In the event that you are searching for a new location to spend your next vacation on a French barge but are unsure of where to go, why not have a closer look at The Étang de Thau? Occasionally referred to as the Bassin de Thau, this salt water lagoon spans a distance of 21 kilometers and has a width of 8 kilometers. It is an exceptional location for a luxurious barging vacation. Introducing It is the Étang de Thau. For the Fishing The majority of the towns and villages in this region are centered on fishing and the availability of seafood. Fish, such as bream and sea bass, are abundant in the lagoon since it is exposed to the sea and so has a large number of fish. More than seven hundred and fifty oyster farmers make their livelihood from oyster farming, making it the most commercially significant of the shellfish products that are cultivated in this region. Due to the fact that the waters of the Étang have a cleanliness grade of A, the fish that you taste here may be consumed within a few minutes of being caught. During your vacation on a French barge, you can be confident that you will have lots of opportunities to sample different foods. Aside from the marine life, there is a rich variety of birds in this area as well, with the pink flamingo being the most dazzling of the local inhabitants. Villages and Settlements Balaruc-le-Vieux Balaruc-le-Vieux is a picturesque hamlet that is encircled by fortifications that were built in the past. It is situated on the most north-eastern point of the Étang. The charming alleys, the ruins of the medieval castle, the church of St. Maurice, which dates back to the fourteenth century, and the buildings that date back to the time of Louis XIII are all examples of the wonderful combination of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles. Balaruc-les-Bainsm Balaruc-les-Bains is another historical treasure that is well-known for the curative properties of its spa waters. However, despite the fact that the remnants of the Sanctuary of Neptune and the old Roman baths were only unearthed in 1990, the town is now considered to be the most renowned spa town in all of France. The waters are suitable for bathing since they are warm and have a high concentration of calcium and magnesium. The temperature ranges from 34 to 40 degrees Celsius. The Etang de Thau The church of Our Lady of the Water is the most notable architectural feature of this town, which is also the name of the lagoon. This town is another architectural gem. This masterpiece, which dates back to the twelfth century, is constructed out of limestone and features seashells. Sète The town of Sète, which is a pilgrimage spot for lovers of George Brassans, a renowned French troubadour and singer, is a lovely location to visit on a French barge vacation since it has a laid-back feel and is a delightful destination. The town was constructed around Mont St. Clair, and it has a number of canals that go through its center. The town was first constructed to provide housing for canal workers; nevertheless, it has since evolved into a town in its own right, with its main canal lined with appealing restaurants (many of which are named after songs by George Brassan) and lively pubs. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Tielle Sètoise, which is a small shortcrust pie with onions and chopped squid tentacles, or the Seiches à la Rouille, which is cuttlefish in a spicy garlic sauce, if you get the opportunity to indulge in some of the speciality seafood restaurants that are located in the fishing harbor. Mèze Mèze was historically located on the primary road that connected Italy and Spain, and its history dates back to the Phoenician period. The town, along with Bouzigues, is considered to be the oyster capital of the Étang de Thau Region because to the significant effect that the Romans had on its architecture. On the Étang de Thau, there are a great number of additional locations that are worthy of being mentioned; nonetheless, we hope that our selection will encourage you to think about taking a French barge vacation in the region. As long as you remember to make your reservation with a reputable operator, you will be able to look forward to a cruise vacation that will provide you with everything you have hoped for and much more. Publisher’s Plate European Waterways is the most reputable supplier of all-inclusive, luxury French barge vacation itineraries in the United Kingdom. Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive at European Waterways. In addition to being a member of a group of knowledgeable barge enthusiasts, Paul is the first person to recommend the advantages of a leisurely barge cruise to anybody who is searching for a vacation experience that is really one of a kind.