Discover Marseillan: Lagoon, Culture and Nature

Discover Marseillan through its water, nature and cultural heritage. It also has a long vermouth-making tradition and a way of life shaped by the Thau Lagoon. Which aspects you focus on depends on whether you prefer observing landscapes, discovering cultural sites or learning about wine and regional products.

Lagoon and protected nature

The Canal du Midi ends at Pointe des Onglous, where its waters meet the Thau Lagoon. Here, the canal’s endpoint and the lagoon come together at a clearly defined location. The Bagnas adds a protected coastal wetland between Cap d’Agde and Marseillan-Plage to this waterside landscape. Its habitats include lagoons, sansouires and salt marshes.

A free Bagnas observation point is located on the D 51 between Marseillan-Plage and Marseillan-Village. Visits to the nature reserve are offered as guided tours by reservation and as part of nature events. If you are planning a visit, check the event dates and reservation options in advance.

Cultural heritage in the town centre

The Ligne Bleue is an urban cultural walk where you can discover Marseillan’s heritage. In the town centre, the route links 14 notable heritage sites. It offers a practical way to explore the town’s culture: rather than focusing on just one building, the walk takes you to several named locations. The Théâtre Henri Maurin is one of the last Italian-style theatres in the Hérault department.

The Théâtre Henri Maurin offers one free performance for young audiences and two performances for the general public each month. As the programme may change, it is worth checking the latest dates before your visit. The Fête de la Saint-Pierre is also part of Marseillan’s recurring cultural life: it takes place every year and commemorates the women and men who devoted their lives to the sea. The dates for each year’s event are essential for planning.

Water activities and cycling

Sailing, kayaking and fishing are enjoyed on the Thau Lagoon near Marseillan. Another way to discover the lagoon is on the Étoile de Thau IV’s guided boat trips. The boat departs from Quai Antonin Gros in the port of Marseillan-Ville. If you are planning a trip, check the departure dates in advance.

For a cycling trip, the Voie verte du Lido is another option: it connects with the cycle route from Marseillan-Plage, allowing you to continue towards Pointe des Onglous and Marseillan-Ville. Route details may change, so check them before setting off. The activities mentioned offer quite different experiences: you can explore the lagoon from the water or choose a cycling route towards the two destinations named above.

Vermouth, wine and tradition by the lagoon

Fishing and shellfish farming are traditional activities on the Thau Lagoon near Marseillan. Almost 200 oyster farmers from Marseillan preserve the know-how passed down through generations. The lagoon therefore shapes not only the landscape but also a local craft tradition that continues through oyster farming.

La Maison Noilly Prat offers a guided tour of its vermouth-making facilities, which have been operating for two centuries. The tour includes access to the brand museum and a tasting of the vermouth collection. The Explorer tour includes access to the cooperage and tastings of aged wines and mistelles. A Spritz workshop combines a guided tasting with professional instruction in how to make your own Spritz. Booking details for tours and availability for workshops may change; check this information in advance.

Wine is also part of what’s on offer locally: Caves Richemer is a coastal wine cooperative specialising in white and rosé wines. The Caves Richemer Cave de la Plage serves sharing platters on its terrace, which you can enjoy with a glass of Richemer wine. There are several ways to enjoy what’s on offer: tour a vermouth-making facility, take part in tastings or share a meal with wine on the terrace.

Discover more destinations: Castelnau-De-Guers, Magalas, Servian, Cessenon-Sur-Orb, Joncels, Boujan-Sur-Libron, Argelliers, Thézan-Lès-Béziers.

Go to the main travel overview: Hérault.