La Côte Bleue

The story

La Côte Bleue, Sète – Michelin Recommended Seafood on the Étang de Thau

A century on the water

What began in 1925 as a simple oyster tasting bar – the “dégustation Côte Bleue” built by Louis Tudesq – has evolved into a hotel-restaurant intimately tied to the Bassin de Thau. The Archimbeau family took over in 1961, adding the hotel in 1971 and undertaking extensive renovations between 2016 and 2024. Today, the new generation of the Archimbeau family welcomes guests to this waterside property, where the traditions of oyster and mussel cultivation remain at the heart of the experience.

Setting and atmosphere

La Côte Bleue sits directly on the edge of the Étang de Thau, a large saltwater lagoon that defines the character of the region. The restaurant offers both an air-conditioned dining room and a panoramic terrace, both with views over the water. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with a décor that retains the original cachet of the 1970s building. The village of Bouzigues, a typical Languedocien fishing and oyster-farming port, is a ten-minute walk away.

The chef and the cuisine

The restaurant’s chef (“cheffe”) creates dishes that highlight the freshest local ingredients, drawing on the rich Mediterranean terroir. The menu changes with the seasons but always features seafood: oysters from Bouzigues, grilled daurade, cod with spinach and basil sauce, or bouillabaisse. Two set menus (€37 and €59) offer a choice of starter, main, and dessert, showcasing both fish and land options such as slow-cooked chicken or duck breast. The quality of the cooking has earned La Côte Bleue a Michelin Recommended distinction, a recognition of its consistent, thoughtful approach to seafood and regional produce.

Whether you come for a plate of oysters on the terrace or a full multi-course meal, La Côte Bleue delivers a genuine taste of the Thau lagoon, rooted in family history and a deep connection to the water.