Romantic weekend in Balaruc-les-Bains
Presentation
Between the peninsula and the Thau lagoon... Between the thermal spa and the Mediterranean antique garden... Balaruc-les-Bains sometimes looks like the end of the world, but above all, it is a romantic town with a wealth of activities dedicated to lovers. If you need to find yourself with your partner or simply offer him a beautiful stay, go to Balaruc-les-Bains to see the sun set from the beach, to satisfy your taste buds in the typical restaurants of the town, to escape on a cruise on the Canal du Midi or simply to spend a beautiful evening at the Circus casino and the cultural centre Le Piano Tiroir.
ACTIVITIES FOR TWO
The O'Balia thermal spa
If you come to Balaruc-les-Bains for a romantic weekend, it is surely to relax and you have chosen well! As the first thermal spa in France, the town also hosts the first thermal spa in the Mediterranean: O'Balia.
So even if you are not here for a cure or a spa break, you can still enjoy the benefits of the 34°C thermal water in the bubbling baths, under the swan necks and geysers of the O'Balia spa. You will also find a sauna, a hammam and even the Onsen, a Japanese-inspired whirlpool bath, ideal for a romantic get-together at the other end of the world.
And why not extend the journey with "the magic of the hands" during a body wrap, a scrub, a world ritual, a facial or, the "must" for couples, a duo massage.
The Georges Brassens and Laurent Spinosi promenade
After this interlude of well-being, we invite you to take a few steps on the Georges Brassens and Laurent Spinosi promenade. Approximately two kilometres long, it will offer you a gentle reconnection to the lively life of Balaruc-les-Bains, as it also runs along the Thau lagoon and its breathtaking landscapes: the Mont Saint-Clair in Sète; the first small fishing port of the Mediterranean, Mèze; the Mont Saint-Loup where the Greek city of Agde sits at the foot; the cradle of shellfish farming, Bouzigues; or Marseillan, made famous for its Noilly Prat cellars.
It is also the ideal circuit to walk around the peninsula formed by Balaruc-les-Bains, to see the beaches of the commune and in the distance, the shellfish farming areas; to see at the end of the route the source of the Vise, a funnel 100 metres in diameter; or to take a few selfies in the company of Georges Brassens and Laurent Spinosi thanks to the trompe l'oeil present on this walk.
Tip: Don't hesitate to surprise your loved one with an ice cream on the way, thanks to the many restaurants and ice cream shops along the way.
The Ancient Mediterranean Garden
If you wish to prolong these moments of calm close to Mother Nature, we invite you to visit the Ancient Mediterranean Garden. As soon as you enter this garden, which is dedicated to the knowledge of Mediterranean plant species and their uses, you will be thrown back into the heart of Antiquity.
Designed as a real invitation to travel and meditation, the "JAM" presents no less than seven atmospheres around agriculture, horticulture, the sacred, medicine, magic, cooking and cosmetics. Amidst the pergolas, arbours, fountains and the small amphitheatre, let your gaze wander in this composition which mixes nature with components of ancient architecture.
Tip: Guided tours are offered by the animators of the Mediterranean Ancient Garden to learn more about its history.
Cruise on the Canal du Midi with Les bateaux du Soleil
Cruise up the Canal du Midi for a day? This is the experience that Les bateaux du Soleil offers you. Whether you want to discover the Trois Yeux bridge; see the Libron works, unique in the world; go up to the Portiragnes locks; learn more about the Ariège department or the town of Béziers; cross the Orb bridge-canal... Everything is possible!
Your cruise will, of course, be enhanced by your captain's comments on the history of the Canal du Midi and the various structures that make it up, as well as on the fauna and flora that surround it. And why not make this moment even more unforgettable with a meal linked to your visits?
Good to know: Departure is from Agde, but shuttles are available to allow you to leave from Balaruc-les-Bains during the day.
RESTAURANTS
Le Saint Clair
Why not make your weekend more romantic by booking a table at Le Saint Clair? As its name suggests, this gastronomic restaurant offers a breathtaking view of the Saint Clair mountain in Sète and the Thau lagoon.
On the plate, we remain in the theme, since the chef reserves you a refined cuisine made from local products and even platters of shellfish fished a few meters away from you, to share or not.
On the menu: aumônière of hot goat's cheese; escalivade with olive oil; organic farm chicken breast in a rosemary crust; hake fillet powdered with mint; praline mousse with choux pastry and strawberry sorbet; lemon meringue shortbread...
L'Arôme
If you want to make your taste buds vibrate in a zen and relaxed atmosphere for your romantic evening, go to L'Arôme. Jean Jack and Léone will be delighted to welcome you and show you around their art deco interior, as well as their art gallery, before you sit down on the terrace or patio.
The menu? The seasons and the daily arrival of many varieties of fresh fish dictate it, but always with respect for the products. For dessert, what could be better than to be tempted by a generous home-made pastry and an artisanal ice cream, all accompanied by an AOC coffee or a prestigious tea.
Good to know: The cellar of this Maître Restaurateur is composed of local and AOC wines, carefully selected from the owners of the vineyards.
Le Grand Large
Still along the Thau lagoon, you will find another restaurant in Balaruc-les-Bains that is not to be missed for its Mediterranean cuisine: Le Grand Large. Expect to take a plunge into the open sea with its refined and surprising dishes through its slate of the moment, its Discovery menu and its Grand Large menu.
On the menu: natural oysters from the Thau Basin, "homemade" fish soup from Roche, beef carpaccio, Mediterranean sea bass fillet, roasted veal, grilled Saint Pierre with black pirate sauce, fruit desserts, "royal chocolate" dome, pineapple carpaccio...
AT DUSK
Sunset at La Guinguette
For a simpler meal by the water, you should go to Sophie and Laurent at La Guinguette. On the terrace or in the veranda, the view of the sunset over the Thau lagoon will be breathtaking and unforgettable, accompanied by a platter of cold meats, tapas, a macaroni from the sea, a guinguette aïoli or a fish or meat prepared over a wood fire. Not forgetting the glass of wine from regional producers that will accompany them.
The Piano Tiroir
Looking for an evening at the theatre? Let the cultural centre Le Piano Tiroir surprise you with its quality cultural programme: theatre, music, dance, painting, but also cinema (screening of recently released films on Sundays) and an art gallery hosting artists' exhibitions.
Casino Circus
Do you prefer to experience a moment of pure madness with your partner? The Circus Casino is for you. Between table games (English roulette, black jack, rampo), slot machines and events (black bubbles, round-the-world tournament...), you won't know what to do.
You can even extend the evening at the casino bar or precede it with a romantic dinner at the restaurant Le Prana, which offers local and seasonal products (by reservation only).
Tip: Don't forget to bring your ID and to wear proper attire so as not to cut your evening at the casino short.