Thau Swim Trek 2026
- May 14, 2026
- Last edition date
- Distances from 2km to 10km
About the race
The Thau Swim Trek, scheduled for May 14-16, 2026, is a multi-stage open water event held in the Étang de Thau, France. The competition features a range of distances, including a 26km combined challenge across four stages, as well as individual segments of 2km, 5km, 6km, and 10km. Swimmers navigate these coastal lagoon waters, which have historically been tied to the Latin 'cetus'—meaning whale—as reflected in the local coat of arms.
The landscape from the water
As you swim through these protected waters, the geography of Sète reveals why it is called 'l'île singulière' (the singular island), positioned uniquely between the Mediterranean and the lagoon. On the slopes of Mont Saint-Clair, you can spot the outline of the Marine Cemetery, the final resting place of poet Paul Valéry, whose verses were inspired by this very vista. The lagoon itself is a vital habitat, and it is not uncommon to sight Greater Flamingos wading in the shallows or Black-necked Grebes during the spring season.
Race logistics and context
The event involves multiple point-to-point stages connecting towns like Marseillan, Mèze, Bouzigues, Balaruc, and Sète. Swimmers should note that the 2km 'ThauSwimNight' event serves as an introduction to the local conditions, while the longer 10km and 5km stages require careful management of energy across the multi-day format. The area is deeply marked by its maritime traditions, most notably the Saint Louis patronal festival, which has featured water jousting in the canals since 1703. While the focus remains on the swimming, you may pass the protected seagrass meadows of Zostera marina, which are integral to the lagoon’s ecosystem. For those who enjoy a packed season, the local calendar includes the Traversée de Sète à la nage and the 105ème TRAVERSEE DE SETE à SÈTE, offering further opportunities to navigate these southern waters. The coastal strip of the Lido de Thau, managed by the Conservatoire du Littoral, remains a constant backdrop as you transition between the various stages of the trek.
Sources: Sète
Course
ThauSwimNight event.
Stage from Mèze to Bouzigues (Day 1) and stage from Bouzigues to Balaruc (Day 2).
Stage from Balaruc to Sète.
Stage from Marseillan to Mèze.
Awards
Award ceremony scheduled for May 16th at 18:00.
How to get there
Thau Swim Trek 2026
Where to stay
Sète offers diverse lodging, ranging from traditional apartments in converted fisherman’s houses near the old port to boutique hotels tucked along the canals. Camping options are available along the Lido de Thau, providing direct beach access. Expect to pay between €90 and €180 per night for standard double rooms, with prices rising during the weekend of the event. It is advisable to look for locations near the city center or the Quai d'Alger for easier access to the race start and logistics.
Things to do nearby
Beyond the water, the region is defined by its shellfish heritage; visiting the oyster beds in Bouzigues for a tasting is a local requirement. You can explore the slopes of Mont Saint-Clair via hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the Mediterranean. For a different perspective, kayaking or paddleboarding in the calmer sections of the lagoon allows for a closer encounter with the local birdlife, while the town’s maritime museum provides context on the historical naval attacks and the local jousting tradition.
Swimmers
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