7 Reasons To Visit Sete This Year

By Barefoot Blogger on April 2, 2017 • ( 5 Comments )

Those of you who follow the Barefoot Blogger regularly know how much I love to visit Sete. It’s one of my favorite places to go for the beach, for the fabulous seafood and for the “always on” fun. If you’re traveling from Barcelona to the South of France, Sete is less than 3 hours away by train.

Here are 7 reasons you really must go:

#1 Visit Sete for Great food

Sete has been one of France’s major seaports for centuries. It is said that Louix XIV made Sete his personal sea gateway so that the treasures of the Orient and beyond could travel directly to Versailles. Italian fishermen helped establish the port as a prime supplier of tuna, sardines, anchovies — among other sea delicacies. Oysters abound around Sete — especially in nearby Bouziques — rounding out a perfect assortment of most delectable seafoods.

Bluefin tuna from Sete

Sete seafood delights

Sardines from Sete

Oysters from Sete and Bouziques

Sete’s famous tielle (oyster pie)

Fresh catch from Sete

#2 Visit Sete for History

Along with fishing and importing kingly goods, Sete grew to become a prosperous town with stately homes and thriving businesses along the canal waterfront. Evidence of that prosperity can be seen still today, even though new trade routes and bigger seaports have largely impacted Sete’s economy. Tourism is bringing it back.

Sete’s canal front

Opulent details throughout Sete’s waterfront architecture.

Early seaport of Sete

Reminders of a prosperous past

Beyond being a famous port, Sete is known for her favorite son, George Brassens — composer, singer and activist. In fact, there’s a museum in Sete dedicated to Brassens. It tells of his life and work that captivated me as much as learning about American icons Frank Sinatra or Elvis Presley.

George Brassens

#3 Visit Sete for Unique Natural Beauty

Canals that run throughout the town

Canals that run throughout the town

Sky high, panaromic views of the Mediterrean Sea

Clear blue sea

#4 Visit Sete White Sandy Beaches

Think the Cote d’Azur has the only beaches in the South of France? Try to beat this. Sete has beautiful beaches, blue skies and all-day beach clubs with seafood and much more!