Explore the surroundings

Discover — Wander — Experience

Between the Mediterranean, the Thau Lagoon and the Languedoc countryside

Villa Balāo is perfectly placed for exploring this wonderfully diverse part of southern France. Beaches, picturesque villages, historic sites, local markets and fresh seafood are all within easy reach. Sète and the Thau Lagoon are just a few kilometres away, Montpellier makes an easy outing, while the Camargue, Carcassonne and Avignon are all within reach for a day trip.

Then again, you may simply prefer to stay at the Villa, slow down and make no plans at all.

Arc de Triomphe de Montpellier aux couleurs de la Pride

Gaytitude, naturally

From gay-friendly naturist beaches to Montpellier and Cap d’Agde’s LGBTQ+ venues and events, the area offers plenty of ways to go out, meet people or party. At Villa Balāo, we’re always happy to share our favourite places and suggestions, depending on what you’re in the mood for.

Aresquiers Beach in Frontignan, on the Mediterranean coast

The Mediterranean and its beaches

Just a short distance from Villa Balāo, the Mediterranean stretches out along miles of sandy beaches, from Sète’s Lido to the wilder shores of Les Aresquiers and L’Espiguette, and the more daring atmosphere of Cap d’Agde.

Whether lively and well-equipped or quieter and more natural, these beaches are perfect for swimming, unwinding or simply watching the sun go down. With so much variety along the coast, it’s easy to find a different atmosphere from one day to the next.

Naturism is very much part of the local culture, with plenty of designated beaches where you can sunbathe and enjoy the Mediterranean in complete freedom.

The area is also easy to explore by bike, with numerous cycle paths leading to the beaches and around the shores of the Thau Lagoon. Bikes are available to rent at Villa Balāo, so you can explore at your own pace.

Historic center of Balaruc-les-Bains, near the Étang de Thau

Parcs à huîtres sur l’étang de Thau avec Sète et le mont Saint-Clair à l’horizon

Sète, Thau and the villages of Languedoc

From Villa Balāo, explore Balaruc-les-Bains, whose history stretches back to Roman times, and the shores of the Thau Lagoon, all within easy reach. With its peninsula, gardens and views across to Sète, this historic thermal town offers a peaceful setting in which to slow down and recharge.

Just a few minutes away, Sète unfolds between the sea, its canals and Mont Saint-Clair. A lively port town with a strong identity, it blends traditional neighbourhoods, bustling food halls and a rich maritime and cultural heritage. In summer, traditional Languedoc water jousting brings the canals to life, culminating in the famous Fêtes de la Saint-Louis, with the Thau Lagoon and Mediterranean as a backdrop.

Around the Thau Lagoon, a major Natura 2000 protected area, Bouzigues, Mèze and Marseillan invite you to slow down and enjoy their small harbours, waterside terraces, oyster farms and lagoon landscapes. Further inland, Pézenas and Languedoc’s distinctive circular villages, known as circulades, offer a glimpse of another side of the region, with old stone houses, narrow streets and shady squares.

Along the way, discover the Gallo-Roman Villa of Loupian on the ancient Via Domitia, the remarkable Maguelone Cathedral, or Valmagne Abbey.

Tielles from Sète at a local market during the Thau summer festival.

Vignobles de la Bergerie à Fenouillet, dans l’Hérault

Markets, vineyards and Mediterranean flavours

Here, food is as much about exploring the markets as it is about sitting down to a good meal. In Balaruc-les-Bains, plenty of restaurants are within walking distance, while Sète and the surrounding villages offer even more places to discover the flavours of the region. Local markets and food halls add to the experience in this corner of France where Mediterranean food culture runs deep.

Fish, shellfish and oysters from the Thau Lagoon naturally take centre stage. In Bouzigues and around the lagoon’s small harbours, you can enjoy them just a stone’s throw from where they are produced. Tielle sétoise, macaronade and other local specialities reflect the generous, distinctly Mediterranean character of the local cuisine.

The vineyards are just as close, although the landscapes soon begin to change: Picpoul de Pinet, Muscat de Frontignan and Mireval nearby, then Pic Saint-Loup and Terrasses du Larzac as you head further inland. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to meet local producers and discover the wines of Languedoc.

Remparts d’Aigues-Mortes et salins de Camargue

Lac du Salagou et ses terres rouges dans l’Hérault

Arc de Triomphe de Montpellier

Maison Carrée de Nîmes

Panorama depuis le Pic Saint-Loup

Pic Saint-Loup et vignobles du Languedoc

Crique méditerranéenne à Sète

A little further afield, for the day

Fancy venturing a little further? Villa Balāo is ideally placed for exploring Languedoc and beyond. Montpellier, Nîmes and the Camargue all make great day trips, combining heritage, culture and wide-open landscapes.

The dramatic scenery of Lac du Salagou, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and the Hérault Gorges offers a taste of the region’s beautiful hinterland, while the Canal du Midi and the Cirque de Navacelles open up yet more possibilities.

Béziers and Narbonne are both within easy reach for a day out. And if you feel like going a little further, Carcassonne and Avignon are still close enough for a day trip — a chance to discover their iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites before returning to the peace and quiet of Villa Balāo.

Port du Grau-du-Roi en Camargue

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert dans les gorges de l’Hérault

Pont du Diable sur l’Hérault

Vignobles de la vallée de Pégairolles

Vue sur la Méditerranée et l’étang de Thau depuis le mont Saint-Clair à Sète

Gorges de l’Hérault

Modern spa treatments, made for feeling good

Balaruc-les-Bains has a long tradition as a spa town. During your stay at Villa Balāo, you can book a treatment at the thermal spa or simply unwind at O’balia, the town’s wellness centre. Both are just a few minutes’ walk from the Villa.

O’Balia thermal spa in Balaruc-les-Bains

Thermal spa in Balaruc-les-Bains — O’balia

Sink into warm thermal pools, unwind in peaceful relaxation areas or treat yourself to a face or body treatment, all while enjoying views over the Thau Lagoon.
Reopening scheduled for the 2028 season.

Thermal spa breaks in Balaruc-les-Bains — Thermal Spa Centre

Choose from one- to five-day thermal spa programmes, with no prescription required, and discover the benefits of Balaruc-les-Bains’ naturally mineral-rich thermal waters.