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Discover The town, ports and canals |
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A stroll around Sète
"Sète, a peninsula…" The omnipresence of water, its incomparable light and colours; all qualities which have given it its second name "Venice of the Languedoc".
Built on the flanks of Mont St.Clair, wedged between the Thau Lagoon, the Sea and the canals, Sète is one of the largest ports on the Mediterranean. In Sète, there is a sweet mixture of scents from the Sea and the garrigue (Mediterranean scrubland) in the air.
 It is also a cosmopolitan city, in which its foreign communities, mostly Italians, contribute to its picturesque atmosphere."
The town of Sète was created on royal decision in 1660 and was born from the will of three men : Paul Riquet, Louis XIV and the Knight of Clerville.
Paul Riquet had undertaken digging the "Canal du Midi", and was looking for an suitable outlet on the Mediterranean Sea.
Louis XIV had instructed his minister Colbert to find a new sea route for the royal galleys and to create a port for shipping Languedoc's products.
Colbert entrusted this task to the Knight of Clerville who identified the cap of Sète as the most suitable site for the creating a port.
Quays et canals
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Le canal royal
 Located between the bridges "Savonnerie" and "Civette" is the equivalent to a public square, where the famous jousting tournaments have taken place in summer since July 1666.
The "Consigne" quay
situated between the seawall and the fish auction market, was nicknamed « ox bottom » quay after the ancient fishing sailing boats called “ox boats”, which would be lifted so that their stern lay on the quay.
These boats would pull fishing nets in pairs, just like oxen pulling their carriage.
Panoramic visit
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The Quay "de Lattre de Tassigny"
In the 19th century, the port increased its activity thanks to the trade of wine, wood, sulphur, cereals, and iron.
Sète became the first port of cooperage in the world.
Simultaneously, its population tripled between 1820 and 1870 and the urbanization extended towards the Thau lagoon.
The district behind the consular palace is a testimony to this prosperous time.
The tourist office proposes audio-guided tours to discover these places.
Panoramic visit |
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The Quay "Lemaresquier" The canal of Sète, also known as the "canal royal" was dug in 1666, when the port was built.
The "Canal du Midi" crosses the Thau Lagoon, and flows into the Mediterranean Sea, creating a link to the Atlantic Ocean.
Panoramic visit
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The quay "Général Durand"
also known as The "Quai de la Marine", its restaurants offer a large choice of Sete's specialities
Panoramic visit
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The beaches
Sète's 12 kilometers of fine sandy beach separates the Sea from the Thau Lagoon.
Sete's beach has been approved by the "Pavillon Bleu" for water quality for many years.
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The Mont Saint Clair
At 183 meters high, the "Mont St. Clair" offers a panoramic view of the city and its ports.
Panoramic visit
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The National Forest " des pierres blanches"
A national pine forest, offers numerous footpaths from which you can enjoy spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the Thau Lagoon.
Panoramic visit |
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The Fisherman cimetery
Poem from Paul Valery (1871 - 1945)
Ce toit tranquille, où marchent des colombes, Entre les pins palpite, entre les tombes, Midi le juste y compose de feux, La mer, la mer, toujours recommencée...
Panoramic visit
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The Saint Louis brakewater
Built in 1666, 750 meters long, this jetty enables visitors to stroll in the town center while enjoying the sea breeze. The breakwater is also used as a marina and has 300 moorings.
Panoramic visite
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