Sète - Discovering France

Travelling to Sète

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Sète, a pretty good destination in France (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Sète and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Sète, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through France, here's everything to know about Sète for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Sète

Sète is a charming port city located in the south of France, on the Mediterranean coast. The city is often called the "Venice of Languedoc" due to its many canals and waterways. The charming city is known for its vibrant cultural scene and is home to a wide range of festivals and events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy the many beaches, visit historic landmarks such as the Mont Saint-Clair, or sample delicious seafood in one of the city's many restaurants. Sète is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region, including the nearby towns of Montpellier and Béziers.

What to visit in Sète

Sure, here are some tourist attractions in Sète: 1. Canal Royal: The Canal Royal is the main waterway that runs through the heart of Sète. This picturesque canal is lined with colorful buildings, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can explore the area on foot, by bike, or even take a boat tour.
2. Mont Saint-Clair: Mont Saint-Clair is a hill overlooking Sète and offers stunning views of the city, the Mediterranean sea, and the neighbouring Étang de Thau lagoon. It is also home to a beautiful park, the Parc du Mont Saint-Clair, which is perfect for picnicking, hiking, and relaxing.
3. Musée Paul Valéry: The Musée Paul Valéry is a must-visit for art and literature enthusiasts. This museum is dedicated to the French poet Paul Valéry who was born in Sète and houses his personal belongings, manuscripts, and writings. The museum also has a collection of contemporary art and showcases temporary exhibitions.
4. Étang de Thau: The Étang de Thau is a large saltwater lagoon located just outside Sète. Known for its oyster farms, visitors can take a boat ride to learn about the history and production of oysters in the area, and taste them too! 5. Saint Louis Church: The Saint Louis Church is a beautiful Baroque-style church located in the heart of the city. It is known for its richly decorated interior, beautiful stained glass windows, and a notable pipe organ.
6. Beaches: Sète has a few beaches, including Plage de la Corniche and Plage du Lido, which are great for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports.
These are just some of the most popular tourist attractions in the city of Sète. Visitors can explore the city's rich culture, history, and natural beauty, while enjoying the Mediterranean atmosphere of this charming French port.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in France, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Sète.

When to go on holiday to Sète

The best time to visit Sète, France is from May to September when the weather is warm and sunny. The summer months of July and August are the most popular times to travel to Sète due to the warm temperatures and a wide range of events, including the famous Water Jousting Festival that takes place every year in August. However, if you prefer a quieter vacation with fewer crowds, May, June, and September are excellent months to visit with still pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Sète

There are several options to get to Sète, France, depending on where you are coming from.
By air: Sète is located around 30 km away from the Montpellier Méditerranée Airport (MPL), which serves several international and domestic flights. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to get to Sète.
By train: Sète has a train station that is well-connected to major cities across France and Europe. You can take a direct train from Paris, Marseille, Toulouse, or Barcelona to get to Sète. Train tickets can be booked online in advance to save time and money.
By car: Sète is easily accessible by car via the A9 motorway. If you are coming from Montpellier, take the A9 southbound and exit at Sète. There are also several toll-free roads that lead to Sète.
By bus: There are several bus companies that operate daily services to Sète from nearby cities such as Montpellier, Béziers, and Narbonne. The bus station is located near the train station.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Sète, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Sète

Sète is a charming and traditional coastal town in the south of France, known for its fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. Some of the typical foods of Sète are: 1. Tielle Sétoise - This is a savory pie made with octopus, tomato, and onion inside a pastry shell.
2. Bourride - A popular fish soup made with white fish, garlic, and aioli (a traditional garlic and olive oil sauce) 3. Poutargue - A speciality of the region - poutargue is dried and salted fish roe, typically from mullet fish, which is served sliced and often accompanied by bread.
4. Rouille - A garlic and saffron-based sauce that is often served with Bourride or other fish dishes.
5. Mussels - This is a typical seafood of Sète, since it is a major fishing port. Mussels can be served in a variety of ways, from simple steamed and seasoned to classic moules marinères.
6. Loup - This is popular seabass which often cooked simply and served with olive oil and lemon juice.
7. Fruits de mer - A seafood platter of of various seafood including oysters, crabs, prawns, whelks, and clams.
All these dishes reflect a love of good, simple ingredients and respect for seasonal produce. Enjoy exploring the delicious seafood of Sète!
You can find general info about typical foods in France here.

Is Sète an expensive destination for tourists?

Sète, France, is a moderately expensive destination for tourists, especially during the high season (June to September) when prices for accommodations, restaurants, and activities tend to be higher. However, you can still find affordable options for a satisfying trip.
Some tips to keep the cost down in Sète can be to book accommodations outside the downtown area or to opt for apartment rentals or vacation rentals instead of expensive hotels. You can also save money by taking public transportation instead of taxis, and trying local street food and markets instead of dining at fancy restaurants.
Ultimately, the overall cost of your trip will depend on your travel style and preferences.

Where to find accomodation in Sète

The best areas to find accommodation in Sète, France are: 1. The historic center of Sète, which is filled with picturesque canals and provides easy access to the town's main attractions.
2. The beachfront areas of Sète, which include the popular Plage de la Corniche and offer stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
3. The neighborhoods of La Corniche and Le Barrou, both of which offer a more local, residential experience while still being close to the town center.
4. The hillside neighborhood of Mont St Clair, which provides panoramic views of the town and the sea.
Overall, it is best to choose accommodation that is close to the main attractions and beaches of Sète, as this will allow you to make the most of your time in this beautiful coastal town.
You can check hotel prices at Sète here:
Booking.com

Is Sète a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Sète is generally considered a safe place for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it's always important to take precautions to stay safe while you are there. Make sure to take care of your personal belongings, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid walking alone at night in areas that are not well-lit. Additionally, it's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with local laws and customs before you visit a new place. Overall, Sète is a beautiful and welcoming destination that is well worth a visit.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in France here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Sète.

What type of travelers will enjoy Sète the most?

Sète is an ideal destination for a wide variety of travelers. It is a picturesque coastal town located in the southeastern part of France that can be enjoyed by families, couples, and young people.
Families will enjoy the long stretches of sandy beaches, fun-filled water activities, and the child-friendly attractions such as the Aquarium and museums. Couples looking for a romantic getaway can explore the charming canals, enjoy long walks along the beach, indulge in the local gastronomy, and admire the sunset views.
Young people can enjoy the lively nightlife, attend music and cultural events, and participate in various outdoor activities such as water sports, hiking, and biking. Sète is also the hub of music and literature festivals that take place throughout the year, which will appeal to young travelers.
Therefore, Sète offers something for everyone and one can choose according to their interests and preferences.

How to get around Sète

The most common mode of transportation in Sète, France is by walking or cycling, as the town is small and easily navigable. However, there are also local buses and taxis available for those who prefer to use public transportation. Additionally, there are boat tours available for exploring the harbor and coastline.

What to see around Sète

Sure, here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Sète, France: 1. Montpellier: A beautiful city with a rich history, Montpellier is just a short train ride away from Sète. You can visit famous landmarks such as the Place de la Comédie, the Saint-Pierre Cathedral, and the Peyrou Promenade.
2. Nîmes: A historic city famous for its well-preserved Roman monuments, including the ancient amphitheater and the Maison Carrée, a beautifully preserved Roman temple.
3. Pézenas: A charming medieval town known for its winding streets, pretty squares, and beautiful architecture.
4. Carcassonne: A fortified medieval town that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It features a beautiful castle, narrow streets, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
5. Aigues-Mortes: A fortified city surrounded by salt flats and pink flamingos, Aigues-Mortes boasts a beautiful castle, ramparts, and a bustling waterfront. 6. Cap d'Agde: A seaside resort town situated on the Mediterranean coast, Cap d'Agde is known for its beautiful beaches, museums, aquariums, and cultural events. These are just a few of the many great day trip options available near Sète, France.
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