When should you go? Sète through the seasons and its events
Each season reveals a unique facet of Sète. In spring, the town comes alive with wisteria in bloom and seagulls singing, ideal for strolling along the quays or walking the paths of Mont Saint-Clair. In summer, Sète is alive with nautical festivities, concerts, street shows, boat cruises and beach parties. The Jazz Festival and the Fête de la Saint-Louis attract visitors and Sétois alike with their joyous, friendly events. Autumn's golden light is perfect for an off-season getaway, while winter's quieter pace reveals an intimate Sète, ideal for museums, canal-side cafés and a warm meal of cuttlefish rouille or oysters.
Day 1 - From the Pointe Courte to the museums: immersion in the soul of Sète
Morning: Stroll around the upper quarter, Pointe Courte and the Royal Canal
Start your escapade in the upper quarter, nicknamed "Little Naples" for its sloping streets and flower-filled staircases. Then head for the Pointe Courte, an ancient fishing hamlet of unspoilt charm, with its colourful cottages and boats. Here, time seems to stand still, with cats dozing on window sills and unruffled fishermen working in silence. Finish off with a stroll along the Royal Canal, the beating heart of the city.
Noon: Marine flavours at Les Halles de Sète
A veritable institution in local gastronomy, Les Halles is a must for food lovers. Discover the tielle sétoise, cuttlefish rouille, mussels brasucades, Bouzigues oysters and other seafood, to be enjoyed on the go or at a convivial table, all accompanied by a glass of chilled Picpoul de Pinet.
Afternoon: Museums and theatre by the sea
Visit the Musée Paul Valéry, overlooking the Mediterranean with a remarkable collection of modern art. Don't miss the Musée International des Arts Modestes (MIAM), with its astonishing collection of popular and unusual art. Afterwards, head to the Théâtre de la Mer, the only open-air theatre by the sea, an ideal setting for a show or just a visit.
Evening: Lively terraces and nightlife
For an authentic evening out, settle down on a terrace along the lively quays or the Corniche beach. Wine bars, bohemian cafés and lounges offer a warm Mediterranean atmosphere. After dinner, stroll along the illuminated Canal Royal or take in a concert at the Théâtre Molière or Espace Georges Brassens, two of Sète's leading cultural venues.
Day 2 - Lively terraces and nightlife
Morning: Panoramic view of Mont Saint-Clair and nature walks
Climb Mont Saint-Clair for an exceptional panoramic view of the sea, the Etang de Thau and the town's canals. Then visit the Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette chapel, a haven of peace decorated with modern frescoes, and the Marine Cemetery, a symbolic place immortalised by Paul Valéry, set on a cliff facing the sea. For nature lovers, the Forêt des Pierres Blanches offers a soothing stroll through garrigue and pine forest.
Lunch by the lake at Mèze or Bouzigues
Just a short drive away, the oyster-farming villages of Mèze and Bouzigues invite you to enjoy an iodised lunch with your feet in the water, with fresh oysters, stuffed mussels and other local specialities from the oyster beds visible from the shore.
Afternoon: Thau Lagoon, beach and cruise
Back in Sète, treat yourself to a moment of relaxation on the Corniche beach or opt for a canal cruise to rediscover the city from the water. For a natural immersion experience, explore the Thau lagoon, a vast expanse of water rich in biodiversity. You can also continue on to the wild Villeroy beach or visit the Bagnas nature reserve.
Where to dine and have a drink?
In the evening, Sète comes alive particularly around the quays in the town centre and the Corniche beach. Here you'll find a selection of bars and terraces where you can enjoy a fresh Muscat or a local cocktail, facing the sea or the twinkling lights of the port. To extend the evening, try a jazz concert or a show at one of the town's many cultural venues, such as the Théâtre Molière or the Espace Georges Brassens. The lively alleyways also offer a number of cafés and meeting places where the southern ambience invites you to get together and relax.
Excursions around Sète: what to see nearby
- If you want to extend your stay, the region is full of treasures to discover:
- The Gallo-Roman villa at Loupian, just a few kilometres away, offers a fascinating journey back in time with its remarkably well-preserved mosaics.
The jousts of Sète: living traditions on the water
It's impossible to visit Sète without mentioning its contemporary art, water jousting, a strong symbol of its identity. Every summer, tournaments on the Royal Canal bring together spectators and players in white and blue. The Saint-Louis tournament at the end of August is the high point of the season: a spectacular event that has been part of Sétoise's history since 1666.
Why choose Sète?
Easily accessible by train from Montpellier or Béziers, Sète is a condensed version of the Mediterranean: beaches, canals, culture, gastronomy and traditions. With its boat cruises, lively alleyways, panoramic views, open-air museums and gourmet delights, a weekend in Sète is a sunny interlude between art and nature, with that little extra something special to the town of Brassens and Valéry.
Which campsite to stay at?
To help you organise your stay, take a look at the campsites near Sète