Nestled along the Mediterranean coastline in the South of France lies Sète, a picturesque port town bordered on one side by a saltwater lagoon called the Étang de Thau and the sea. The town, which is very close to Montpellier, is known for its intricate network of canals, which has earned it nicknames like the “Venice of the Languedoc” or “the Venice of France.”
These canals link the lagoon and the sea, giving the impression that Sète floats between the waters. Much like Venice in Italy, water is at the heart of Sète’s charm, and boat tours are a popular attraction among visitors. The Telegraph even described it recently as “France’s greatest Mediterranean town”.
As you explore, you’ll often spot charming, pastel-coloured rowing boats drifting through the canals.
Sète has even been highlighted as one of the South of France’s best “hidden gems” by travel insurance specialists at StaySure.
“Sète is France’s answer to Venice,” they commented.
“There are regular boat tours offering you a glimpse of the city from the water, with some even taking you into the Étang.
“But more de rigueur is to sit on the terrace of a canalside restaurant so you can enjoy some of the local oysters with a chilled bottle of zesty Picpoul de Pinet.”
Thanks to its proximity to the vineyards of Languedoc, the region boasts a variety of “affordable and easy-drinking wines.”
Many pair beautifully with seafood, and Sète, with its seaside location, offers an abundance of fresh catches.
Oysters are a local specialty, cultivated right in the Étang before being distributed globally.
“A combination of fresh sea water coming in to replenish the lake, the shelter of the lagoon-like environment and abundance of sun means these oysters are large, plump and much meatier compared to the native oysters in the UK,” according to the experts at Staysure.
For those wanting to stretch their legs or soak in panoramic views, Mont St-Clair offers a perfect vantage point. You can either take on the 175-metre hike or drive up, with convenient parking available at the summit.
If you are serious about avoiding the crowds, the best time to come is between May and early June, when the weather is hotting up but the other holidaymakers haven’t quite arrived yet. Or in September, when the sun is still shining but the resorts have all emptied out for the season.