Discover the heritage of the Bassin de Thau | The greatest destinations in the vineyards of France – France’s official wine tourism portal
Because, in case you didn’t know, oysters are also produced in the Mediterranean. Squeeze up the children (there’s a maximum of two adults and two children per boat) and go for a jaunt across this small inland sea criss-crossed by oyster beds. Take a break at one of the oyster farms, where they’ll take the time to tell you all about the different methods for raising oysters, including the subterfuges used for replicating the tides and fooling the little creatures. The tasting will, inevitably, be accompanied by a small glass of local wine, Frontignan or Mireval muscat, Picpoul de Pinet or Grès de Montpellier. On the way back, give the paddles to the kids… then, maybe, they’ll wake up a bit later tomorrow… or maybe not.
Tips nearby:
Auberge de l’Abbaye de Valmagne: In Villeveyrac, 25 minutes northwest of Sète, this vineyard restaurant and inn belongs to the Domaine de l’Abbaye. The produce is picked from the estate’s organic kitchen garden and the supply chain for the meats and cheeses is short. They serve simple, modern food that does just the trick in a superb environment.
Le Château Rieutort: Four kilometres from Saint-Pargoire, and 12 km from Pézenas, this “Little Versailles in the Hérault” boasts five guest rooms and six gîtes (for 2 to 8 people) housed in an 18th century building. The setting is exceptional, with a park of 2.5 hectares and vineyards of 30 hectares. The amenities are very good: two outdoor pools (including one for nude bathing), a barbecue, communal lounge, pool table, table football and bicycles.