When planning a trip to Mèze, you can focus on nature, fishing culture and the town’s history. The Étang de Thau offers a direct connection with nature; historical information panels and the former centre, protected by town walls, tell the story of the town’s past. At La Conque, seasonal trail restrictions also apply.

Étang de Thau, Nature and Fishing Culture

The Étang de Thau is a Natura 2000 lagoon with nearly 400 aquatic species, including the Mediterranean seahorse. The local fishing culture can also be explored at specific locations: Mourre Blanc in Mèze is the largest shellfish-farming port in the Mediterranean. Typical flat-bottomed fishing boats used on the lagoon have been preserved at Port des Nacelles. Known as “nacelles”, they bear witness to traditional fishing techniques that are still practised today.

If you would like to learn more about oyster farming, you can visit La Noisette d’Oc in Mèze by appointment. Demonstration workshops are offered there, with practical information about oyster farming and a lesson on how to open oysters. The visit by appointment and the workshops give this experience a different focus from viewing the preserved fishing boats.

La Conque is a 45-hectare wetland on the edge of Mèze. It was formed from former salt pans and is designated a Natura 2000 site. The trails are subject to clear seasonal restrictions: the northern trail is open year-round, while the southern trail is closed from mid-April to mid-October to protect nesting birds. Check the conditions before your visit.

The Sentier sous-marin de l’Étang de Thau in Mèze offers another way to experience the water. In 2026, the free underwater trail was available with a length of 250 metres and five observation stations. Seasonal facilities and access conditions may change, so check them before your visit.

On Foot, by Bike and by the Water

The historical walking tour of Mèze takes one hour and passes through the historic centre. Ten illustrated panels explain the town’s past. The route follows in the footsteps of fishermen, merchant sailors and winegrowers, and leads through the streets and squares of the former centre, which was protected by town walls. This makes the tour a manageable option if you are interested in the town’s history.

A different perspective is offered by cycling route No. 25, “Le Tour de l’Étang de Thau”, which passes through Mèze. From there, the voie verte runs uninterrupted along the Étang de Thau to Balaruc; along the way, you can enjoy views of the oyster farms.

For a peaceful swim, Plage du Thalassa is close to the town centre. The shallow water by the shore makes it suitable for families. The beach offers another way to shape your stay in Mèze, alongside trails, town history and the lagoon.

Chapel, Museum and Festival

The Chapelle des Pénitents was built in the 12th century and restored by the White Penitents in the 17th century. In summer, it is used for concerts and exhibitions organised by Les Amis des Pénitents. If you would like to plan around an event, check the dates. At the Musée parc des Dinosaures, about 80 per cent of the fossils displayed in the cases are originals.

In 2026, after several stops around the Bassin de Thau, the Festival de Thau returned to the port of Mèze, right by the lagoon. From Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 July 2026, it offered four evenings of concerts featuring music from around the world. For future editions, check the dates and programmes.

Discover more destinations: Capestang, La Tour-Sur-Orb, Cers, Lespignan, Saint-Etienne-De-Gourgas, Liausson, Montady, Beziers.

For the regional travel overview: Hérault.