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Sete tourism

sete1The busy port town of Sete is a real gem on the Languedoc coast. Don't be put off by the industrial outskirts to the town, we love Sete and it has become one of the fastest growing property hot spots in the Languedoc. Sete grew rapidly during the late 17th Century due to its links to the Canal du Midi and the Canal a Rhone. During the mid 18th Century there was also a large influx of Italians into the town, fleeing the economic crisis in Southern Italy. Many of the new inhabitants were Anchovy fishermen, who continued their trade in the town. The town of Sete itself wraps itself around the rocky Mont St-Clair promontory. The old quarter of Sete straddles the Canal Royal, the site of the famous water jousting championships in the summer and the home of lots of good restaurants and bars.

sete binoculars south france

 

Musee Paul Valery , Sete

sete south franceSete, South France [Photo courtesy of https://www.instagram.com/ville_de_sete/]

 

In the maze of streets in between the Canal and the hillside you will find a museum to one of Sete's famous sons - the poet and writer Paul Valery (Musee Paul Valery; open Wednesday to Sunday, 10.00 to 18.00, closed for lunch; entrance fee around Euros 3.50).

 

Espace George Brassens

sete harbour south france

 

You will also find the bizarre Musee International des Arts Modestes, a gallery of modern art (23 quai Marechal-Lattre; open every day except Tuesday, 10.00 to 18.00, closed for lunch; entrance fee Euros 5). Sete's other favourite son was Georges Brassens, a popular post-war folk singer and social commentator. On the southern side of Sete there is a cultural workshop showcasing the work of George Brassens and developing the musical talents of children (Espace George Brassens).

 

 

 sete beaches south france

 

 

Water jousting in Sete 

Sete

 

Perhaps the best time to visit Sete is during the early summer when the Fiesta de Sete is in full swing (see Fiesta de Sete) or during the end of July and early August or during the Water Jousting championships at the end of August. When it comes to food, Sete is a seafood paradise. Amazing seafood is literally pulled straight off the boat. It is also a stones throw away from the Etang Thau with its fantastic oysters (see our article on the Etang Thau).

 

 

 


 

 

Where to next . . .?

If you are planning a trip to the South of France in 2024, then Sete is an excellent coastal town to visit. Sete is close to Montpellier and Montpellier airport flies to over 30 destinations throughout Europe. Sète has its own TGV train station with fast services up to Paris and down to Barcelona. Sete has a distinct culture, on account of the many thousands of Italian immigrants who came to the town during the 1860's. As a fishing port, Sete is home to many seafood and fish restaurants and also has 2 local delicacies: 'La Tielle' a spicy tarte made with garlic, tomatoes and squid; and 'Zezette' a sweet biscuit. Sète is also home to some of the best beaches along the Languedoc coast - a 20 mile strip of golden sand that runs south from the city to the beach resort of Marseillan Plage.

Find out more about Sete and the local area:

 

fiesta de seteWater Jousting in Sete, South France

Water Jousting is one of the strangest sports you will ever see, but during the late summer in Sete, South France, you can witness a whole festival dedicated to the sport.

 

paloma beach france10 best South France beaches to visit in 2024

Find  the best beaches to visit in South France, from the Cote d'Azur, the golden sandy beaches on the Languedoc coast near Montpellier, Sete, Beziers and Narbonne and the rocky coves near Perpignan.

 

beziers feria2

Best South France festivals 2024

See the full list of festivals taking place in the South of France during 2024. We cover everything from Jazz festivals to food festivals, wild parties, processions and medieval fairs.

 

beziers river

Worldwide Music Festival in Sete South France July 2024

The Worldwide French music festival 2024 will be held from 1 to 7 July 2024. This will be the 17th year the festival has taken place in Sete and it is one of the best French music festivals for modern Jazz, Funk and World Music.

 

fiesta de seteFiest'A de Sete World Music Festival

The Fiest'A de Sete is one of the largest World Music festivals in France, covering musical styles from North Africa & Europe. This popular festival draws in 30,000 spectators over 6 days at 4 venues in Sete, South France.

 

Cathars in LanguedocHoliday accommodation in Montpellier and Sete South France

Search Go Languedoc for holiday villas and beach apartment to rent during 2024, close to Montpellier and Sete on the Languedoc coast. The accommodation varies from 1 bed apartments to 6 bed villas.

 

Contact Iain by Email if you have any particular questions you would like to ask about visiting Carcassonne and the South of France. If you liked the article then please share it with others using the Twitter and Facebook buttons below. I wish you a wonderful stay in the South of France. 

 

Go Languedoc
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