From Mèze to Balaruc via the Crique de l’Angle

Access via Rue de la Méditerranée in Mèze. A gate open to the public provides access to the beaches where the sailing school is based. You can launch your boat here.

(S/E) Head south just to go round the jetty at the marina and the sailing school. Head east-north-east to sail along Thalassa Beach.

(1) Pass in front of the entrance to Mèze’s main harbour and the Harbour Master’s Office. Continue on a north-easterly course to reach Port aux Nacelles, a tiny harbour at the foot of Mèze church.

(2) Carry on along the coast until you reach the oyster farms

(3) Cross over and then head along the shore between the oyster beds and the oyster farmers’ farmhouses in the Étang de Thau. Continue in this direction until you reach La Tremie beach, just before Bouzigues.

(4) Head east-southeast to sail past the village of Bouzigues. Pass in front of Bouzigues Harbour, then head north-east to reach the Crique de l’Anse.

(5) Enter the cove and head due north, taking care not to get too close to the edge as the water is very shallow. Look out for the mouth of the River La Vène, which flows into the lagoon.

(6) Enter the river; it looks rather like a small canal between two earth embankments. Follow it upstream for about 1 km to reach the beach.

(7) Turn round to return to the previous junction in the Étang de Thau.

(6) Head east to cross the Crique de l’Angle and reach the shore of the lagoon at Balaruc-le-Vieux.

(8) Change course to head due south and follow the Balaruc coastline. Pass in front of the Balaruc marine spa. Continue on to quickly reach the Vise resurgence. See notes in the ‘During the walk’ section.

(9) Then continue along the coast to Pointe de Balaruc.

(10) Then head north-north-west to return towards the oyster beds.

(11) Choose one of the main channels through the oyster beds and head south-west to cross them. Take care to stay to one side so as not to disturb the oyster farmers or any pleasure craft. Reach the exit from the oyster beds.

(12) Set a course westwards again to return to Mèze and reach the launch point (S/E); to do this, pass in front of the harbour entrance once more.

Take the wind direction and strength into account for this trip. Do not go out in winds exceeding 3 Beaufort.
Ensure you have the necessary safety equipment for sailing within the 2-mile zone. Do not forget to provide one lifejacket per person.
You can stop for a break on the beaches. Be aware of the crowds during the summer months.

This trip allows you to explore the north-eastern part of the Étang de Thau, including the famous oyster beds of Bouzigues. The villages of Mèze, Bouzigues and Balaruc. The small river La Vène and the famous La Vise resurgence, which are two of the lake’s freshwater sources.
(9) La Vise resurgence: This is an underground river. Here, the fresh water mixes with the salt water. You can spot this within a circle of about ten metres, where the water takes on a different iridescent sheen. Good luck exploring!