Étang de Thau

The Thau lagoon (also Bassin de Thau, German Thau lake ), is a 18 km long lagoon southwest of the town of Sète on the western Mediterranean coast of southern France. The lake has an area of ​​80 square kilometers (8,000 acres ) and a circumference of 55 km, at an average water depth of 4 m. The Thau lagoon is the end point of the Canal du Rhône à Sète and starting point of the Canal du Midi, which further leads to Toulouse.

The development of the lagoon

Previously, the lagoon had direct access to the sea. Today, the lagoon is separated from the sand bank " Le Toc" almost entirely from the sea water, which offers miles of sandy beaches. The lake is supplied by the Canal du Midi with lime-rich freshwater from the Pyrenees and with its rural surroundings offer ideal opportunities for oyster culture ( on the west bank ) and birds ( in general, such as flamingoes ). In Balaruc -les- Bains is also a diving center. Today The northern part of the lagoon is home to one of the largest oyster farms in the world. The southern part is frequented by water sports enthusiasts, as well as by numerous tourists, for the most is the crossing of the water surface the highlight of the trip.

Festival de Thau

The city Meze at Thau held every year in July a " Festival de Thau ". The focus is on African and black American music, combined with socio-political issues series.

Boat tourism

In addition to the large role that the Etang for oyster farming and water sports, it is also for tourists the Canal du Midi and the Canal du Rhône à Sète traveled, of great importance. In the latter exists in contrast to the Canal du Midi ( with very few exceptions) nor commercial ship traffic. The Thau developed by its areal size in shallow water even at relatively light winds a comparatively high waves. Furthermore, numerous shoals are in the lake. These threats demand here often disproportionate amount of experience of the skippers, which are the requirements of the water often not grown ( in France there is no license requirement for rented from the various agencies houseboats ). In principle, therefore, boating on Lake Thau for charter boat captains is only under favorable wind conditions and on the day allowed, further various conditions for the protection of the water body exist, to which the crew must hold during the Befahrung.

Places on the Thau

  • Marseillan
  • Meze, Bouzigues
  • Balaruc -les- Bains
  • Sète
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