Boat Tour of the Oyster Beds on the Étang de Thau
Come aboard the Diane 1, our 96-passenger boat, for an authentic exploration of oyster farming in the heart of the Thau Lagoon. From the port of Marseillan, let us guide you through the oyster beds of Bouzigues, near Mèze, on a guided tour that blends nature, traditions, and gastronomy. A unique and enjoyable experience, perfect for exploring the local heritage, admiring the lagoon landscapes, and gaining a deeper understanding of how the famous Bouzigues oysters are cultivated.
A boat tour through the heart of the oyster beds between Marseillan and Bouzigues
From the port of Marseillan, board the Diane 1, a boat with a capacity of 96 passengers, for a guided tour through the heart of the Thau Lagoon. Depending on the option you choose (1 hour or 1 hour and 30 minutes), the tour will take you to the famous Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before continuing on to the Bouzigues oyster beds, located near Mèze.
You’ll cruise past the oyster beds, getting up close to the floating structures, all while enjoying an exceptional panoramic view of Mont Saint-Clair in Sète, the basin’s picturesque villages, and the lagoon landscapes. Through clear and engaging explanations, you’ll discover the different stages of oyster farming: collecting spat, maturation, and harvest. You’ll learn more about this local expertise passed down through generations, blending artisanal tradition with respect for the lagoon’s environment. A unique opportunity to gain insight into the daily lives of local producers and the importance of this ancestral expertise in the Mediterranean.
A tasting of local products to enhance your boat tour
During the tour, enjoy an optional tasting on board the boat. The famous Bouzigues oysters are, of course, the star of the show, but you’ll also have the chance to discover other typical products from the Thau Lagoon and the Hérault region: tielles or local specialties, depending on the package you choose.
This friendly tasting is offered as an add-on to the tour, upon request or through our group packages. It’s a natural extension of the tour and lets you savor local flavors in an exceptional natural setting, surrounded by the lagoon, sunshine, and maritime traditions.
Check out all our offers on the Rates page.
A boat trip that’s accessible and suitable for everyone
The boat tour aboard the Diane 1 is designed to be accessible to everyone. In fact, a discount of 3€ per person is offered to people with disabilities.
Families are also welcome:
Strollers are allowed on board.
Dogs are allowed.
Young children can board safely (under parental supervision).
Whether you’re traveling alone, with your family, as a couple, or in a group, you’ll be warmly welcomed for a pleasant and friendly experience.
A water-based activity deeply rooted in the local community
More than just a boat ride, this outing is part of an initiative to promote sustainable tourism and highlight local heritage. It offers an authentic “slow tourism” experience that is environmentally friendly and focused on passing on an ancestral craft: Mediterranean oyster farming.
Throughout the tour, you’ll learn about the biodiversity of the Thau Lagoon, the fragile balance of this unique ecosystem, and the challenges faced by local producers. Thanks to clear and informative explanations, this activity offers an opportunity for cultural and environmental discovery that is accessible to all audiences:
An eco-friendly, family-oriented, and educational activity.
An immersion in a traditional craft.
A meaningful local tourism experience, off the beaten path.
By choosing this tour, you are supporting a local organization dedicated to preserving maritime heritage, passing on sustainable traditions, and promoting local products from the Hérault region.
Ready to set sail on a boat tour of the Thau Lagoon?
Book now!
Departures take place regularly from the port of Marseillan aboard the Diane 1 (96-passenger capacity). Whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple, with your family, or in a group, be sure to reserve your time slot in advance: space is limited, and nice weather attracts many visitors.