What to do in Mèze ? Five ideas for outings in this town in the Bassin de Thau

Mèze est le plus grand site conchylicole de Thau et de Méditerranée. Midi Libre – PHILIPPE MALRIC

the essential Mèze is a dynamic town, renowned for its history, its ports and its panoramic view of the Singulière Island. Along the Thau lagoon, the town is today classified as the largest shellfish farming site in Thau and the Mediterranean. It is a must for shellfish lovers!

1. The Chapel of the Penitents, guardian of sailors

The Chapel of the Pénitents keeps an eye on the Thau lagoon and the sailors.

Built in homage to Saint-Pierre in 1147, the Chapel of the Penitents, also called the Notre-Dame des Sept Douleurs chapel, overlooks the ramparts on the edge of the Thau pond. With its eyes fixed on the water, like the protector of sailors, the building once served as a lighthouse for sinners lost at sea. A fire was kept there day and night, from which the light escaped & nbsp;through three glazing windows. The bishopric of Agde entrusted it, at the beginning of the 17th century, to the White Penitents. In 1998, enthusiasts created the association Les Amis des Pénitents in order to raise the funds necessary for its renovation. Today, it hosts Mezois cultural events such as the « Sacré St Art – Act X » by Isabelle Marsala which takes place there from July 4 to August 31 as part of the Sur tous les tones festival. Organized by the association Les Amis des Pénitents, the profits from this exhibition will go towards the restoration and conservation of the monument.

2. Discovering the ports of Mèze and its beach on the edge of the pond

The port of Nacelles de Mèze offers a panoramic view of Sète and the Etang de Thau.

The old port, called Port des Nacelles located opposite the Chapelle des Pénitents, today only houses small boats and boats. But the marina is not far away. A few steps will be enough to reach it along the Thau basin in the direction of La Plagette. You can also take the opportunity to take a little bath, a moment of relaxation in the heart of the city. Once you arrive at the port, it will be possible to stop along the route to taste local dishes in one of the many restaurants along the port. During a digestive walk, the visitor can continue to stroll along the lagoon or get lost in the small, cramped and shaded streets of the city, granting calm and freshness.

3. The’unique domaine de Bellevue

The Bellevue estate offers a panoramic view of Singulière Island and the oyster beds.

Away from the city, the Bellevue de Mèze estate offers a panoramic view of the Thau lagoon. Perched on a cliff of around ten meters, surrounded by century-old pines, the estate is a true haven of peace, offering a harmonious mix of fauna and flora. This former 19th century wine farm is little frequented and not very urbanized. It offers an excellent view of the shellfish tables and the city of Sète. The calm that reigns there is simply disturbed by the song of the cicadas, which are numerous during this summer period. The estate is located at the end of the Route des Salins between Mèze and Marseillan. It is accessible via a dirt road leading to departmental road 51 or by bike, following the pond via the port of Mourre blanc in Mèze.

4. The garden of the Château de Girard

The garden of Château de Girard is open every day.

A little away from the town center is the Château de Girard. Built in 1660 on the Horts farm by the Muret family belonging to the local nobility, it was named Château des Muret. Before changing its name when it was bought by the Girard family. Became the property of the town hall in 1995, this castle is not open to visitors. However, it is possible to walk in its redeveloped garden, which offers calm and serenity. Malcolm de Chazal, from Thursday 4 to Tuesday 30 July or, the exhibition of amateur artists from Mézoise entitled "Balade artistic Mézoise", visible from 14 to 25 August .

5. Events and discoveries of local products in the city center

Kiosk Wednesdays take place on Place Aristide-Briand.

Every Sunday morning from 8 a.m., in front of the market halls, the Vins d’ici event takes place. Local winegrowers offer their products to the public. Everyone is welcome to come and discover the wines and their representatives. At the same time, Mezois traders will also be present to offer quality dishes to those who wish them. This event will take place all summer, in front of the Halles de Mèze, 3 rue de la République. Also note that every Wednesday evening in the summer, the unmissable event « Kiosk Wednesdays » is making a comeback. An open stage, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Yves Piétrasanta esplanade, will be hosted by various local artists for the greatest pleasure of local residents and visitors. On the program, a friendly and festive atmosphere.