Sète is a port and seaside resort located 51 miles (82 km, 72 minutes) from Le Fort Pouzols-Minervois. The town has a network of canals that provide a link between the Étang de Thau and the Mediterranean.
The town is known for its very strong sense of identity, cuisine, traditions and dialect. There are countless excellent bars and restaurants along the canals. You may also want to explore the 8 miles of Mediterranean beach just outside the town.
Sète is the eastern starting point of the Canal du Midi. The ancient town is built on and around the Mont Saint-Clair. The surrounding countryside is rather flat, with the Etang de Thau at the rear and the Mediterranean at the front.
In 1703 the Saint-Louis church was consecrated. Louis IX, patron of the port, also became the patron saint of the town. He has been celebrated every year on 25 August with canal jousting competitions, music and fireworks. Water jousting has been practised in Sète since the inauguration of the port in 1666.
Sète is very close to the Étang de Thau, so you can easily combine a visit to both. Don’t leave the town before you have tasted its local snack though, the Tiel Sétoise. This is a succulent culinary specialty based on octopus and spicy tomato sauce. Much of the food in the town has a distinctly Italian character.
The town attracts lots of tourists, especially in summer. For more information and events, visit www.tourisme-sete.com. You can combine a visit with the nearby Étang de Thau, the Roman villa at Loupian or Mèze on the lagoon.