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If you’re looking for your next French barge holiday destination and are not quite sure where to go, why not take a closer inspection of The Étang de Thau? Sometimes known as the Bassin de Thau, it is a salt water lagoon, 21km long and 8km wide and a wonderful place on which to enjoy a luxury barging holiday. Introducing The Étang de Thau The Fishing Most of the towns and villages here focus on fishing and seafood provision. The lagoon is open to the sea and is therefore well stocked with fish, such as bream and sea bass. The most economically important of the shellfish farmed here is the oyster, with more than 750 producers making their living from oyster farming. The waters of the Étang have a cleanliness grade of A, so the fish you sample here can be eaten within minutes of being caught. Rest assured that on a French barge holiday you will have plenty of opportunity to taste test! Apart from the sealife, the birdlife is prolific here too, with the most glamorous resident being the pink flamingo Town and Villages Balaruc-le-Vieux Located on the north eastern tip of the Étang, Balaruc-le-Vieux is a charming village surrounded by original ramparts. The quaint streets, the remains of the medieval castle, the fourteenth century church of St. Maurice and the buildings dating back to Louis XIII’s era beautifully combine Gothic and Romanesque styles. Balaruc-les-Bainsm Famous for its restorative spa waters, Balaruc-les-Bains is another historical gem. The remains of the Sanctuary of Neptune and the ancient Roman baths were only excavated in 1990, but today the town is known as the best spa town in France. The therapeutic waters are rich in calcium and magnesium and remain warm at around 34- 40°C, which is ideal for bathing. Étang de Thau This town, after which the lagoon is named, is another architectural treasure, with its main highlight being the chapel of Our Lady of the Water. This twelfth century masterpiece is built of limestone that contains seashells. Sète A pilgrimage site for fans of George Brassans (the famous French troubadour and singer), Sète has a laid back vibe and is a wonderful place to visit on a French barge holiday. Built around Mont St Clair, the town has several canals weaving through its centre. Originally built to house canal workers, it is now a town in its own right with its main canal lined with enticing restaurants (many named after George Brassan’s songs) and bustling bars. The fishing harbour is home to some speciality seafood eateries; if you get a chance to indulge, make sure you look out for the Tielle Sètoise, a small shortcrust pie with onions and chopped squid tentacles, or Seiches à la Rouille, which is cuttlefish in a spicy garlic sauce. Mèze Dating back to Phoenician times, Mèze once sat on the main route between Italy and Spain. With architecture heavily influenced by the Romans, the town (along with Bouzigues) is the oyster capital of the Étang de Thau. There are many other places worth a mention on the Étang de Thau, but hopefully this selection will inspire you to consider a French barge holiday in the area. Remember to book with a well known operator and you can look forward to a cruising trip that will offer you everything you hoped for and more. Author Plate Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive, luxury French barge holiday itineraries. Part of a team of experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.
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