FISHERMAN'S HOUSE MÈZE
THINGS TO DO
BEACHES
Very few mediterranean villages offer the choice of two child-friendly sandy beaches, within 5 minutes walking from your home base. For the wilder Mediterranean shore, a 20 minute drive gets you to a long stretch of beach between Marseillan and Sète.
Great for shell seekers and those who love long walks. Fabulous waves too!
FESTIVALS & MUSIC
The Languedoc boasts many music festivals during the summer months. In Mèze, the 'Festival de Thau` attracts top artists and many visitors. It takes place every year in the 3rd
week of July. In the 3rd week of August, an ancient town tradition can be enjoyed, when the Mèzois bring out the town's 'Totem', the Taurus. This effigy made of wood and paper, is paraded through the town's streets and squares and is followed by the town's children, local bands and people in the most astonishing disguises.
For many more festivals in the area, all through the year, click here.
CHILDREN
Children will love the choice of activities in the immediate vicinity. Although children will not easlily get bored with the lovely sandy beaches, a visit to the Dinosaur park on the outskirts of Mèze is a must. It is the largest Museum-Park in Europe devoted to dinosaurs, in the middle of an outstanding paleontological site.
Click on this site for a number of specific activities for children in the Languedoc.
The local tourist office has a wealth of information about hikes, cycle tracks, riding, tennis and many other fun activities.
LOCAL RESTAURANTS
The following restaurants are all within easy walking distance of `Fisherman's House` and offer a variety of local cuisine, from simple bistrôt to haute cuisine. Have a stroll around the harbour and you will spot them easily. In high summer, make a reservation to be sure that you get a table. They all have a terrace.
L'Abri Côtier - 28 Quai Descournut
Le Rendez-vous - 26 QuaiDescournut
Les Saveurs de Thau - Quai Baptiste Guitard-
Le Sanboulou - Quai Baptiste Guitard
L'Eau Sel - 13 Chemin de l`Etang
Le Rive Gauche - 13 Quai Baptiste Guitard
Le Neptune - 10 Quai Descournut
Claire & Patrick - 36 Bld du Port
l'Oscarine - Place des Tonneliers
WINES & GOOD FOOD
The Languedoc-Roussillon wine area is the region where the most interesting things happen in terms of the wine-growing industry, not only for the benefit of France, but also the world over. This wine-growing area is the largest in the world: it extends along the Mediterranean from the Rhône Delta down to the foot of the Pyrenees. It is not only the largest wine-growing region and the most productive in terms of wines in France, but it is also the oldest. A `dégustation` at one of the many Châteaux is a delight not to be missed, such as the Domaine Saint André.
WATERSPORTS
Swimming in the Étang de Thau from one of Mèze's two sandy beaches is one of the delights of a holiday in Mèze.
There are many water-related activities to choose from. Rent a boat with "Midi Plaisance" around the corner or go on a fishing trip.
Go sailing, diving, but also kite-surfing at Fil d'Air or discover the oyster culture for which the Étang de Thau is famous. The possibilities are endless. Consult the local websites for more information.
CYCLING, GOLF & WELLNESS
Cyclists will find 6.300 km of paths and perfectly marked out routes, with a vast choice of hikes for all ages and levels of fitness. Take advantage of the exceptional climate of Languedoc - Roussillon for your bike outings. Click here for more information.
Golfers will be happy to know that there are 300 sunny days a year to take advantage of the many golf clubs of Languedoc-Roussillon. Click on this site for information.
For rejuvenating body and mind, drive to nearby Balaruc-Les-Bains, the second most important Thermal resort of France and get yourself pampered with one of their many hydro-treatments or indulge in the full Spa treatment.
CULTURE
The light and landscapes of the Languedoc have inspired many famous artists. Discover their paintings in one of the museums and art galleries of the region: Pay a visit to the Musée Paul Valéry in Sète, and don't miss the Art and History Museum in Narbonne, or the Archeology Museum in the Cap d'Agde, the Fabre Museum in Montpellier and try to see some of the great museums of contemporary art such as the Carré d'Art in Nîmes and the Modern Art Museum in Ceret.
Near Villeveyrac you will find the Valmagne Abbey, a beautiful Cistercian abbey that was transformed into a wine cellar after the French Revolution. Its magnificent Gothic church has been called the 'Cathedral of the Vineyards'.
The local tourist offices will be able to provide you with all the information on cultural events in the Languedoc.
ARCHEOLOGICAL & HISTORICAL SITES
There are many archaeological sites and museums in the Languedoc. Its history is rich from paleontological times until the present day. Within easy driving distance for day trips, choose the Pont du Gard for its famous aqueduct, the Roman city of Nîmes to see its Roman Amphitheatre, and of course the medieval city of Carcassonne.
Right nearby Mèze, walk a part of the Roman Via Domitia, and don't miss a visit to the impressive Gallo-Roman Villa in Loupian with its exquisite mosaics.
Traces of the religious Cathar movement can be found in various ruins and castles in the Languedoc. Guided tours are fascinating and well worth a drive. Click here for a good site.
