Take a break in Sète, less than an hour from Montpellier

With its charming marina and winding canals dividing the town into small districts, Sète's flagship feature, without which the town would not be the one we love so much, is without doubt the water. Wedged between the Etang de Thau and the Mediterranean.

Sète lives to the rhythm of the sea and what it has to offer. This is reflected in the large fishing port that has made the town so rich, and which is still one of the most important commercial ports in France. To discover it, head for the Pointe Courte, the typical fishermen's quarter of Sète. All you have to do is read the names of the streets to get a feel for the spirit of the place: the "jouteurs", the "rowers", the "pêcheurs" and the "pétanque" streets.

Speaking of jousters, who are they and what is jousting in Sète? Jousting is a sporting activity practised by many Sétois, in which two opponents, each standing on the stern of a boat, try to knock each other into the water with a long pole fitted with a buffer when the boats pass each other. More than an institution, jousting is a very important tradition in Sète. A bit like rugby in the south-west, it's impossible to be a Sétois without being a fervent supporter of this sport.

Sète jousts celebrated on Saint Louis Day!

Saint Louis is Sète's patron saint's day. Every year, at the end of August, the town organises a major jousting tournament in Sète. The Fête de la Saint Louis, with its jousting tournaments, is the big event of the year and sets the pace for the people of Sète. With more than 70 street shows and quayside bars, the town is alive with excitement.

Hidden in the maze of Sète's old town is a hill known as Mont Saint Clair. From its summit, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view over the whole town and its marinade. It's a popular spot for tourists to admire the scenery and take a lunch break. Many onlookers picnic here, while other visitors head off to the Pierres Blanches national forest for a stroll in the shade of the pine forest, accompanied by the song of the cicadas.

As in many regions of southern France, the gastronomy of Sète is very tasty and colourful. Among its signature dishes, tielle sétoise is a must. All the good restaurants in Sète offer this little pie filled with spicy octopus, which used to be the traditional lunch of the Italian fishermen of the Quartier-Haut.

When it's time for a snack, children and even older children with a sweet tooth will happily nibble on a Sète zézette, a shortbread biscuit, emblematic of the town, flavoured with vanilla and made from wheat flour, olive oil and Muscat de Frontignan. Zézette is the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of chilled ice cream.

⭐ La Résidence Odalys Terra Gaia

The Résidence Odalys Terra Gaia welcomes tourists 400 metres from the beach and offers self-catering accommodation. It features a shared outdoor swimming pool, a garden and a children's playground. Ideal accommodation for families!

⭐ Appart'City Confort Montpellier Millénaire

For a completely free stay: Appart'City Confort Montpellier Millénaire Located between Place de la Comédie and the beach, the Appart'City Confort Montpellier Millénaire offers flats with a fully equipped kitchenette. The rental of a double studio for 2 people: from €75.

🕑 Length of visit: you can visit the city in a day, or allow two days to enjoy the city's festive attractions, markets (every Wednesday), concerts, festivals. Check the diary.

🚌 Getting there: by bus from Montpellier, line 102 les Sabines stop to Noël Guignon stop in Sète. By car, Sète is 38 minutes from Montpellier via the A9 or 41 min via the D6112.

👉 More information on the tourist office website.