Bouzigues is located on the north coast of the Etang de Thau (a salt water lagoon connected to the Mediterranean Sea) between Sète and Balaruc. It lies in the Hérault (Erau)
It is a centre for oyster and mussel production dating back to the time of the Greeks, perhaps earlier. The earliest fishermen here lived in caves along the shore.
The village has a fifteenth century church, an attractive harbour, and plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants.
At the far end of the harbour is a museum (le Musée de l'Etang de Thau) that explains the history and techniques of oyster-farming and mussel-farming in the area.
Inhabitants are called "Bouzigauds".
At the begining of the Twentieth century an ancient method of raising oysrers and shell fish (Huîtres et moules) was revived. Today this industry, along with tourism, is the principal motor of the local economy. There is a local anual fair - "La foire aux huîtres à Bouzigues".
If you drive along the N113 coast road in the Hérault from Mèze heading east, and look out to sea. There you will see odd-looking wooden structures - square frames on stilts sunk into the seabed, sitting in the waters of the Etang de Thau. These are wooden tables or oyster beds. Oyster farmers (ostréiculteurs) use waterfront shacks lining the lagoon.
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1 208 inhabitants
Code Insee 34039
Code postal 34140
Latitude 43° 26' 57? Nord
Longitude 3° 39' 32? Est /