Sunny apartment with a view of Etang de Thau (5 km from the ocean)

Apartment on the second (top) floor of the small Quai 9 residence on the shores of the Etang de Thau and 5 km from the sea<br><br>Rentals available for a minimum of 3 nights from September through June and 7 nights in July and August.<br><br>Optional cleaning service: €50 to be paid on site (check or cash)<br><br>Breathtaking view of the Etang de Thau from the terrace, which is sunny all day long.<br><br>Views of the rooftops of Château du Port and Marseillan from the bedroom. <br><br>A five-minute walk from the marina and downtown, with a wide selection of local shops, bars, and restaurants. (Market day: Tuesday)<br><br>The local airport is Béziers, 20 minutes away. Other airports: Montpellier (45 minutes), Nîmes (75 minutes), Perpignan (75 minutes), Carcassonne (75 minutes). If you’re flying into Béziers for a short stay, you may choose not to rent a car—the city bus runs to and from every flight Ryanair and will drop you off a 5-minute walk from the apartment. The bus will also take you back to the airport in time for every flight.<br><br>Located at the entrance to the Canal du Midi, Marseillan is on its way to becoming a popular port of call but still retains a quiet, local charm. Often referred to as the “St. Tropez of the 1960s,” it has so much to offer, including 20 restaurants and bars and the best seafood imaginable.<br><br>Marseillan is the oldest village in France. It flourished when the Canal du Midi was completed, which brought trade to the town.<br><br>Nearby, along the lagoon, lies the small town of Bouzigues, which is the “capital” of oyster and mussel farming in France—visit the museum to learn more about the history of the industry and how the beds are managed. The shellfish from here are sold along the roadsides by small producers—there is no large cooperative. The oysters from here are sold throughout France as being of the highest quality. The water in the Etang is so clean that the shellfish can be sold straight from the ocean—which isn’t allowed on the Atlantic coast!<br><br>At the end of the Etang lies the charming town of Sète. Built like Venice with canals, you’ll find a magnificent covered market and fresh fish from one of France’s largest trawler fleets. The town hosts the famous water jousting festival.<br><br>Montpellier is less than an hour’s drive away (45 minutes by train from the Agde station). This historic city is a mix of modern shops and a historic district with narrow cobblestone streets. You’ll get lost, but that’s part of the fun—you’ll stumble upon tiny squares with fountains and restaurants serving al fresco meals. There are antique shops where you can discover something you simply can’t resist.<br><br>On Saturday mornings, a must-see is a visit to the old town of Pézenas, where the market literally takes over the entire town. Everything from fresh seafood and local cured ham to a mind-boggling variety of cheeses and bread. It’s a great place to buy fresh produce from local farmers. The town has an atmospheric medieval center, and this historic district is home to a myriad of small shops and restaurants (some with as few as five tables). The town is a hub for artists and artisans, and we challenge you not to leave without buying something.<br><br>There’s a small, shallow “town beach,” but to the south (5 km—on foot, by bike along the pond and the Canal du Midi, or by bus) lies Marseillan Plage. Recently “refreshed,” it’s the tourist hub for beach lovers. There are kilometers upon kilometers of fine sandy beaches and the pristine Mediterranean Sea. A little further along the coast, you’ll find Cap d’Agde. It boasts one of the largest marinas in France, and you can dine on the promenade right next to the yachts. There are boat tours on a huge glass-bottomed catamaran.<br><br>Further south lies the city of Narbonne. Once a seaport, Narbonne is now 15 km inland due to the silting up of the Aude River. This charming city has a covered market in a beautiful arcaded building and a stunning cathedral.&