Müze

Mèze is a coastal commune in the Hérault department, Occitanie, in southern France. It sits on the eastern shore of the Étang de Thau, between Bouzigues and Sète, and is part of the Montpellier arrondissement. The town is known for its harbour, the old town’s narrow streets, and access to the lagoon’s natural environment.

The Étang de Thau is a brackish lagoon connected to the Mediterranean Sea. It is famous for shellfish farming, particularly oysters and mussels. Mèze’s economy centers on fishing and tourism, with markets and seasonal visitors drawn to the lagoon and the coastal beaches.

Historically, the area has been settled since antiquity, with the village developing around a parish church and local agriculture. In the 19th and 20th centuries, shellfish production became an important economic activity, shaping the landscape and livelihoods of the community.

Today, Mèze maintains a mix of traditional fishing heritage and modern tourism. Visitors explore the harbor, stroll the waterfront, and enjoy local products from the Étang de Thau. The surrounding countryside includes vineyards and garrigue typical of the region.

With several thousand residents, the population swells in the summer tourist season. Mèze is the seat of the canton of Mèze and is part of the Montpellier arrondissement in the Occitanie region.