Last Updated on March 6, 2025 by Sarah Wilson
Sète nicknamed the “Venice of the Languedoc,” is a picturesque coastal town on France’s southern coast. It is a port city with a rich history that dates back to the early 17th century.
Founded in 1666 by King Louis XIV, the town is a strategic port linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Canal du Midi.
The town is famous for its canals, fresh seafood, and fun traditions, such as the annual “Fête de la Saint-Louis.”
I had visited Sète once before during a Viking Cruises trip from Barcelona to Rome, and I always hoped to return one day.
While house-sitting for two cats in Béziers, just a 30-minute train ride away, I realized Sète was the perfect day trip destination.
Here’s a detailed itinerary to help you enjoy the best day trip to Sète.
Morning: Arrival and Exploring the Canals
Arrive at Sète Station
From Sète’s train station, it’s just a ten-minute walk to the town centre, where the canals and main attractions are located. The route is signposted, so you won’t get lost.
As I visited on a Friday, the walk from the station took me past the Friday market on Victor Hugo Avenue, which runs from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sete has several weekly markets; check here for more details.
Walk Along the Canals
Sète’s canals are its signature feature. Take a leisurely stroll along the Canal Royal, lined with colourful fishing boats, pastel-hued buildings and charming cafes.
Boat trips along the canals are possible from March to October, but not in the middle of January when I visited.
Try The Tielle
Tielle, also known as tielle à la sétoise or tièla in Occitan, is a specialty from the city of Sète.
This savoury pie, filled with octopus or other seafood, is best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven. I came across a tiny shop called Paradiso by the central canal, and the tielle looked so delicious I couldn’t resist trying one.
Les Halles de Sète
Be sure to have a wander around Les Halles, Sète’s bustling indoor market. Sample some of the fresh local products, such as oysters, tiles (if you haven’t grabbed one already), and pastries. It’s also a pleasant spot for coffee and people-watching.
Top Tip: You will find clean toilets just behind Les Halles.
Head Up Mont Saint-Clair
Ready for some exercise? Located 176 metres above sea level, Mont Saint-Clair offers stunning views of Sète, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Étang de Thau lagoon. The walk up is definitely worth it for the view.
It is a bit of a steep climb but only twenty minutes of pain.
To avoid the really steep stairs up, I suggest taking the Rue de Belfort route up. You will still come across stairs, but it’s more of a gentle climb. Just keep aiming for the Cross.
You can then return to town via the ‘Escaliers du Mont Saint-Clair’ to make it a nice circular route.
However, if you don’t fancy walking or practising your French taxi negotiation skills, you can take bus number 5 up to La Croix Saint-Clair.
Visit The Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Salette
At the top of Mont Saint-Clair, you can also visit the Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Salette, a 19th-century Catholic place of worship decorated with interesting interior frescoes.
Lunch Time
After all that exercise, it’s time for lunch. So, return to the town centre for a seafood feast at one of the restaurants alongside the canal.
Sète is famous for its oysters, mussels, and fresh fish. Try a local speciality like rouille de seiche (cuttlefish in saffron sauce) or grilled sardines.
Afternoon
Several options for this afternoon, just depends how your energy levels are now. You may just want to relax and chill by the canals.
The Quartier Haut
If you don’t want to wander too far from the town centre and your legs still have energy after this morning’s walk up to Mont Saint-Clair, have a walk around Quartier Haut.
Known as “Petit Naples” for its large Italian community and alleyways with clotheslines, it’s also called “Petit Montmartre” because of its many artists, studios, and galleries.
The Fishing Port, Lighthouse & Corniche
Or, if you prefer to remain on a flat level, when facing the canal, turn right and head towards the sea. Visit the fishing port, now the largest in the French Mediterranean.
Carry onto the Saint-Louis lighthouse. You can climb the 120 steps to the top if you want. However, it was closed in January when I visited (I was pretty relieved; my legs hurt from this morning’s excursion up the mountain, and I just knew if it were open, I would have to climb to the top). Check here for opening hours.
The Pointe-Courte
Head left at the canal, away from the sea, and head to Pointe-Courte. I visited this area on my first trip to Sete, and it’s really pretty.
It’s a neighbourhood that began when the fishermen from the Thau lagoon built sheds to store fishing nets.
Over time, fishermen settled in the area, building small huts around the little port.
Before Heading Back
Before heading back, enjoy a drink at one of the bars along the canal. Try a local white wine or the iconic pastis.
Tips For A Day Trip To Sete
Tickets: You can book your train tickets in advance or at the station. Both TER (regional) and Intercités trains operate on this route. I like to use Trainline or SNCF.
Comfortable Shoes: Sète’s attractions are best explored on foot, so wear sturdy shoes.
Market Hours: Les Halles is busiest in the morning and closes by early afternoon, so plan your visit accordingly.
A day trip to Sète offers a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal charm. I’ll be back.
For More Posts On France, Check These Out
- Cruising the Canal du Midi
- One Day in Carcassonne
- One Day In Narbonne
- Beautiful Mont Saint Michel Photos
- A Feast of Oysters in Cancale, France
- Things to do in Lyon
- A Day Trip to Giverny from Paris
- Explore Paris Like A Local With Paris Greeters
- Visiting The Paris Catacombs
- Pere La Chaise Cemetery
- A Secret Food Tour In Paris
- Bayonne
- An Afternoon in Angouleme
- Day Trips Around The Loire Valley By Train
- The Incredible Frescoes of Beziers
- A Luxury Barge Cruise On The Burgundy Canal
- Best Things To Do In Bordeaux
- Saint Emilion: Day Trip From Bordeaux or Stay Overnight?
- Day Trip To Montpellier By Train
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