Meet Local Aquaculture Farmers
What is Aquaculture?
With its 420km of Mediterranean coasts, the Var department has a great maritime heritage: visitors can taste delicious fishes (Bass, Sea Bream) as well as specialties such as “fried eperlans”, sea urchins, mussels and oysters, at the Provençal markets or restaurants.
At the end of the 19th century, aquaculture farmers settled down in the beautiful Bay of Tamaris (also called the Bay of Lazaret), and the mussels of this area became renowned in the whole country because of their quality; today, about 10 producers remain on the Bay and they are pleased to share their passion during guided tours.
From Toulon or La Seyne-sur-Mer, visitors get on a boat to the Bay of Tamaris with a local farmer. He tells them all the secrets of traditional farming in front of an aquaculture farm built on piles, then docks at La Seyne-sur-Mer (at Les Sablettes beach) for the visit of a production facility.
Tamaris aquaculture’s features
Aquaculture farms are located a few steps away from Les Sablettes sandy beach. It is perfect to rest, swim and enjoy the restaurants of this touristic area. Also, the Fort Balaguier is only 10 minutes’ drive from Les Sablettes! This former military fort has a museum, a beautiful botanical garden, and a terrace with a panoramic view over the Bay of Toulon.
WHAT TO DO
- Guided tour of an aquaculture farm by boat + guided tour of a production facility (on the coast, Les Sablettes beach) with a local fish, oyster and mussel farmer.
- Tasting sessions of aquaculture products with a nice glass of wine.
- Resting time - Les Sablettes sandy beach.
- Tour of the Fort Balaguier and its wonderful garden.
