris and, in a slightly more natural genre, but just as surprising, the lido of Frontignan, this sublime strip of land which separates the sea from the ponds, which you will love to cycle around. We warn you right away: underwater adventurers will not be able to resist a little diving, and then rest on its 7 km of beaches.
In Frontignan, you can also explore the splendid muscatel vineyards and fill your lungs with the fresh air and the delicate scent of Aleppo ...
Summer is shaping up to be beautiful, hot and long... the perfect recipe for a lovely evening with friends or family. But what about spicing things up with an unusual experience at sunset? That's what we've come up with in this top list of things to do at dusk!
Kayakmed
We're off to a great start with a sea kayaking excursion on the Bassin de Thau. But before you take to the water with your paddle, let your instructor tell you what's in store for you on this tour with the evocative name "Sun Sète" (6-9pm). Once you've been introduced to the water, you can finally head off in the direction of Les Thocs, a real lagoon in Languedoc. It's here that you can watch the sunset while sipping a glass of local Muscat. Find out more here.
A little extra: Kayakmed has been awarded ...
Having an aperitif on the terrace. What else but the symbol of the Mediterranean art of living?
Are you looking for a place to enjoy a good drink on a terrace in the Thau Archipelago? Look no further, we have listed them for you!
In Sète
The Sky bar of the Imperial Hotel
Get ready to take to the skies, we're taking you to a rooftop! The panoramic terrace of the cocktail bar at the Hôtel*** Impérial offers a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea, the Etang de Thau and the Mont Saint-Clair, which you can admire from the comfort of a sofa or deckchair. On the agenda: a chic and relaxed atmosphere, with your head in the stars...
The little extra: during the day, in the shade of a parasol, you can also taste delicious ice creams. The bar - patio of t...
Famous for its Muscat wine, Frontignan knows how to celebrate its nectar with dignity, but not only that... Meet up throughout the summer to discover its traditions: Fête de la Mer, Fête du Port de plaisance, Joutes... Or even take a break from reading during the FiRN.
International Festival of Noir Novels
If you are looking for your next book list for your holiday in the Thau Archipelago, go to Frontignan at the end of June to attend the International Festival of Noir Novels or more commonly known as the FiRN.
It is on this occasion that some forty authors, French and foreign, great names or emerging talents, meet to present their works from literature to comics.
During these few days, round tables, exhibitions, readings, film screenings, live shows and festive bl...
A unique paddle trip with tasting.
I wanted to do a different water activity, something out of the ordinary. I was told about something, I was told "Why don't you try the Paddle Muscat in Frontignan?
Ok, I jump at the chance. I call Jean Christophe from Tiki Center. He tells me there's room for the 19th of July and that he'll reserve a paddle for me, but that I have to pay at the Tourist Office shop. That's fine. I meet again at 7pm, 12 people on the parking of the roundabout of the windsurfers of Frontignan-Plage.After a short course on land and JC's explanation about the fragile sea bed, we can sail. We leave for an hour and a half of paddle on the Ingril pond. We sail calmly towards the canal of the Rhône à Sète, there is not too much wind, it's nice.
I still find...
Looking for an idea for your Sunday walks despite the winter? The Archipelago of Thau is the place to go to get some fresh air and enjoy the mild temperatures of southern France. That's why we've put together a short list of places to go for a walk, so all you have to do is make your choice: a guided tour of the Bagnas reserve, an iodine bowl along the Lido, birdwatching at the old salt pans of Frontignan...
The Bagnas reserve: To be discovered freely or with a guide
Situated on 561 hectares between Marseillan and Cap d'Agde, the Bagnas reserve has become over the years a paradise for birds and nature lovers alike. Now protected, it can be discovered through the anecdotes of one of the guides of the Maison de la Nature or freely for a little more adventure.
You can, for...
If you would like to immerse yourself in the traditions and culture of the Thau Archipelago, we look forward to seeing you in 2024 to experience or relive the highlights of our Destination, whatever your desires: gastronomy, history, jousting...
The Oursinade (mid-March)
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.
Time in the lagoon (mid-May to mid-June)
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 ...
No matter which destination you have chosen for your holiday in the Thau archipelago, we invite you to take advantage of these few days to get away from it all and discover the 14 communes that make up our destination.
You can also find more information in our magazine.
Balaruc-le-Vieux
Set on a hillock, the village dominates the creek of the corner with a view on the lagoon. A medieval village wrapped in its ramparts, which magnifies the past. We love to get lost in its narrow streets.
Discover Balaruc-le-Vieux
Balaruc-les-Bains
The first spa in France, Louis Bonaparte already came here for a cure in the 19th century! People come here to enjoy the benefits of its thermal waters, but also to stroll through the flowery alleys of the Mediterranean Ant...
"- Hi everyone, ready for this little mountain bike trip off the beaten track?
- Hi Paulo, what's up? We're ready for this ride, what have you planned for us?
- Well listen, today I'm not proposing the Gardiole, but rather a "quiet ride with beautiful landscapes". If you like, we'll start by taking the Chemin des Pielles over there, on that stony road, and go along the rails to enter the old salt marshes of Frontignan.
- Perfect, I can't wait to get off the asphalt!
On the programme for this ride: very little downhill, flat, no steep climbs, but breathtaking landscapes and above all, paths between the ponds, the Aresquiers wood and the Mediterranean. Without a sound, we arrive in the heart of the salt flats. We walk through wild spaces, little frequented. We watch t...
Mireval and Vic-la-Gardiole are full of treasures to discover during your stay: the Aresquiers wood; the Aresquiers beach; the Belle Dame estate... To help you with your programme, we've put together a list of must-sees with a little bonus!
For a prestigious and luxurious stay, the Archipelago of Thau is the place to go for your next holiday. Here, you can expect a thousand and one top-of-the-range experiences in beautiful accommodation, restaurants....
The Miramar villa
Facing the Mediterranean, with its back to the Thau basin, this is the setting that awaits you at the Villa Miramar!
Located in Frontignan, this exceptional guest house, with its 5 "épis" rating from the Gîtes de France, offers four rooms and an unusual cabin, all of which open onto the sea, as well as numerous services and facilities that will make your prestigious stay unforgettable.
You can, for example, take advantage of the 17-metre long heated infinity pool to take a dip before enjoying your cocktail on the immersed terrace, o...
The ideal place for a nature break, Frontignan will give you a new lease of life!
We booked for our weekend a bed and breakfast in the district of Frontignan-Plage. Welcomed in this pretty flat by the sea, we enjoy an evening picnic on the sand.Waking up to the sound of the waves
We have seen that sports classes are offered on the beach. So we will enjoy a yoga session to start the day. Then, we go to a beach restaurant, it's the opportunity to eat fresh fish!
From there, we rent bikes, we were told about the Muscat festival, and we intend to discover this wine of grape variety "muscat petits grains" which makes the reputation of the city. We head for the city centre to discover this famous Muscat as well as the other wines of the area. We take our tasting tickets and o...
The unmissable Muscat de Frontignan in a cocktail version!
Summer means heat and therefore aperitif on the terrace accompanied by the inevitable glass of Muscat Frontignan.
Would you like to innovate a little? To add a little freshness? Without spoiling our good summer wine? I suggest you try a cocktail recipe: the Muscat- Spritz, ideal to face the hot temperatures of the Thau Lagoon.
A little advice for a good Muscat tasting:
It is usually drunk chilled as an aperitif, as an accompaniment to a dish or starter (especially spicy meats such as duck breast or foie gras), but also as a dessert with fruit or cheese. You should know that it keeps very well for several months, even when opened, in the refrigerator.Recipe for "Muscat Spritz
Perfect for an aperitif with ...
From the foothills of the Gardiole to the shores of the Thau lagoon, here more than anywhere else the vineyards reflect their past. Sun-drenched clay-limestone soils, a combination of wind and a favourable micro-climate, this was all it took for the Etruscans, Greeks and Romans to invest in this terroir and plant vines here. Two millennia later, one of the oldest vineyards in France continues its wine odyssey.
A long maturation
Sète was still an uninhabited mountain when, in 1666, Louis XIV ordered the construction of a port to facilitate the export of wine throughout Europe. The area produced mainly white wine. Until then, vines had been confined to the plateaux, but they were soon planted on the plains and ended up producing high yields of poor quality wine: a red wave ...
By Valerie - May 2019
For a change from the beach, I suggested to my children an unusual visit offered by the Tourist Office: the old salt pans. I registered us on their website, paid online directly via the ticket office and received my tickets on my smartphone.
On the day of the walk, we are provided with a cap, water bottle and camera. The guide waits for us on the car park of the Salle de l'Aire, with the other registered participants, to take us to the starting point. There, information and explanations are given on an information board.
We start the walk and Laurent already stops, putting his binocular on the ground: there is a group of pink flamingos with their young, which are grey, so we observe them and take pictures, it is great! We start walking again, the next ...
An "Emmuscade", don't look up the definition in the dictionary, this word doesn't exist. But it smells of grapes, it makes us hear the cicadas and take out the sunglasses to admire the view without being dazzled!So I was intrigued by this word, I searched for it on Google and came across the link to the Office de Tourisme website. What I understand: cinema in the vineyards, muscatel wine tasting and conviviality. My curiosity is "exacerbated and pushes me" to participate.
I invite Christel, Fanny and Amélie, my three best friends. We arrive at the heart of a wine estate. At the entrance, we are given a tasting ticket for a glass of muscatel wine and another for a tray of mussels cooked on a wood fire.The garlands are hung, the tables and benches installed for conviviality. T...