A stylish nest on the ramparts of an ancient fishing port, with sparkling lagoon views from a top-floor living area The winding, flower-scented streets of Mèze lie midway between medieval Montpellier and sandy Mediterranean beaches at Sète and Marseillan. This once-upon-a-time white fisherman’s house stands three storeys high on the old town’s ramparts, overlooking the sparkling Étang de Thau with its oyster beds. Scamper up to the top level, where an open-plan living/dining area with a comfortable sofa bed for two and modern kitchen gleam in the light from a huge window overlooking the water. Crack open the wine and nibbles, then head down a floor to the intimate bedroom – flowing white curtains, cotton sheets and wooden floor boards – and adjoining salon. Tiny but perfectly formed, the salon has a big mirror to multiply space and light, and French windows opening out to a balcony where you can toast the view (again). It’s all deliciously intimate, from the narrow stairs to the tiny shower room, but there’s room for six at the dining table (there are extra beds for the kids). The quiet cul-de-sac is steps away from the bustle of Mèze’s covered market, and from the fishing boats

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: Maison de Thau is a historic self-catering fisherman's cottage set on the ancient ramparts of Mèze, with panoramic views over the Étang de Thau lagoon. Located in the heart of Mèze old town, the property sleeps up to 4 guests across three characterful floors. The top-floor open-plan living and dining area is the heart of the home, featuring a large dining table for six, fully equipped contemporary kitchen and a wide picture window framing the sparkling lagoon and its famous oyster beds. A comfortable double sofa bed makes this floor ideal for additional guests. The first floor offers an intimate ensuite bedroom with rain shower, and a cosy salon with smart TV and Netflix, opening onto a private balcony — perfect for morning coffee or evening aperitifs with lagoon views. Outside, the cottage sits on a quiet cobbled impasse on the historic ramparts, with a small bistro table catching the afternoon sun. Parking is available directly next to the property.

Mèze & the Étang de Thau, South of France Set on the edge of the Étang de Thau lagoon in the South of France, Mèze is an authentic Mediterranean fishing town with a working harbour, calm beaches and exceptional local food. Located 25 minutes from Montpellier and 20 minutes from Sète, it offers the perfect base for exploring the region — while giving you every reason to stay put. THE HARBOUR & WATERFRONT The harbour is the heart of town — restaurants line the quay with tables set along the water, oyster boats coming and going throughout the day. Fresh oysters from the Étang de Thau, local Picpoul wine and long unhurried lunches are part of the daily rhythm here. It's a working harbour, not a showpiece — and all the better for it. THE BEACH Mèze has two sandy beaches on the lagoon's edge. The shallow, calm water makes swimming easy at any time of day — clear in the morning, warm and still into the evening. No waves, no crowds, no undertow. Perfect for families and anyone wanting relaxed, easy swimming. THE TOWN A few streets back from the harbour, the town shifts into a quieter rhythm. The main square hosts regular markets filled with local produce, bread, cheese and regional specialities. Independent shops, bakeries and cafés line the smaller streets. It feels genuinely lived-in rather than tourist-facing. GETTING AROUND Sète — 20 mins by car Montpellier — 25 mins by car Béziers — 25 mins by car Montpellier Airport — 25 mins Béziers Airport — 25 mins TOP 5 REASONS TO VISIT MÈZE: 🌊 Waterside living — morning swims, harbour walks and long lunches by the lagoon every day 🦪 Exceptional local food — fresh oysters, Picpoul wine and menus that change with the catch 🏖️ Calm swimmable beaches — warm shallow lagoon water, ideal for families 🚢 A real working harbour — authentic, unhurried and completely unspoilt 📍 Perfectly placed — close to Sète and Montpellier but with its own slower, southern rhythm