Nestled on the saltwater lagoon, Étang du Thau, Sete is a welcoming fishing city with some of the best seafood restaurants on France’s Mediterranean coast and alluring beaches nearby. Nicknamed “Little Venice of Languedoc”, Sete is home to picturesque canals that flow past museums, art centres, boutiques and bakeries.

Things to do

Begin your Sete holiday by exploring the city’s bustling centre, which overlooks the canals and features a range of restaurants and shops. Browse high-end footwear at Erbé Chausseur, purchase intricate rock decor at Les Trésors de l'Île and find high-street fashion at Promod. After shopping, duck into Dat Cafe for alfresco dining or Chez Melo for handmade pizza.

Étang du Thau, also called “Pond of Thau”, is one of the largest lagoons along France’s Mediterranean coastline. You can see a variety of native animals here, including herons, pink flamingos and jellyfish, along with a historic lighthouse at the mouth of the adjoining Canal du Midi. For panoramic views over the lagoon, city and Balearic Sea, head up to the lookout at Mont Saint Clair.

Are you craving a beach day? Venture about three kilometres to The Roquille, a picturesque beach with calm water and soft sand. Lazaret Beach is smaller but closer to the city, while Corniche Beach features a kid-friendly inflatable playground on the sand.

Discover a wealth of paintings and sculptures by current French artists at the Regional Center for Contemporary Art. Afterwards, head over to the Museum Of The Sea to admire historic marine artefacts, including model ships and preserved ship wheels. Don’t miss the Garden Water Castle, where you can see iconic monuments and manicured gardens.

Getting around

Sete is easily reached by catching the bus from Montpellier or the Grandi Navi Veloci ferries from Morocco. The town centre can be explored on foot, but you’ll need a car or driver to reach the beaches or distant sights.