Tour of the Étang de Thau

Start your ride in Sète through the charming Pointe Courte neighborhood—fishermen’s huts, colorful boats, and nets hung to dry set the tone for this gentle adventure. Ride along the calm shores of the lagoon with a light heart, reaching Balaruc-les-Bains, a well-known thermal spa town. Its Mediterranean Antiquity Garden is a peaceful spot for a break among cypress trees and laurel.

A bit further, the circular village of Balaruc-le-Vieux offers sweeping views over the Crique de l’Angle, framed by the oyster farms of Bouzigues. Glide down an old railway converted into a greenway, and arrive in Bouzigues—the oyster capital of the lagoon. Stop here to taste oysters and mussels or visit the Étang de Thau Museum.

A few more turns of the wheel take you to Loupian, known for its Gallo-Roman villa and remarkable mosaics. Here, vines and history meet. With luck, you might spot a few pink flamingos as you roll into Mèze—a lively port town with the soul of a fishing village.

The ride continues to Pinet, birthplace of the crisp Picpoul de Pinet wine. If your panniers allow, stop at Domaine Gaujal and slip in a bottle to enjoy later. Ride between vineyards and the lagoon until you reach Marseillan, where the Canal du Midi meets the Étang de Thau. Its small port, shell-covered château, and laid-back atmosphere invite you to slow down.

Finish your loop along the Lido Greenway, with the Mediterranean on one side and the lagoon on the other, leading you back to Sète. A swim, a drink on a sunny terrace, a nap on the sand—this day is full of nature, heritage, and simple pleasures.