Discover Marseillan

Marseillan is situated on the Mediterranean coast, bordered inland by the Canal du Midi and the Thau Bassin, and has the good fortune to combine the pleasure of both the beach and a small but undeniably charming port, much appreciated by yachtsmen. Marseillan has retained its typically southern French authenticity where the sun-drenched accent of its inhabitants will warm your heart and invite you to enjoy some unforgettable moments of relaxation. Every summer, the pace of life in its friendly seaside resort takes on a party rhythm.

Discover Thau lagoon

This is the biggest lagoon of Languedoc Roussillon measuring 7.500 hectares It connects with the sea by 2 canals : Pisse Saumes canal and Quilles canal at the west of Sète and receives the opening of the Canal du Midi in Les Onglous About 200 shellfishermen from Marseillan work on the lagoon.

Discover Le Canal du Midi

Listed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996, the Canal du Midi was an old dream of the genius Pierre Paul Riquet : link the Atlantic and the Mediterranean seas by an artificial waterway. It was a titanic project : fourteen years of work, 12000 workers, 328 works of art (bridges, dams, locks, aqueducts…). Unfortunatly, Pierre Paul Riquet died just one year before the inauguration of the Canal du Midi which runs into Etang de Thau in Marseillan, at the picturesque tip of "Les Onglous".

Discover Humid zones "Gourgs"

Around the Etang de Thau, there are many "gourgs" which are registered, supervised and protected. Marseillan owns half of them. These wild and marshy spaces, form anb exceptional nature reserves for the fauna and a privileged site for numerous bird's nest. Discover in the dawn light or in the sunset the flight of pink flamingoes.

Discover Shellfish farming

Because of its link to the sea, the Thau basin contains several varieties of fish (sea bream, bass, perch and mullet). With shellfish already naturally present, it took centuries before man tried shellfish farming. Since then, a great number of oyster and mussel parks have been created.
New techniques and the striving of local people have led to a more advanced operation at sea (lines) and in the Thau bassin (hatcheries for oyters and clams)

Discover Wine Growing

Ever since Marseillan was founded, wine has always been an important part of activity in the local economy. The vineyards were recontructed at the end of the 19th century with different varieties : Picpoul and Clairette. Improved varieties (Sauvignon, Chardonnay) have been added the traditional varieties like "Terret Bouret", giving high quality white wines. The reds (Merlot, Cabernet, Sauvignon) and the rosés (Syrah, Grenache) are also equally appreciated and enjoyable.