All experiences

Do you have the soul of an adventurer? Or are you simply curious to discover another facet of nature? I'll take you for a walk in the old salt pans of Frontignan... By night! After registering at the Tourist Office (you can also register online), I meet in front of the Salle de l'Aire to join the group and especially Laurent, our guide from EID Méditerranée. We then take the cars to reach the starting point of the walk. It is about 8.30 pm, the night has not fallen yet which allows Laurent to explain us the course of the visit and especially to show us the various species of birds, but also of plants which live here.  We are amazed, on the left as on the right, many birds gravitate in the salt marshes. On one side a heron takes flight, on the other a flamingo nursery with...

Would you like to be closer to Mother Nature during your stay in Frontignan, to get away from the big tourist flows or simply to observe the typical fauna and flora of the Thau Archipelago? Then head for the old salt pans of Frontignan! A little history Shaped until 1968 by the salt industry, this succession of fresh and salt wetlands still shows traces of these three centuries of exploitation: canals, old salt tables... Today it has become a favourite place for fauna and flora, and it is also here that you can enjoy an unrestricted view of a hundred or so species of birds, in particular pink flamingos, white stilts, ducks, terns, etc., which have come to winter, to breed or simply to make a migratory stopover.  It is thanks to this rich fauna and flora that this 230-hectare ...

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 ...

The Gardiole massif is the ideal place to discover several landscapes thanks to small friendly hikes! The Mediterranean, the vineyards or the garrigue, everything is there!   Here we go! I start by parking in the Nicola Karabatic gym car park before getting straight to the heart of the matter. Yes, it's a hard climb to the top of Pioch Michel (about 150 meters of difference in altitude). So, I advise you to take good shoes, water and a cap in the middle of summer.On the way, and more precisely next to the sports course, I discover a grandiose panorama! In front of me stretches a sea of green scrubland preceded by the azure blue of the Mediterranean! I stop for a moment to immortalize the moment before continuing on a small ridge. On one side, I enjoy the view on the sea and o...

In the Thau Archipelago, there are two ways to eat with your feet in the water: one, facing the lagoon, around a shellfish tasting, the other, facing the sea, in a straw hut. I've been told about both of these local experiences, and I wonder which I'll prefer... Act 1: Shellfish tasting in front of the lagoon Here I am! Here I am at last between Bouzigues and Loupian, the view is breathtaking: the glittering blue of the water and the oyster beds as far as the eye can see... I can even see Sète and its famous Mont Saint-Clair in the distance. Producers offering to taste mussels and oysters from the lagoon, that's not what is missing here! I choose a producer with a singing accent, whose place of production has been tastefully fitted out for tasting. I am warmly welcom...

By Ludivine - June 2019 Located under the halles just behind the town hall, Frontignan's market remains a must-see place to stock up on local produce. It's Saturday morning and we start our Mediterranean holiday with a trip to the market in the heart of the seaside resort. Strolling around the covered market We start by strolling around the covered market where many stalls are set up in front of the halls. There are a few fairground vendors and craftsmen unpacking all sorts of goods, from wicker baskets to brightly coloured scarves and small manufactured goods. As we approach the halls, we are attracted by the scent of Mediterranean spices: oregano, basil, cinnamon, coriander and Provençal herbs... I can't resist these beautiful black olives in marinade which will be ...

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...

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...

"- 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...

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 ...

This morning, direction Frontignan-Plage for a walk along the ponds to contemplate the ballet of the birds. I learned at the Tourist Office that many species gravitate there all year round (more than 130) and that the spectacle is breathtaking, especially in spring, during the migratory period. The best time to go is early in the morning at sunrise, when the colours on the pond and the shadows of the flamingos will immerse you in a special atmosphere. But first of all, what is birdwatching? It is a new tourist activity that comes from our English neighbours who are very fond of nature, fauna and flora. In France, we call it "birdwatching". It's a photographic hike, which will also delight those who love beautiful pictures. I've been doing it for a few years now and I'm kind ...

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...

A 7-kilometre long strip of sand bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and almost 320 days of sunshine a year, that's the setting that awaits you in Frontignan-Plage. The seaside resort even has one of the major assets of the Thau Archipelago: a transparent beach that is almost deserted... So many reasons to go to this charming town! The Lido beaches Situated to the north-east of Sète, the seaside resort benefits from an exceptional geographical situation between the sea, ponds and garrigues and offers as many beautiful sandy and pebble beaches on either side of the marina, which have been awarded the Blue Flag for over 25 years. You can choose between Port Ouest, Port Est, Les Plaisanciers, Le Grau, La Bergerie, l'Entrée or the Aresquiers beach.The Aresquiers beach An a...

Since our arrival in Frontignan, we have taken advantage of the holidays to wander through the garrigue and the old salt pans. Now it's time to discover the seaside activities! The nautical centre offers paddle Pilates and paddle fitness classes. So I took the opportunity to try this first activity. What is Pilates? The appointment is made on a Thursday morning for a one hour session with the nautical centre of Frontignan. But before telling you about this discovery, let's go back to the concept of Pilates. Founded in 1920 by Joseph Pilates in New York, the Pilates method is a discipline that aims to strengthen the deep muscles responsible for posture. Pilates is a kind of physical training method that is inspired by yoga, dance and gentle gymnastics. The two key words in ...

Do you like escape games? Then try the investigation game! Are you ready for an adventure? No need to go far, the historic heart of Frontignan awaits you! I leave the Tourist Office, Marion and Julie have given me a mysterious case. Here we go, the game can start! There are objects inside, a booklet with explanations and a leaflet with photos of potential culprits! My children are intrigued, my husband too. I thought to myself: "As I'm from Frontignan, it's not going to be fun, I know my town! In fact, it was just the opposite! We had to think, to use logic, we found ourselves in front of facades or monuments saying to ourselves, "I hadn't paid attention to that before". We had to solve riddles, decipher codes and all this not like in an escape game, locked in a room or two,...

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 ...

My wife Martine, my two children Hugo and Chloé, and myself, decided to go on holiday this summer to Frontignan. During the holidays, the water sports centre offers activities for young and old. The only rule is to know how to swim. We are reassured to see them go with qualified instructors. You can do Stand up Paddle, Yoga Paddle, windsurfing, sailing, diving, canoeing. Not easy to choose. We signed up our son for a week's canoeing course and our daughter for an Optimist course. The children were delighted, they were well supervised and discovered the pleasure of group activities. They felt empowered and as a bonus, they had a great time! The team that welcomed us was professional and friendly! It is certain that children and parents will be delighted to participate! Every...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

By Pauline - May 2019 This morning it's Saturday, market day, and we're heading to the Halles de Frontignan. I stroll through the alleys of the city centre, caught by the good smells of the different stalls. Sweet, salty, food or drink, you can find everything you need to prepare a good meal. I stop at a farmer's stall and decide to buy a nice rabbit for my family meal the next day. I am not a cook and ask the shopkeeper for advice on how to cook the rabbit. A connoisseur and proud of his region, he suggests marinating my meat in the local muscatel. I take out a paper, a pencil and note down his precious advice before continuing my search for the ingredients of this famous recipe. I end my quest with the essential ingredient: the famous Muscat de Frontignan! A bottle reco...

With 25 kilometres of fine sandy beaches, you are bound to find the ideal beach for you in the Thau Archipelago! ACCESSIBLE  THE BEACH FOR ALL All the seaside towns in the Thau Archipelago have beaches with walkways and Tiralos® (wheelchairs available at the lifeguard posts) adapted for bathing for people with motor disabilities, but only the beach at Balaruc-les-Bains has the Audioplage® system, which allows people with visual impairments to swim freely, independently and in optimum safety conditions. Balaruc-les-Bains is also one of the few French towns to have been awarded the national Destination for All label, recognising the spa's commitment to overall accessibility for people with disabilities. FAMILY NEVER WITHOUT MY CLANS  There is no shortage of family be...

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 ...