What to do in Balaruc-les-Bains ? Five ideas for outings in this commune of the Bassin de Thau

Que faire à Balaruc ? Cinq idées de sorties dans cette commune du Bassin de Thau. Hélène Amiraux

There is more to Balaruc-les-Bains than just thermal baths. The small seaside town, too often summed up by its spa activities, is full of little treasures and exhilarating activities. Balaruc-les Bains invites you to stroll and explore, in the shade of the fragrant pines on the edge of the pond. A postcard far from the crowds of holidaymakers.

1. The Promenade “Georges Brassens-Laurent Spinosi”

The “Georges Brassens-Laurent Spinosi” Walk. Hélène Amiraux

Between the port and the Calanques impasse, the promenade “Georges-Brassens-Laurent Spinosi” is a little treasure of the Balaruc-les-Bains coastline. These 2 km of walks along the “almost island“of Balaruc, owe their name to the little moments of tranquility and sharing that the poet from Sète and his old friend enjoyed. ;childhood, fisherman and painter Lolo, in his cabin on the edge of the pond. It’s there, facing the Saint-Clair, and the Roquerols lighthouse, that the Sétois came to spend quality time with friends, around songs and recipes from Lolo. Today, at the original location, we discover a trompe-l’oeil painted wall which recalls these intimate moments with the most subversive artist of his time. The walk continues towards Balaruc-le-Vieux and offers pleasant swimming stops with views of the shellfish farms and Mont Saint-Clair. Ideal for sitting down and reading after stopping by the Nomade bookstore on rue Maurice Clavel, where Karine Panier gives you her reading advice (06 26 25 36 13).

2. A mini-sailing cruise with the Manureva nautical base

A mini-sailing cruise with the Manureva nautical base. DR

Balaruc-les-Bains is a seaside resort ideal for practicing water sports and in particular sailing. The municipal nautical center, Manuréva (affiliated with the French Sailing Federation) ideally located on the “small sea” of the pond, offers a wide range of activities including windfoil, paddle, kayak, fun boat, windsurfing or even catamaran. On board the “Baroulaïre”, the two-masted you can let yourself be carried or participate in the maneuvers of the sailboat under the eye of a qualified skipper, during a mini-cruise. So alone, with family or friends, set off for three hours of discovery of the fauna, the flora and savor the moment, hair in the wind. Rates: €38 per person for four people for one day (€55 for one person). Reservations: 04 67 48 55 63.

3. Le Bon Coin, an ice cream café that has become a local institution

Le Bon Coin, an ice cream café that has become a local institution. Helene Amiraux

Feeling a bit peckish on the beach, we can't recommend stopping for an ice cream or a homemade waffle at Le Bon Coin café. The oldest ice cream parlor on the Promenade des Bains (formerly Café Delmas) with a breathtaking view of the Saint-Clair. Created in 1972 by Alexandre Delmas, the establishment then offered chichis, ice creams, fries and homemade chips. It remained in the same family until 2015, when it was taken over by a former employee, Kévin Lopez. Open seven days a week from February to November, this ice cream café where you can also enjoy cocktails is a popular place also frequented by many Balarucois. An institution.

4. Balaruc-le-Vieux, the pearl of the Thau basin built in a circular shape

Balaruc-le-Vieux, the pearl of the Thau basin built in a circular shape. MIDI LIBRE – DOMINIQUE QUET

At the end of the Thau Basin, right next to the Gardiole Massif, Balaruc-Le-Vieux dominates and contemplates the Thau Basin from its Truc (”summit” in Occitan). The first traces of occupation of the place date back to the Iron Age, around the year 1000. Built in a circular shape, the village with its restored ramparts (around 1930), offers an exceptional view from the Place du Truc over the coast and the Angle cove. There are many medieval remains to be discovered around the narrow streets. A detour is essential to the Angle cove, easily accessible by bike via the greenway. A protected wetland, it is home to a multitude of birds including flamingos, herons, egrets and other wading birds. The village seems to be reflected in this body of water that has remained wild and authentic. Perfect for artists.

5. The Romans were fans of thermalism, the remains prove it

The Romans were fans of thermalism, the remains prove it. Hélène Amiraux

Thermalism is part of Balaruc's identity right down to your toes. As soon as you visit the tourist office located in the Sévigné pavilion, iul invites you to come. In the main courtyard of this building, which housed the town's first thermal establishment built in 1753, a freely accessible thermal water pool, called the “foot bath” invites travelers to relax. The hot springs have been gushing out at a temperature of 45°C since 1835 and the construction of the pool. This activity on the Balaruc-les-Bains peninsula dates back to the 1st century AD (period of the High Roman Empire). As proof, the last ancient remains recently discovered during preventive excavations on the construction site of the media library, opposite the Sévigné pavilion. The presence of public baths with precious decoration for the time and a sanctuary dedicated to Neptune have been formally identified!

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