Summer

Between tasty local specialities and abundant cultural creation, Sète abounds in both cultural and gourmet treasures. Its historic centre, its port, the famous Cadre Royal, its beaches, the Mont Saint-Clair or the Pointe Courte district, there are so many things to discover... That's why we've put together a top 20 list of Sète's must-sees. With a little bonus! So, don't wait any longer to explore this "singular island" with its undeniable charm. The city centre  Between canals, quays and small squares, you will immediately be charmed by the city that is now known as the "Venice of Languedoc". Founded in 1666 by Louis XIV to give a maritime opening to the Canal du Midi, Sète reveals its history during a stroll through the historic centre, particularly along the Cadr...

Share great moments and take advantage of the good weather to discover authentic and unmissable events in Sète.    OURSINADE (mid-March) Every year in Sète, the Oursinade, a large open-air guinguette, attracts visitors who come to taste the best that the Thau Basin has to offer: sea urchins, but also oysters, mussels, tielles and other gastronomic and wine-making delights of the region.   IMAGES SINGULIÈRES (Ascension) Images Singulières is the event that makes Sète exist in the very select world of photography. Devoted to its documentary bent, this festival celebrates, for 15 days, the diversity of views and gives us a glimpse of what words are not always enough to express. Vernissages, exhibitions, concerts, workshops, artists in residence...   K-LIV...

Take a leap into the history of Sète... Immerse yourself in the intimacy of the poet Georges Brassens and the writer Paul Valéry... Or take a journey through modest and contemporary art... These are just some of the experiences you can have in Sète. Let us tell you a little more about the five museums you'll be visiting. The Georges Brassens space In addition to its jousts and its Mont Saint-Clair, Sète also attracts attention thanks to the famous singer-songwriter Georges Brassens. And what better way to discover the works of this great singer than in the museum dedicated to him.  So whether you are a music lover or simply curious, go along Boulevard Camille Blanc, at number 67, to experience a multi-sensory journey. Equipped with headphones, set off on a journey th...

What better way to discover all the secrets of Sète than to take a tour with one of our guides? Whether you want to know everything about the life of Georges Brassens, the Molière theatre or the amazing street-art that covers the walls of the surprising MaCO, explore the port city every school holiday. Discover all the guided walking tours offered by the Office de Tourisme Archipel de Thau. SÈTE HISTOIRE-LÀ  For history lovers, we suggest you start your stay with the "Sète Histoire-Là" guided tour. Meet your guide every Tuesday during the school holidays on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville to escape for about two hours. You will go back to the time of the creation of the port, through the upper quarter, before taking your way back to the marine cemetery and going back ...

Would you like to travel back in time? This is the new experience that we suggest you live during your stay in the Thau Archipelago and more precisely in Mèze, at the Dinosaur Museum-Park. Located in the heart of an exceptional palaeontological site, this largest museum-park in Europe dedicated to dinosaurs and prehistory will delight young and old alike with its skeletons, fossils and life-size dinosaurs... So don't wait any longer to take this leap into the history of Man and dinosaurs!   A little history  It all began in March 1996 when a large number of dinosaur eggs were discovered on the site, proving that the region was occupied for nearly 10 million years by different species of dinosaurs.   In 1997, Alain Cabot decided to invest in the site and turn it in...

If you want to pamper yourself or have a romantic get-together during your stay in the Thau Archipelago, we have put together a top 3 list of spas where you can relax while discovering the region's treasures. On the agenda: relaxation in the renowned thermal water of Balaruc-les-Bains, an unusual massage using oyster shells, a 100% made-to-measure treatment in Marseillan...  The O'Balia thermal spa In Balaruc-les-Bains, France's first thermal spa, we take you to discover the O'Balia thermal spa. But before telling you more about the treatments that the establishment has in store for you, we are going to take you on a journey through time.  Indeed, thermalism has been a part of the history of the city of Balaruc since Antiquity, as the resort has one of the hottest and...

If you would like to immerse yourself in the traditions and culture of the Thau Archipelago, we look forward to seeing you in 2024 to experience or relive the highlights of our Destination, whatever your desires: gastronomy, history, jousting... The Oursinade (mid-March) Every year in Sète, the Oursinade, a large open-air guinguette, attracts visitors who come to taste the best that the Thau Basin has to offer: sea urchins, but also oysters, mussels, tielles and other gastronomic and wine-making delights of the region. Time in the lagoon (mid-May to mid-June) This is a new event during which artists, scientists, shellfish farmers, fishermen, wine growers and inhabitants share their views on the Thau lagoon. Meetings, debates, shows and workshops will give pride of place to ...

No matter which destination you have chosen for your holiday in the Thau archipelago, we invite you to take advantage of these few days to get away from it all and discover the 14 communes that make up our destination.  You can also find more information in our magazine.   Balaruc-le-Vieux Set on a hillock, the village dominates the creek of the corner with a view on the lagoon. A medieval village wrapped in its ramparts, which magnifies the past. We love to get lost in its narrow streets. Discover Balaruc-le-Vieux   Balaruc-les-Bains The first spa in France, Louis Bonaparte already came here for a cure in the 19th century! People come here to enjoy the benefits of its thermal waters, but also to stroll through the flowery alleys of the Mediterranean Ant...

Famous, among other things, for its oysters, the Thau Archipelago offers a glimpse of its gastronomic heritage in the many shellfish farms and oyster bars in the area. But even more surprisingly, in the spa of the Tarbouriech domain... We tell you more in this dedicated article.   The estate Between the vineyards and the lagoon stands an old folly, accompanied by its former wine storehouse... This is the Tarbouriech estate. A true family home managed today by Sabine and Florent, it honours well-being and offers Thau oysters in all their forms. But before telling you more about the activities that await you during your stay at the Tarbouriech estate, let us introduce you to the four rooms and suites in the mansion house, the two lodges in the 13th century barn with the ...

Today, we are heading for Villeveyrac! We are going to discover the "cathedral of the vineyards"... After taking a winding country road, we arrive in Villeveyrac and see the imposing building erected in the middle of the vegetation and the vines. The closer we get, the smaller I feel in the face of such grandeur. I can't wait to discover what's behind these old stones. Entering the abbey, we quickly find ourselves in the nave. It takes my breath away. Its size, its gothic architecture and the height of its vault create an atmosphere that commands respect. And we are not at the end of our surprises: all along the aisles of the nave there are wine casks, large barrels of several hundred hectolitres. We then understand that the history of the abbey is closely linked to that of th...

Discover 5 walking routes near Sète, to recharge your batteries and get some fresh air! 1 and 2 - Around Saint Félix de Montceau Abbey in Gigean If you like beautiful panoramas, these routes are made for you! From the Gardiole massif, you can enjoy an incredible view of Sète, the Mediterranean and the Thau lagoon and its oyster beds. There are two routes available to you: - Easy level: duration 2h, distance 6,5km.  - Medium level: duration 4h30, distance 14,5 km.  3 - The Thau balconies, from Frontignan The crossing of a fragrant pine forest will lead you to a first point of view on Frontignan and its vineyard. Climb again and this time you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Thau Lagoon, the Mont Saint-Clair and the lido. Don't forget to bring walking shoes...

The adventure begins at the entrance to the port of Sète You have always dreamed of watching the horizon, watching for the arrival of ferocious privateers, defending an islet against wind and tide. The view is spectacular, but it requires climbing the 126 steps to the top of the Sète lighthouse. Its luminous flashes indicate to sailors the entrance to the harbour.  Don't miss this unique visit. And for good reason, this monument is the only one to offer public access in the French Mediterranean.  Good plan for the family:  Access is free for children up to 11 years old. There is no doubt that this activity is recommended for families and has been awarded the "Family Plus" label!  Some figures and a little history 2297 stones, 310 m3 of ashlar, 126 steps, ...

Discover the many facets of the Thau Archipelago through our selection of photos...

Would you like to discover one of the most beautiful Cistercian abbeys in France in an original way and at the same time live a unique experience? Head to the charming village of Villeveyrac to visit Valmagne Abbey.   A little history Founded in 1139, this historic monument is one of the best preserved examples of Cistercian art, with its 29-metre-high central nave, its 9 chapels, its Romanesque cloister, its fountain and its medieval garden... But its particularity lies in its cellar and in its 35 hectares which are among the oldest vineyards of Languedoc. We won't tell you any more and we'll let you discover the secrets of this pure Cistercian jewel through its treasure hunt.   The lost treasure of the colours of Valmagne A bag full of surprising objects and...

Do you dream of calm and nature? Escape? So cheer up, flee the city, towards the Thau Archipelago!  In this sumptuous setting, time stretches indefinitely, the time is at hand.... Spending a day in Thau means relaxing in a green and blue garden, between the sea, lagoons and the scrubland. On foot, by bike or even in a bathing suit, it is time for idleness, simple pleasures, romantic picnics at sunset... In a word as in a hundred, it is high time to let yourself live and take the time...

See you in 2024 to vibrate to the same rhythm in the Thau Archipelago! On the programme of this top (non-exhaustive) list of festivals: music, art, good local produce, a little reading and poetry... K-Live (early June) Each year, by leaving their mark on the walls of the city, they enrich the Musée à Ciel Ouvert (MACO) in Sète, which offers an artistic and picturesque stroll all year round, dotted with mural works. But the highlight of the K-Live Festival remains the beginning of June, when urban arts, visual arts and contemporary music concerts converge in the streets of the city centre and in the famous Théâtre de la mer. When I think of Fernande (end of June) When you think of Fernande, you actually think of the most gently impertinent festival in Sète. A real n...

Move to the rhythm of musical festivals in the Thau Archipelago! From French music to rap, jazz and world music, let yourself be carried away by the highlights of a resolutely dynamic and cultural destination! In the Thau Archipelago, summer begins at the same time as "K-Live", the festival of urban cultures that takes over the Théâtre de la Mer but also the city. A multidisciplinary festival, it combines urban arts, visual arts and concerts of contemporary music. See you in early June! The festivities continue with "Quand je pense à Fernande", at the end of June, the festival for lovers of French song. As for electronic music, don't miss the "Worldwide Festival" at the beginning of July. During the day, enjoy free access sets on the beach, and in the evening, head f...

I wanted to do a different kind of water activity, something out of the ordinary. Why not a "paddle muscat" outing in Frontignan? I'll jump at the chance and call the Tiki Center. I'm told that there's room for July 19th and that I have to pay for my paddle reservation at the tourist office shop. That's perfect. At 7pm, I meet a group of 12 people on the parking lot of the Frontignan-Plage windsurfers' roundabout. After a quick lesson on dry land and an awareness of the fragility of the seabed, we can sail. So we set off for an hour and a half of paddle on the Ingril pond. We sail calmly towards the canal from the Rhône to Sète, but I still find it difficult to stand upright all the time... It's not easy to balance on these boards! On the other hand on my knees, it's muc...

For a prestigious and luxurious stay, the Archipelago of Thau is the place to go for your next holiday. Here, you can expect a thousand and one top-of-the-range experiences in beautiful accommodation, restaurants....  The Miramar villa Facing the Mediterranean, with its back to the Thau basin, this is the setting that awaits you at the Villa Miramar! Located in Frontignan, this exceptional guest house, with its 5 "épis" rating from the Gîtes de France, offers four rooms and an unusual cabin, all of which open onto the sea, as well as numerous services and facilities that will make your prestigious stay unforgettable. You can, for example, take advantage of the 17-metre long heated infinity pool to take a dip before enjoying your cocktail on the immersed terrace, o...

Kayak through our territory! Discover the fauna and flora, come and taste the oysters from the Thau lagoon or simply rent a kayak and go on an adventure in complete autonomy. From Marseillan to Frontignan via Sète, Mèze and Balaruc-Les-Bains, sail towards an exceptional nautical adventure.  Go on an expedition, between sea and pond!

Between the sky and the water, protected treasures By Julia Laffaille A veritable patchwork of landscapes, the Thau Archipelago, nestled between the Mediterranean and the wide open spaces of the garrigue, is a small preserved paradise. This territory has always been a promise of travel and of a still wild nature just a stone's throw from the beautiful Occitan villages. So, I went back to explore these sunny landscapes to discover all these protected natural treasures. By the sea, a stone's throw from the blue waves Here, the inhabitants live alongside this idyllic setting on a daily basis and water is certainly a character in its own right. Lagoons, ponds or even salt pans are all environments that have shaped the landscapes in which Man has been able to develop ...

Tonight, I'm surprising the children and offering them a magical evening at an amusement park! Top departure, the whole family is ready and we walk to the Luna Park from our campsite. As we approach the park, we hear music and laughter, and the children can't hold still. When we arrive in front of the park, we come across a sign announcing that a big fireworks display will close the evening. The excitement is at its peak! We start by pleasing the little ones, too impatient to wait another minute. Duck fishing, merry-go-rounds, sweets, they have stars in their eyes and don't know what to think. Then it's up to the teenagers to enjoy themselves on the thrill rides. We meet them in front of the ghost train and laugh heartily as they scream and then get out of the ride blaming e...

Summer is shaping up to be beautiful, hot and long... the perfect recipe for a lovely evening with friends or family. But what about spicing things up with an unusual experience at sunset? That's what we've come up with in this top list of things to do at dusk! Kayakmed  We're off to a great start with a sea kayaking excursion on the Bassin de Thau. But before you take to the water with your paddle, let your instructor tell you what's in store for you on this tour with the evocative name "Sun Sète" (6-9pm). Once you've been introduced to the water, you can finally head off in the direction of Les Thocs, a real lagoon in Languedoc. It's here that you can watch the sunset while sipping a glass of local Muscat. Find out more here. A little extra: Kayakmed has been awarded ...

In search of meaning... Because you aspire to one thing only: freedom, the freedom to contemplate, the freedom to breathe as you please, to engage in activities rich in beautiful encounters. In Sète, wherever you are, the sweetness of life is in the pleasure of all these moments. Draw from its light, its smells, its flavours and the gossip of its inhabitants the creative energy that generates authenticity.  Between the sea, the lagoon and the garrigues, this town set on the water will only reveal itself if you agree to lose yourself in the time it takes to walk along the paths of Mount Saint-Clair or the Pointe courte, the time it takes to have an impromptu picnic after a two-wheeled ride around the lagoon or to contemplate the sunset from one of the many viewpoints off...