Boat rental on the Étang de Thau
Set off from Marseillan
Bouzigues
Boating on the Étang de Thau
Marseillan harbor
Come and discover the marvels of the Étang de Thau and all the Camargue has to offer on a private boating vacation! Covering an area of over 18,000 acres, it’s the third biggest lake in France and stretches along the Mediterranean coastline. Navigating the Étang de Thau, you’ll get an incredible sense of freedom and understand why it’s often considered to be an inland sea.
Departing from our base in Port Cassafières, head towards the Camargue region along the final section of the Canal du Midi, which will take you to the town of Agdes. Nicknamed “the black pearl of the Mediterranean”. Agdes was primarily built using black volcanic stones, giving its architecture a unique feel in the region. On the way, you’ll also be able to admire the last round lock in France. It was built in 1676 and is still in operation!
Discover other destinations in Camargue
The Étang de Thau is in the French region of Camargue
Navigation map of the cruising area around the Étang de Thau
Rent a boat without a license on the Étang de Thau
Book your vacation in the Camargue and start from one of our two bases in Saint-Gilles and Port Cassafières:
What to do on the Étang de Thau?
You’ll have plenty of options during your boating vacation on the Étang de Thau, including:
Enjoy the scenery
The Étang de Thau is a haven for nature lovers. You’ll be amazed at the lake’s peaceful beauty.
Gastronomy
You simply cannot miss sampling oysters in Bouzigues: reared following traditional methods in the laguna, they are the lake’s most famous export. “Tielle à la sétoise” (Sète style tiella) is another local specialty with Spanish and Italian origins. Its name comes from the dish in which the pie is cooked and the traditional recipe has a filling of delicious octopus ragu.
Culture
You’ll love discovering the architectural and cultural heritage of the towns along the lake: Marseille, Bouzigues and Sète will charm you with their authenticity!
What to see on the Étang de Thau?
If you’re new to boating, the Étang de Thau is the perfect destination for your first boating vacation. You’ll travel through very few locks along the waterway as you discover all that the Camargue has to offer from local cuisine to water sports.
Marseillan
The first town you’ll encounter once you get to the lake is Marseillan - a sunny and welcoming place, known for its vineyards. Enjoy a stroll along the harbour and visit the Maison Noilly Prat (who are one of our local partners) to sample their famous French vermouth. Take a walk along the stunning coastline to enjoy a beautiful sunset.
Mèze and Bouzigues
Further along the Étang de Thau, you’ll find the town of Mèze with its windy little streets and the beautiful Chapelle des Pénitents. In Bouzigues, don’t miss trying local oysters: Bouzigues oysters are tasty and different from others you may have tried with their marbled and jagged shells. Their flavor of seawater with a hint of hazelnut is to die for! In fact, why not enjoy a full seafood platter? There are several restaurants offering breath-taking views of the lake.
Sète
Sète is another place you don’t want to miss during your cruise: also called the “Venice of the Languedoc” thanks to its canals and typical fishing harbor, it’s also the birthplace of Georges Brassens – one of France’s most famous singers. The whole crew will love this sudden contrast in scenery!
Discover our suggested itineraries in Camargue
Camargue - Southern France
7nt Port Cassafières to St. Gilles
135.9km | 2 locks | 18 hrs of cruising
Cruise across the open waters of the Etang de Thau, have fun on the beach, stroll around the ancient walled city of Aigues-Mortes, tour the salt-flats and enjoy an evening on a cattle ranch.
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Our bases in Port Cassafières et Saint-Gilles
We have two bases in the Camargue: Port Cassafières and Saint-Gilles, allowing you to start your trip from the western or eastern parts of the region. Port Cassafières is ideal for families, thanks to its proximity to the beach in Portiragnes and to the Étang de Thau. Saint-Gilles is the perfect starting point to discover the heart of the Camargue: the medieval town of Aigues-Mortes, the many lakes, along with the wild horses and pink flamingos that are so typical of the area.
Download our region guide
Our region guide offers information on each town or village we recommend, along with practical information on local facilities, markets and restaurants. It also includes cruising times between all of these stops, information on locks, moorings and facilities that are specific to each region.
Find out more
For more information about locks, moorings and cruising advise, please visit our Camargue region page.
Make the most out of your next cruise with special offers from our local partners.
Rent a boat without a license on the Étang de Thau
Book your vacation in the Camargue and start from one of our two bases in Saint-Gilles and Port Cassafières:
Customer Reviews
Miriam Mckay:
Le Boat’s service was excellent from our very first contact right until the end of our holiday. In particular, the readiness of the boat when we arrived at Port Cassafieres, the training we received and the advice we were given. Loved the whole experience! This was a great route - varied countryside and lots to do - beaches, visit to Maguelone Cathedral, Étang de Thau.
Georgy Dudyrev:
It is the best way to your time with family and close friends with no rush and surround by the nature. You plan your time as wish with no rush to go.
David Barnes:
Excellent boat introduction and service pack with detailed maps. Boat was everything we hoped it to be and got excellent response from requests for help from office at St Gilles when we needed it. Practical and efficient handing over and back of the boat. Will definitely think of using Le Boat again. We loved the variety of environment along the Rhone, Sete and Canal du Midi. Bird life was fab.