Where to go sightseeing in Sète ?

Sète, nicknamed the ‘Venice of the Languedoc’ because of its many canals and unique atmosphere, is a must-see destination for those who love to explore the region.
Its unique atmosphere, is a must-visit destination for those wishing to
the charm of the South of France. With its lively port, sandy beaches, and a rich cultural heritage, Sète offers plenty of opportunities for walks and activities to suit all tastes. Here’s a detailed to explore this beautiful town and its surroundings during your holiday.

1. Exploring the town of Sète

The picturesque districts

Start your visit to Sète with a stroll through the town’s emblematic districts such as the Pointe Courte and the Pointe Longue, accompanied by Marine, your cultural guide. These fishermen’s neighbourhoods are famous for their small, colourful houses and picturesque atmosphere, making them the perfect place to take photos and soak up the local atmosphere.
Let the enchanting tales of Georges Brassens and the paintings of Agnès Varda, two emblematic figures who have left their mark on the history and soul of Sète.

Le Mont Saint-Clair

Continue your walk in Sète by climbing to the top of Mont Saint-Clair at an altitude of 183
metres above sea level, where you can admire and appreciate the magnificent view it offers
of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. You can learn more about the various
legends of this mountain during your walk in Sète. Today, this mountain is a
spiritual symbol for the people of the region and is a must-see place for you
holidaymakers visiting the beautiful town of Sète, offering you a unique and memorable perspective of Sète.

The Marine Cemetery

Sète is home to the famous Marine Cemetery, immortalised by the poet
Paul Valéry. This peaceful spot is a place of meditation and
contemplation. It also offers a spectacular view of the Gulf of Lion and the authentic Théâtre de la Mer. If you’re a lover of poetry or simply curious, a visit to this cemetery is a must during your stay in Sète. And to extend the adventure, why not explore the treasures of the Musée
de la Mer next door ?

2. Discover the Bassin de Thau

Boat trip

One of the best ways to get around Sète is to start with a boat trip through the Bassin de Thau. This is famous for its oyster beds and crystal-clear waters. The oyster beds stretch an impressive 19 kilometres, between Bouzigues and Marseillan, offering a vast and spectacular view. Embark on an excursion with a local local fisherman who will show you the secrets of oyster production.

Oyster tasting

After the boat trip, head to an authentic restaurant on the banks of the Etang de Thau for an oyster tasting. The oyster farmers will share their passion and know-how with you, and you’ll be able to enjoy freshly caught oysters in a friendly, authentic setting. This culinary experience is a must for any visitor to Sète, a town renowned for its Sète, a town renowned for its delicious seafood.

The wines

Picpoul de Pinet

Picpoul de Pinet is a dry white wine with good acidity, appreciated for its citrus flavours and freshness. The Picpoul de Pinet vineyards surround the Etang de Thau, benefiting from a unique terroir that gives this wine its distinctive character. This wine is the perfect accompaniment to oysters, offering a very pleasant combination of flavours. Only six communes have the right to produce this wine under the protected designation of origin (PDO) Picpoul de Pinet, making it a very special wine prized by wine lovers.

Muscat de Frontignan

Muscat de Frontignan is one of the region’s oldest (1936) and best-loved sweet wines of the region. This grape variety produces both dry white wines and sweet wines, the latter being particularly renowned for their rich, complex flavour. With its intense aromas of fruit and flowers, Muscat de Frontignan is a true delight especially when served with desserts or blue cheeses.

4. Guided excursion and Wine Tour

For an unforgettable day, here’s a typical programme suggested by Brenda, tour guide
for Destination Occitanie to visit Sète :

● Departure from Montpellier : Departure in a comfortable minibus for a small group.

● Guided walking tour in the emblematic districts of Sète : Visit the emblematic districts of La Pointe Courte and Pointe Longue. Admire the small colourful houses, canals and authentic atmosphere.

● Boat trip on the Bassin de Thau : Embark on a boat trip through the oyster beds.
through the oyster beds of the Bassin de Thau, accompanied by a local fisherman. Learn more about oyster-growing techniques and local traditions.

● Lunch on the banks of the Etang de Thau : Return to land for lunch
in an authentic restaurant on the banks of the Etang de Thau. Enjoy local
local seafood dishes while enjoying the view of the pond.

● WineTour : After lunch, head to a wine estate for a unique interactive experience.

● Walk through the Muscat de Frontignan vineyards : End your day with a walk through the vineyards of the Muscat de Frontignan vineyards. Discover the ancestral winemaking techniques used to produce this naturally sweet wine.

● Muscat de Frontignan tasting : take part in a wine tasting at a local winery. Learn to distinguish between the different types of Muscat de Frontignan, from dry wines to naturally sweet wines.

● Return to Montpellier : Take the minibus back to Montpellier, with unforgettable memories of your day in Sète and the Bassin de Thau.

Conclusion

When you come to Sète, be prepared to be pleasantly surprised, because it is full of surprises and gourmet delights. Between the boat trips, tastings of local produce and cultural walks, every visitor will find something to marvel at. This excursion promises a rich immersive experience of life in Sète and around the Bassin de Thau.
Imagine sailing on crystal-clear waters, savouring fresh oysters, test your senses with vineyard tours and end the day with a delicious wine tasting. A day in Sète is all about having fun, discovering unforgettable memories and an authentic taste of this sunny region of southern France.