Why Sète Should Be Your Next Beach Destination
When thinking of a beach vacation in the south of France, Nice, the Côte d’Azur, and Provence usually come to mind. Discover your favorite beach in the South of France — Sète — a hidden gem in Occitanie that promises a unique and unforgettable experience. This charming seaport city, often called the “Venice of Languedoc,” is an ideal summer destination for those who enjoy a vacation spot with miles of pristine sandy beaches. This holiday jewel also offers delectable cuisine and a culture steeped in history.
Explore Sète’s Stunning Beaches
Sète boasts approximately 12 kilometers (about 7.5 miles) of sandy shoreline, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The Mediterranean coastline offers crystal-clear waters and warm summer breezes, making for a relaxing beach day. Whether you prefer the bustling beach clubs or the more secluded rocky cliffs, Sète has something for every beach lover.
Dive into Sète’s Culinary Treats
Zezettes de Sète: A Sweet Start
Before heading out for the beach, start your day, and your culinary journey in Sète, with the famous zezettes, crisp cookies made with Muscat wine. These treats are perfect for a morning snack as you explore the city. And you must try the tielle, a savory little octopus pie. This local delicacy, filled with a spicy octopus and tomato mixture, is a testament to the city’s rich maritime heritage and a must-try for any seafood lover.
Fresh Seafood at Les Halles de Sète
Les Halles de Sète, the busy city market, is the heart of the local food scene. Open six days a week, the market offers a glimpse into the town’s lively atmosphere, where vendors proudly display fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood. The market’s oysters from nearby bays and lagoons are renowned as some of the best in the world. Be sure to sample a variety of fish, including Mediterranean tuna, sardines, and herring.
Immerse Yourself in Sète’s Vibrant Culture
Discover the Canals
Known as the “Venice of Languedoc,” Sète is crisscrossed by canals lined with colorful boats, cafés, and shops. Tall, colorful 19th-century townhouses with wrought iron balconies add to the city’s charm, reflecting its growth and prosperity during that era. These canals are not just for show; they played a crucial role in the city’s history, aiding trade and fishing.
Experience Water Jousting
August is the time for water jousting in Sète, a tradition that dates back to the 17th century. First seen in Sète when the city celebrated the opening of its harbor in 1666, water jousting involves, basically, competitors in small boats attempting to knock each other into the water. Water jousting during the Saint Louis Festival is the highlight of the season when locals and tourists gather to watch from stands constructed for the occasion along the canal.
Panoramic Views from Mont Saint Clair
Take a short ride to the top of Mont Saint Clair for breathtaking views of the Sete and the Mediterranean. This hill is historically significant, having served as a lookout point against pirate invasions. Even on an overcast day, the panoramic vista of Sète is amazing. Atop Mont Saint Clair, you’ll find the Chapelle Notre Dame de la Salette, built on the ruins of a 17th-century fort. This historic chapel offers a glimpse into Sète’s past. The chapel is notable for its statue of Mary, which stands as a beacon of faith and history, visible from various points around the city.
Enjoy the Festive Markets
Indoor and Outdoor Markets
Sète’s indoor market is a bustling meeting place where locals shop, socialize, and enjoy fresh seafood and wine. The market is a tradition dating back to the city’s early days as a vital trading port. The outdoor market, held on Wednesdays, is a sensory feast with its vibrant colors, provençal merchandise, and the irresistible whiff of Mediterranean culinary favorites in the air. If you want an early morning glass of wine, this is the place to be.
Discover the Rich History of Sète’s Seaport
A Legacy of Trade and Prosperity
The seaport of Sète, established in 1666 under the reign of Louis XIV, was instrumental in transforming the city into a vital trading hub. The king recognized the strategic importance of a Mediterranean port to bring goods from the Orient and beyond, satisfying his lavish tastes and boosting the region’s economy. Over the centuries, Sète became France’s largest fishing port on the Mediterranean, known for its catches of tuna, sardines, herring, and anchovies. It remains the same today.
Italian Influence and Fishing Heritage
Italian immigrants played a crucial role in shaping Sète’s fishing industry. They brought techniques and traditions that helped establish Sète as a fishing mecca. Today, the port continues to thrive, with bustling fish markets and a vibrant seafood culture integral to the city’s identity.
Modern-Day Sète: A Blend of Old and New
While new trade routes and more significant seaports have affected Sète’s economy, tourism is breathing new life into the city. The picturesque seaport remains a focal point, drawing visitors with its historical significance and charm. From watching the fishing boats come and go to exploring the busy waterfront lined with restaurants and shops, the seaport of Sète is an appealing blend of history and modern-day attraction.
Gateway to the Mediterranean
Sète is closely linked to the Canal du Midi, one of the engineering marvels of the 17th century. Constructed between 1666 and 1681, the canal connected the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. The Canal du Midi ends at the Thau Lagoon near Sète, making the city a crucial terminus for this historic waterway.
Exploring the Canal du Midi
Visitors to Sète can take a boat trip along the Canal du Midi to experience this UNESCO World Heritage site’s scenic beauty and historical significance firsthand. The canal is lined with plane trees and offers views of the picturesque countryside. Cruising the canal provides a unique perspective on the region’s history and its importance in trade and transportation.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The Canal du Midi not only boosted trade but also had a profound impact on the development of the surrounding regions, including Sète. It brought prosperity and cultural exchanges, contributing to the rich local traditions and cuisine that visitors enjoy today.
Sète’s Summer Jazz Festival: A Musical Extravaganza
A World Class Event
Every summer, Sète hosts its world-famous Jazz Festival, attracting music lovers from around the globe. The festival, held in July, showcases a lineup of impressive international jazz artists blending traditional jazz with contemporary styles. It’s a huge celebration of music and a picture-book memory set against a backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.
Famous Entertainers
Over the years, the Sète Jazz Festival has featured performances by some of the biggest names in jazz. The 2024 lineup includes renowned artists like Chris Isaak, Cory Henry, Meshell Ndegeocello, Thomas de Pourquery, and Scary Pockets. The festival’s popularity has soared, drawing thousands of jazz fans and music lovers each year.
An Unforgettable Experience
This summer, discover the magic of Sète, its vibrancy, its seaport legacy, and the historic Canal du Midi. You’ll create memories that will last a lifetime. Promise!
Even Banksy’s discovered Sete!
2 Responses
Having spent some time in uzes the blog encourages me to go back and explore the coast.
Additionally the tv series Candice Renoir has shown me Sete which looks fascinating.
I haven’t seen the series, but I’ll look for it. Thanks! Sete is a fascinating town. My friends who live there love it. And, of course, it’s a great place to visit. Take a look and let me know what you think. Thanks for contacting me and for following the Barefoot Blogger.