Sète is a seaport in the southern region of Occitanie. It’s known as ‘the little Venice of Languedoc’ due to its position between the Mediterranean and the beautiful Etang de Thau (Thau Lagoon) and because of its extensive canal network. Sète is for stunning views and seafaring history; and Sète is for seafood.
Sète is for seafood and the sea
Sète’s unique location means that the sea and all things related tend to dominate.
Fans of the long-running French police drama Candice Renoir, starring Cécile Bois, will be familiar with the views of Sète’s beaches, the marina and the Etang de Thau, which is a saltwater lagoon, considered the second largest lake in France.
The sea is also important to the city in other ways.
Sète has an abundance of restaurants and cafes that serve local seafood specialties. Oysters have been favourites for generations; the area provides ideal conditions for oyster farming. You’ll want to sample some, of course, accompanied by a glass of crisp white wine.
You might have the chance to see the beds, further out in the lagoon, where oysters and mussels are raised. A local delicacy is the tielle sétoise, an octopus and tomato pie. Delicious!
Not surprisingly, the town also has salt ponds and a long history of salt production.
Landscape
The Thau Lagoon is the mouth of the Canal du Midi , a 240 km waterway between Sète and Toulouse. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The canal, with its impressive locks, and beautiful shores,has historical significance: it was built in the 17th century, enabling trade and transportation between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Dominating Sète’s cityscape is the Saint-Louis Lighthouse, also built in the 17th century to aid the safety of the harbour’s shipping. If you climb to the top, you’ll have panoramic views of the whole town as well as along the Mediterranean coast. The striking Mont Saint-Clair provides a stunning backdrop to the town, offering hiking opportunities and panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
Other local attractions
Sete is for seafood and the sea but wait, there’s more.
As well as oysters, fish, shellfish and salt production, winemaking has also shaped Sète’s identity. Local vineyards produce excellent wines that perfectly complement the town’s seafood dishes.
A unique tradition in Sète is the ancient sport of water jousting. Dating back to the 17th century, this thrilling spectacle involves teams of jousters on boats, trying to knock each other into the water. It’s considered a symbol of luck for the town.
The K-Live Festival and the Musée à Ciel Ouvert (Open Air Museum), held in early June each year, take the celebration of colourful murals, urban art and music to the streets.
Sète also offers a variety of guided walking trails that lead visitors to points of interest and landmarks around the town. It’s a great way to explore the canals, the coastal areas and the historic neighbourhoods and learn more about Sète’s history and culture.
See more of what’s happening in Sète.
Georges Brassens
Legendary singer-songwriter Georges Brassens (1921-1981) is one of Sète’s most cherished (and famous) sons.
Espace Georges Brassens is a cultural centre in Sète, which is dedicated to his life and work and often hosts exhibitions and musical events.
Brassens is buried in the Cimetière Le Py de Sète.
His music and poetry continue to inspire and resonate with people worldwide.
Galleries and museums
Sète’s Museum Of the Sea offers a glimpse into its maritime past with displays of model ships, historical objects and information about the
Sète is a haven for art lovers, with numerous museums and collections showcasing various art forms. The Paul Valéry Museum houses an extensive fine arts collection and the Musee Internationale des Arts Modestes (MIAM) presents a fascinating array of ‘everyday’ art and contemporary art, not necessarily from well know artists.
Images Singulières is a photographic centre and exhibition space and its annual Festival attracts photograph enthusiasts and professionals from all over the world.
The Religious Art Museum is renowned for its distinctive dome. Inside, visitors can explore its collections of religious artifacts and artwork.
The Museum of Everyday Life in Sète gives visitors a look at the town’s history. It features life-sized figures in period costumes engaged in daily activities. The meticulous attention to detail and the inclusion of video footage will give you a fascinating historical context; it’s a fun, immersive experience for all ages.
Maybe Sète is for seafood and the sea but, if you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast or you’re simply looking for a taste of Mediterranean life, Sète certainly has something for you.
Further afield
When you visit Sète, you’ll experience a blend of Mediterranean culture, history and natural beauty. It’s a good base for easy access to other destinations close by, including the historic city of Montpellier (30 kms away) and the charming town of Beziers (57 kms).
The beautiful city of Nîmes is also only 84 km from Sète.
See more Francy That! recommendations for Places To Go.
Information
Location: Occitanie, on the Mediterranean coast.
Distance from Paris: 750 km (466 miles) south of Paris.
Population: 45,000 +
Nearest Airport: Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport (MPL), approximately 30 km (19 miles) to the northeast.
Nearest Train Station: Gare de Sète, well-connected to other major cities in France.
Tourist Information: 60 Gd Rue Mario Roustan.
Markets: Halles de Sète, a covered market; outdoor markets, such as Place Aristide-Briand, for clothing, crafts and more.
Must-See: The harbour; the Thau Lagoon; the museums.
