Things to do in Bouzigues

Things to do in Bouzigues

1. DoBeach

   Plagette

   This so-called "little beach" is ironically the slightly larger of the two. It has a net for volleyball, and the advantage of much less seaweed. Views over the oyster beds towards Mèze and, on a clear day, the Pyrenees.

2. Do

   Guided pleasure boat trips

   Bateau-promenade Bleu Marin

   Hop aboard the Bleu Marin for a guided visit to the oyster and mussel beds, including a chance to see the shellfish at various stages of their life cycle as they grow on underwater ropes from larvae to harvest. The commentary is very comprehensive and peppered with banter, though unfortunately is only conducted in French. However, the chatty crew of two warmly welcome English-speaking passengers and provide sheets to read which give a rough summary of the commentary.

   Daily departures Apr–Oct times: Apr, Octː 15ː00; May, Jun, Sepː 11ː00, 14ː30, 16ː00; Jul–Aug: 11ː00, 14ː30, 16ː00, 17ː30. Group reservation only Nov–Mar. The visit lasts approximately 1 hour·Adults €12, children aged 3-16ː €8

3. Do

   Hire a motor boat

   Sinaué

   Environmentally-friendly and silent electric boats which you can rent without a permit, and take for a day's fishing, sightseeing or offshore swimming. The company train you in navigation and safety before letting you loose, and can recommend itineraries upon request. Wheelchair-accessible boat available by reservation. Contact the company to confirm operation and prices.

   1 May–30 June: Mon by appointment only, Tue–Fri 10:00–12:00/14:00–17:00, Sat Sun 10:00–17:00; 1 July–31 Aug: Mon–Fri 10:30–12:30/13:30–18:00, Sat Sun 10:00–18:00; 1 Sept–31 Oct Tue–Sun 14:00–17:00, other times by appointment only

4. DoBeach

   Plage de la Pyramide

   A space has been cleared through the seaweed for swimming - stay between the floats. If you paddle softly enough, you will likely see fish basking in the warm shallows. Views over to Balaruc and Sète, and easy access to walks along the étang (see below).

5. Do Not mapped

   Bastille Day

   Fête Nationale

   Though national celebrations occur on 14 July, Bouzigues is typical of small towns in conducting its major festivities the evening before. Expect a torchlit procession, patriotic fireworks, and a public ball on the belvedere, with food, drinks, music and dancing, to last late into the night. Most people spend the 14th en famille, with some choosing to stay at home, perhaps tuning into the televised military parade in Paris, or else attending the regional celebrations in Montpellier. In Bouzigues, the town council puts on family-friendly games and activities at the port all afternoon.

   13–14 July 2019

6. Do Not mapped

   Bouzigues Carnival

   Carnaval de Bouziges

   A procession of costumed performers and floats accompanies the effigy of "Monsieur Carnaval" through the streets to the above the harbour, where he is burnt at the setting of the sun. Join the townspeople for a costumed ball in the that same evening.

   6 April 2019·Free

7. Do Not mapped

   Feast of Saint James

   Fête de Saint-Jacques

   Celebrating Bouzigues' patron saint, the main event takes place on Sunday. The townspeople march to music from the town hall to the saint's namesake church. That evening, a funfair and the obligatory ball take place at the port.

   26–28 July 2019·Free

8. Do Not mapped

   Feast of Saint Peter

   Fête de Saint-Pierre

   This festival of the patron saint of those lost at sea begins with mass in the parish church, and continues with a procession of local children dressed in traditional Languedocian costume to the harbour. Here, boats are blessed by the priest and a jet of water is fired in salute. At nightfall, a small boat on the harbour wall is ceremonially set on fire.

   30 June 2019·Free

9. Do Not mapped

   Oyster Fair

   Foire aux Huîtres

   Some 20,000 visitors descend on Bouzigues for an annual celebration of all things oyster. At the heart of things are the shellfish producers, whose delicacies you can sample in abundance, but also present are a multitude of other local food, wine and craft artisans. There are a number of events to keep you occupied, from 'best quality oyster' competitions, to tasting workshops, live music performances and fireworks on the Sunday evening.

   10–11 Aug 2019

10. Do Not mapped

    Flea markets

    Brocantes de Bouzigues

    Three times a year, stalls selling furniture, linen and all sorts of trinkets turn up to line the seafront. Most of it may be worthless, if harmless, bric-a-brac, but you never know when you might stumble across a gem...

    22 April, 10 June, 15 Aug 08:00–18:00·Free

11. Do Not mapped

    Voie Verte

    A former railway line turned cycle trail and footpath, links to Mèze in the west and Balaruc in the east across 12 km. The casual visitor will much prefer the route east out of Bouzigues, which runs very close to some gorgeous wetlands and mudflats, allowing you to spot the local birdlife. Hunting buzzards, graceful pink flamingos and various species of heron (grey and night herons, great and little egrets) are common, and the lucky may glimpse the blue flash of a passing kingfisher, or else catch sight of a red squirrel hurrying about its business. It is possible to go as far as Balaruc-les-Bains, but the route loses most of its charm after the large equestrian centre.

12. DoPark

    Parc Charles de Gaulle

13. 
    DoTheatre

    Théâtre de verdure

    Sq. Dr Bordes
14. DoPublic baths

    Thermes de Balaruc

    1 Rue du Mont Saint-Clair

15. DoCanoe & kayak hire service

    Centre Nautique Manuréva

    Espace sportif du Petit bois, Av. de la Gare

16. DoMiniature golf course

    Mini Golf de l'Etang de Thau

    3 Rue du Camping

17. DoPark

    Parc Sévigné

    11 Av. Thermes Romains

18. DoLive music venue

    ODEON Poussan - La SALLE

    864 chemins des cigales - après le marché aux affaires - passer le sens interdit

19. DoZoo

    Ferme de Bouzigues

    450 Chemin des Aiguilles

    Closed · opens 9:30 am tomorrow

20. DoPark

    Jardin Antique Méditerranéen

    Rue du Pioch

    Closed · opens 10 am tomorrow

21. DoBeach

    Promenade Georges Brassens

    Impasse De La Vise

22. DoPublic baths

    O' Balia

    Allée des Sources

23. DoSummit

    Le Truc

    60 m high

24. DoMarina

    Capitainerie

25. DoTheatre

    Le Forum

26. DoBeach

    Plage de la Trémie

27. DoPark

    Square du Docteur Bordes

28. DoPark

    Square du Docteur Quibert

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Bouzigues (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps.