24 Hours at Thau Lake

Circuit 1: (itinerary) 24 hours on the banks of the Etang de Thau, Languedoc-Roussillon, southern France.

"Shells and crustaceans"

24 Hours at Thau Lake

1 - Evening at La Voile Blanche
This restaurant hotel, situated in the port of Bouzigues opposite the Thau Dock, has already carved out a reputation for its oysters. The eight-room establishment enjoys a picturesque view over Sète, but above all lays on a wonderfully authentic menu from the moment you arrive. Tuck into Mediterranean prawns flambéed in whisky, or a fillet of duck in ginger and other delicious treats. Do not be led astray by the fact that the hotel, whose name means “White Sail” is, in fact… red. From € 65 a night in low season to € 190 for a suite in high season. All rooms are air-conditioned.
La Voile Blanche, quai du port in Bouzigues.
Tel. 00 33 (0)4 67 78 35 77

2- The market: the belly of Sète
Breakfast at the hotel enjoying the vieuw out over the Thau Lake, then set of for Sète. Head for the covered market in the town centre, The beating heart of the peculiar island. The fish stalls are stunning, but the best thing about the place is the atmosphere. Sip a Picpoul to wash down a few oysters and finish up at the table at l'Entonnoir, a fabulous eatery whose dishes are timed to meet the day's catch: refined as you like and served on floral tablecloths. The bill is not too steep and you leave feeling pleasantly full. Dedicated foodies can also try a whole other cuisine, more contemporary and lighter, at Halles & Manger next door.
Sète market, rue de Metz, Sète
L’Entonnoir, réservation 00 33 (0)6 73 14 91 43.

3 - A stroll up Mt Saint-Clair
After this little culinary detour, head from the market on foot to Mt Saint-Clair to admire the town from above. Besides the exceptional views, discover the cross of St Claire and the Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette. Plan an hour for this walk, which may prove challenging for young children or the elderly, although access is possible by car. From there, the white cliffs area is perfect for a family stroll - around half an hour on foot.

4 - In the footsteps of Brassens
This year we will be commemorating poet, composer and singer Georges Brassens. All year we will be celebrating the 90th anniversary of his birth, the 30th anniversary of his death and the 20th anniversary of the Espace Brassens in Sète. “Le Sauve qui Peut”, the boat on which he went fishing on Thau Lake and swimming at the Roquerols lighthouse, has been made seaworthy again and put to use at La Plagette in Sète. For those still unfamiliar with the man, the Espace George Brassens in the town is a fine dedicated exhibition space. Follow one of several reading trails : Brassens’ youthful exploits with his pals, his life in Paris, his work as a writer and stage performer, and stop along the way to hear his songs at the listening posts.

5 - In search of dinosaurs
Head for Mèze in search of dinosaurs at the Dinosaur Museum Park, where scientists have discovered dinosaur eggs (no joke) and even bones. This park was opened at the initiative of a scientist and is a real treasure trove of information on the genre and species, which came here to lay eggs. Kids will love it and may well decide to become palaeontologists after their visit !
Dinosaur Museum Park, RN 113, Mèze.
Tel. 00 33 (0)4 67 43 02 80
Website: www.musee-parc-dinosaures.com