Musée de l'étang de Thau

About the museum

The idea for the museum emerged in 1981: local residents wanted to preserve the tools of shellfish farming and fishing, two traditional activities on the Thau lagoon. A first exhibition of these objects was set up in Bouzigues. It was a great success, the collection grew, and the exhibition became permanent.

The museum opened on October 21, 1991. It holds the “Musée de France” label and presents itself as a society museum: starting from local memory, it showcases traditional know-how. The objects are displayed in the context in which they were used, with scientific, archaeological, historical, ethnological and technical information drawn from the work of institutes and universities.

The route traces the evolution of mussel and oyster farming techniques, from gathering on natural beds to today's farms, as well as the various types of fishing practised on the lagoon. One room evokes the atmosphere of a fisherman's shop, and aquariums introduce the lagoon's ecosystem.

Highlights

• Shellfish-farming and fishing equipment presented in use
• The development of mussel and oyster farming on the lagoon
• A room styled as a fisherman's shop with an audio commentary
• Aquariums on the ecosystem of the Thau lagoon

Permanent exhibition

• Parcours permanent sur l'étang de Thau – Shellfish-farming techniques, traditional fishing and the lagoon's ecosystem, with objects displayed in context and aquariums.

Founded

1991

Operated by

Sète Agglopôle Méditerranée

Admission & discounts

Free admission for holders of a press card, a culture card or an Éducation nationale card. Payment by bank card, check, ANCV cheque, bank transfer or cash.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Adapted reception, accessible toilets, wheelchair available at reception on request, wheel chocks in the shellfish-farming room. Induction loop at reception. Specific tools in each room, including texts in Braille, and a contrasting strip in the fishing room. Tours and workshops adapted for people with intellectual disabilities. Animals not allowed, except guide dogs. Drinking-water fountain and air-conditioned rooms.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located on the quay of Bouzigues fishing harbour. Pedestrian access is by walking all the way to the end of the quay.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit