Mèze (; ; ) is a commune in the Hérault department in southern France.
Its inhabitants are called .
Geography
Situated on the étang de Thau, Mèze shares with Bouzigues its historic role as the oyster capital of the area. Almost a third of its inhabitants depend on the fishing industry for their livelihood. In recent years, tourism and transport have become increasingly central to the local economy.
History An important port since Phoenician times, Mèze has always primarily been a fishing town. During the Roman Empire, the town lay on the main Southern route from Italy to Spain - the 'Via Domitia'. The Romans brought wine to the area and left a legacy of architecture including two of the town's churches. The production of shellfish, especially oysters, has been the mainstay of the Mèze economy for almost a century and the whole Bassin de Thau area has built an international reputation for the quality of its seafood.
Administration Term Mayor of Mèze Party1807–1815 Michel Privat1815–1817 Charles de Borie1817–1820 Pierre Ronzier1820–1828 Louis Charamaule1828–1840 François Bouliech1840–1848 de Borie1848-1848 Santy1848–1849 Hippolyte Bouliech1849-1849 Frédéric de Girard1849–1850 Jules Molinier1850–1851 François Besse1851-1851 Sylla Lacroix1851–1859 Constantin Bouliech1859–1865 Adrien Lonjon1865–1870 Gustave Privat1870–1874 Antonin Bouliech1874–1876 Emile Molinier1876-1876 Jean-Baptiste Allègre1876–1878 Jean-François Besse1878-1878 Benjamin Durand1878–1880 Jean-Baptiste Allègre1880–1882 Emile Beaumadier1882–1885 Jean-Baptiste Allègre1885-1885 Vincent Germain1885–1887 Jean-Baptiste Allègre1887–1892 Guillaume Gros1892–1901 Paulin Arnaud1901–1904 Paul Enteric1904–1912 Baptiste Guitard1912–1921 Paul Enteric1921–1922 Louis Brun1922–1923 Camille Fraisse,Charles Poujol,François Vailhedélégation spéciale1923–1925 Julien Granal1925–1941 Méril Poujade1941–1944 Thomas Bessieredélégation spéciale1944–1947 Henri Bessède1947–1971 André Montet1971–1977 Georges Jean1977–2001 Yves PietrasantaGreens2001-2001 Yvon Pibre2001-2021 Henry FricouGreens/Europe Écologie–The Greens2021-2026 Thierry BaëzaGénération écologie
Population
Sights
Old village center Port Mèze: both a working fishing harbor and a port for recreational boating. ecological site Dinosaur Plain''' palenthology museum. Eglise Saint Hilaire La Chapelle des Pénitents (12th century) Le château de Girard (end of 17th century) Remains of city walls St-Jean-de-la-Garrigue, former parish church, built in romanesque style.
Personalities The French Arabist and historian André Miquel was born in Mèze. Singer Pierre Vassiliu lived for many years in Mèze. Singer Christian Delagrange lives in Mèze.
Festivals Music Festival (annual), A festival of traditional Boat Jousting'' is held each summer.
Traditions The legendary has become the animal symbol of the town. The ball game.
See also Communes of the Hérault department
References
External links
Website of panoramic photos of Mèze and its region Official site Festival of Thau