The treasures of the Thau archipelago
The Thau Archipelago is a beautiful region located on the southern coast of France, in the Hérault region. This region is famous for its oyster and mussel production, as well as for its picturesque landscapes, sandy beaches and traditional villages. Here are the 4 treasures you can find when visiting this archipelago !
1. The oysters
The Thau archipelago is known for its delicious oysters, which are farmed in the Thau Lagoon. Bouzigues oysters, in particular, are famous for their iodized taste and fleshy texture.
These oysters are raised in oyster beds in a lagoon that benefits from an exceptional water quality and a preserved ecosystem. The oysters are fed by the natural plankton of the lagoon, which gives them a unique flavor.
It is possible to taste fresh oysters on the spot, in small beach restaurants or at local producers. Oysters are often accompanied by a glass of dry white wine, such as Picpoul de Pinet, which is produced in the region.
On the event side, the Oyster Festival is organized every year. During this event, you can discover the different varieties of oysters of the region and taste oyster-based dishes, such as the famous tielle sétoise.
2. Fishing
The archipelago is a destination of choice for fishing enthusiasts. Indeed, the Thau lagoon, the largest in Languedoc-Roussillon, offers ideal conditions for sea fishing.
Fishermen can find a wide variety of fish, such as bass, sea bream, red mullet, sea bass, sole, sea bream and many others. In addition, the lagoon is also known for its shellfish, especially oysters and mussels, which are raised on the oyster beds located in the lagoon.
It is possible to practice sea fishing from the beaches of the Thau archipelago, but also by boat or kayak to explore the different fishing sites of the lagoon. However, it is important to respect the local fishing rules and not to disturb the fragile ecosystem of the lagoon.
3. Culinary Specialtiesc
In addition to the Bouzigues oysters we mentioned earlier, other culinary specialties of the archipelago highlight the sea products and local products.
Here are some of them:
The tielle sétoise: This is a pie made with octopus, tomatoes and spices, originating from the city of Sète, which is near the Thau archipelago. It is often eaten as a starter or main course.
Stuffed mussels: Stuffed mussels are a specialty of the region, which consists of stuffing mussels with a mixture of bread, garlic, parsley, tomatoes and grated cheese.
Cuttlefish à la sétoise: Cuttlefish à la sétoise are cuttlefish cooked in a tomato sauce, with onions, garlic and spices.
4. The vineyard
The vineyard produces dry white wines from the local grape variety, Picpoul de Pinet. The vineyards of the Thau archipelago cover approximately 2,500 hectares and are located mainly on south-facing slopes, thus benefiting from a Mediterranean climate that is conducive to viticulture.
The wines produced in this region have a nice freshness and acidity, which makes them particularly pleasant to taste in summer. In addition, the vineyards of the Thau archipelago offer magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea and the ponds that surround the region, which makes a visit to these vineyards very enjoyable.
