Welcome back to another instalment of your South of France surveyor’s guides to some of the most beautiful and undiscovered locations in this wonderful part of the world. This week, we’re taking you off the beaten track to the stunning yet homely port of Sète – one of the most picturesque seaside towns in the Occitanie region.
Located about 20 miles from Montpellier, Sète is tucked somewhat away from the main routes favoured by tourists, making it the perfect place for those looking for a quiet holiday getaway. And for those seeking to relocate to a pretty yet peaceful part of the world, you can hardly do better than Sète in this South of France Surveyor’s opinion.
So, what’s life like in Sète and what’s there to see and do?
There’s No Place Like Sète
Known as The Little Venice of Languedoc, Sète is as scenic and attractive as it is romantic, charming, and full of tradition. Canals line the streets of this coastal town, with many locals owning their own little boats which they steer hither and thither as they run errands, visit friends, and pop into shops. Then, come summer, the main Canal Royal suddenly bursts into excitement during the Fête de la Saint Louis. The centrepiece of this festival is the famous water jousting tournament, which involves two contenders, armed with lances and wooden shields, who stand on platforms attached to rowboats and proceed to try and knock each other into the water.
At quieter times of the year, you can while away many warm afternoons sauntering along the quays, breathing in the fresh sea air, watching the fish trawlers come in and out of the harbour, and picking up some of the very best and freshest seafood anywhere in the South of France. Grab fresh turbot straight from the boat, and feast on mussels until you can eat no more. Canal-side restaurants will serve you steaming fresh fish dishes with a Mediterranean influence, while you watch the full spectacle of life in Sète float gracefully by.
As you settle in, you can visit the Musée Paul Valéry – named after the acclaimed 20th Century poet, philosopher, and Sète native – and the Musée International des Arts Modestes to soak up some culture. The Théâtre de la mer – an 18th Century fortress now transformed into a performance venue – features many live music artists who perform right by the sea, allowing you to watch the acts and the lapping waves at the same time.
Then, of course, there are the glorious sandy beaches. Beginning west of Mont Saint-Clair is a continuous eight mile stretch of golden sand. More than ten separate beaches line the coast, many with top-of-the-line facilities, including showers and lifeguard stations – and with near year-round sunshine, Sète truly is an undiscovered paradise no matter when you choose to visit.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the lifestyle in Sète. If you think it may be for you, you may wish to consider purchasing a property in the region – and for that you will need the services of a friendly and experienced South of France Surveyor.
Charles Mackintosh has decades of experience buying and selling property in the South of France and can help you navigate the process and make the right decisions. Get in touch today for more information.