Aptly named the Venice of Languedoc, Sete can be found in between the Mediterranean Sea and the Thau lake. Charmingly, many villagers have small boats they use to go about their daily business and shopping. It was the first known fishing port of the Med, and is still a hive of fishing activity today with many gourmet canal-side restaurants specializing in delicious fresh seafood. There is plenty to see and do with eight miles of beautiful unspoiled sandy beaches and many sporting activities, especially water based, on offer such as kits surfing, wind surfing, fishing, swimming and diving.
There is a strong cultural heritage, and visitors can explore the Provencal markets, museums, chapel and art galleries. It is the Eastern starting place of the Canal du Midi, and ending place of the Canal du Rhone a Sete. The Canal du Midi is the world’s oldest canal and a UNESCO world heritage site. It is popular with visitors who can hire a barge and travel the length or even part of the waterway, stopping in at villages along the way to eat local fare, drink wine and explore.
The old port is worth exploring, with canals, bridges and breath-taking architecture. Musee Paul Valery contains beautiful artworks as well as historical artefacts and information about the city history. Musee International des Artes Modestes is located within an old warehouse with temporary exhibitions as well as workshops and educational talks held monthly. If you don’t mind the walk, then it is worth climbing to the top of the Mont Sait Clair, where you will have the most incredible panoramic views of the city, port, canals and the Thau Lagoon.
The train station, Gare de Sete, is served by many of the long distance trains such as Marseille and Paris. Beziers airport is located 52 km via the A9 motorway and Montpellier airport is approximately 39 km via the A9 and A709 motorway.
