Why visit Sète?
Sète is an attractive fishing village just 18 miles (28 km) southeast of Montpellier. Important for more than 300 years, it still has a lively fishing port lined with buildings painted in colors of ocher, rust and blue. This is the place for some of the best seafood in France, prepared from the catch that is landed daily in the port. Sète is also a good base for exploring the surrounding region and the glittering Mediterranean coastline.
It is close to some of the big cities in the area, such as Perpignan in the south and Béziers. And if you want to go further, explore the region along the Spanish border where the two countries merge in Catalan culture.
What to see
The upper part of the city climbs up Mont St-Clair to the scenic Pierres Blanche park . From here, the view takes you across the Bassin de Thau, towards the Cevennes, the Pic St-Loup and the coastline dotted with lakes and small towns. On a clear day you can see the Pyrenees and east to the Alpilles hills.
The small chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette was originally part of a hermitage, built as protection against pirates by the Duke of Montmorency.
Walk along the marked path to the sailors’ cemetery which has the grave of the French actor and theater director Jean Vilar, but the most important is the grave of the poet Paul Valéry.
A few steps later, you will arrive at the Paul Valéry Museum, which features works by artists inspired by the small town. On the first floor, a room dedicated to the poet displays original editions, manuscripts and watercolors.
If you are a fan of Georges Brassens (1921-1981), Espace Brassens gives you a little more information about the life of the famous singer and songwriter.
Below, by the sea, the old port forms the lively center of the city. The little bridges over the canals lead you to a surprising selection of little restaurants and bars. In the southeast corner, the Môle St-Louis juts out into the sea. Built in 1666, it is used today as a base for high-level sailing training.
Walk north and you will pass the CRAC (Center regional d’art contemporain). This contemporary art gallery converted from a former fish freezing warehouse has an excellent temporary exhibition throughout the year.
It’s about the sea
The beaches are the reason why many people come to Sète. La plage du Lazaret is close to the city center. Exit 2 km from the center and you will reach the plage de la Corniche , ideal for children. Those after a gentle exercise can walk along 6 miles of fine golden sand to reach Marseillan.
Water sports in Sète
For fans of water sports, this is an ideal destination. There is hardly any water activity, from sailing to swimming to diving, that is not possible here.
Sète also hosts famous jousting tournaments in the water when teams in boats try to knock down their opponents by paddling as fast as possible between them. Each boat has a spear-carrying launcher; the idea is to knock down your opponent and preferably throw him into the sea.
Go down to the port and take a boat trip out to sea.
Sète Daytrips
Sète is an excellent base for day trips. At the western end of Bassin de Thau, Agde is a charming seaside town that began as a Phoenician city, trading with the Levant.
South of Mont St-Loup, Cap d’Agde is one of the most successful and largest naturist resorts in France.
A little further east, Nimes is one of the great Roman cities in the south of France.
Aigues-Mortes is on the edge of the Camargue. Called the city of dead waters, it is an evocative place, built on a strict grid pattern. The city has good hotels, many of them next to the defensive walls.
Go down to the French border with Spain and visit the beautiful and underrated Cote Vermeille.
Where to stay
The Orque Bleue Hotel is a charming boutique hotel right on the canal and next to the fishing port. The 19th century building houses 30 beautiful rooms; And there is a garage.
10 quai Aspirant-Herber
Tel.: 00 33 (0) 4 67 74 72 13
The 3-star Grand Hotel on the canal is the place if you want something more luxurious. Looking directly at the canal, it has spacious and comfortable rooms, a swimming pool and a gym. The restaurant is bistro style with good seafood and fish dishes.
17 quai of Tassingy
Tel.: 00 33 (0) 4 67 74 71 77
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Where and what to eat
Sète Kitchen
A local specialty found on many menus is bouillabaisse. This popular and hearty stew that combines fish and shellfish actually started as an inexpensive lunch for fishermen who work hard at mixing up the catch of the day that didn’t sell at the market. Other fish specialties from Sètois include le tielle , a fish and tomato omelette , and rouille de seiche , a mixture of fish, tomato sauce and aioli.
Chez François
8 Quai Général Durand
Tel.: 00 33 (0) 4 67 74 59 69
A good, cheap place for seafood, particularly mussels. The restaurant also has a fish shop in Port-Loupian.
Paris Méditerranée
47 rue Pierre-Semard
Tel.: 00 33 (0) 4 67 74 97 73
Charming husband and wife run restaurant with an outside terrace. Go for the excellent seafood and friendly service.
Tourist Office
60 Grand’rue Mario-Roustan
Tel.: 00 33 (0) 4 67 74 71 71
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