Visiting Sète on foot, must-sees and must-dos

Discover the wonders of Sète, this charming port town in the south of France, as you stroll through its pedestrianised streets, beaches and must-see sites. In this article, we offer you a complete guide to visiting Sète on foot, with advice on the best places to stay, the restaurants not to be missed and how to organise your trip. Follow the guide and get ready to explore this exceptional destination.

Staying in Sète: where to sleep?

Choosing the right accommodation is essential to making the most of your visit to Sète. The city offers a wide range of options, from boutique hotels to holiday rentals and youth hostels. To be at the heart of the action and have easy access to the main attractions, we recommend staying in the city centre, near the port and the historic quarter.

If you prefer to be close to the beach, opt for accommodation along the promenade du Maréchal Leclerc or near the Crique de La Nau. Here you’ll find numerous hotels, flats and holiday homes with sea views and direct access to the beach. Don’t forget to book in advance, especially during the high season, to ensure you find the perfect accommodation for your stay in Sète.

Sète’s must-sees on foot: our selection

1. Promenade du Maréchal Leclerc and Crique de La Nau: beach and relaxation

Start your walking tour of Sète with the Promenade du Maréchal Leclerc, which runs alongside the beach and offers uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean Sea. This promenade is ideal for a family stroll, a morning jog or simply to enjoy the sun and scenery. Next, head to Crique de La Nau, our favourite beach in Sète. This small, sandy beach is nestled between rocks and is perfect for relaxing, swimming and sunbathing.

Crique de La Nau is also an excellent spot for observing marine life and snorkelling. Grab your mask and snorkel and set off to discover the colourful fish and underwater rock formations. The cove’s crystal-clear waters and biodiversity make it a real paradise for snorkellers.

2. Domaine des Pierres Blanches: nature and breathtaking views

The Domaine des Pierres Blanches is an exceptional natural site located on the heights of Sète. It offers breathtaking views over the town, the Etang de Thau and the Mediterranean Sea. To get there, take the hiking trail that winds through the hills and vineyards. The route is easy and suitable for all levels of walker.

When you reach the top, you’ll be able to enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view and take some great souvenir photos. Don’t forget to bring water, a hat and sun cream, as the trail is exposed to the sun and can be hot in summer. Domaine des Pierres Blanches is a must-see on your walking tour of Sète.

3. Sète town centre: history and architecture

Sète town centre is a treasure trove of architecture and history. Stroll through the narrow, winding streets, discover the colourful houses with their wooden shutters and admire the emblematic monuments. Don’t miss the church of Saint-Louis, in the square of the same name, and the Théâtre de la Mer, a former fort converted into a theatre with an unbeatable view of the Mediterranean.

You can also take advantage of your stroll to discover the many shops, art galleries and artists’ studios for which Sète is famous. Take the time to stop in the small boutiques and pick up some original, hand-made souvenirs. The town centre is also the ideal place to sample local specialities, such as tielle sétoise, in one of the many restaurants and cafés.

4. The Etang de Thau: a haven of peace and nature

The Etang de Thau is a vast lagoon located between Sète and the neighbouring town of Marseillan. It’s a must-see for nature lovers, birdwatchers and water sports enthusiasts. The lagoon is bordered by footpaths and cycle paths, allowing you to explore the area and observe migratory birds, pink flamingos and Camargue horses.

Don’t forget to visit the traditional villages on the shores of the lake, such as Bouzigues and Mèze, and sample the oysters and mussels from the lake in one of the many waterside restaurants. The Etang de Thau is also the ideal place to take part in water sports such as sailing, paddle-boarding or kayaking, and to enjoy the calm, unspoilt beaches.

5. A break in Montpellier: culture and history

Located just 30 minutes by train from Sète, the city of Montpellier is an ideal destination for a day trip. Montpellier is renowned for its historic architecture, museums and gardens. Start your visit at Place de la Comédie, the beating heart of the city, and explore the medieval streets of the historic centre, l’Écusson.

Don’t miss a visit to the Musée Fabre, which houses a major collection of works of art dating from the 14th century to the present day, as well as the imposing cathedral of Saint-Pierre. For a relaxing break, take a stroll through the Jardin des Plantes, France’s oldest botanical garden. Montpellier is also renowned for its lively student life and vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals, concerts and events throughout the year.

Our top places to eat in Sète: where to eat?

1. Les Halles de Sète: a gourmet market

Les Halles de Sète is a veritable temple to local gastronomy. Located right in the heart of the town, they are home to around forty traders and producers offering fresh, high-quality produce. Fruit and vegetables, fish and seafood, cold meats, cheeses, pastries… You’ll find everything you need to tantalise your taste buds and put together a delicious picnic to enjoy on the beach or by the Etang de Thau.

Les Halles de Sète is also a great place to discover and taste local specialities, such as tielle sétoise, a squid and tomato pie, or mussels stuffed with sétoise sauce. Take advantage of the opportunity to talk to the shopkeepers and producers, who will be delighted to share their passion and expertise with you.

2. Le Café Social: conviviality and home cooking

Le Café Social is a warm and friendly restaurant in Sète town centre. Its generous, home-cooked cuisine features local produce and Mediterranean flavours. On the menu you’ll find simple, tasty dishes such as fish soup, octopus salad and lamb tagine, as well as a selection of regional wines to accompany your meal.

The Café Social also offers themed evenings and concerts, making it a real place for locals and visitors alike to meet and share. Don’t hesitate to book in advance, as the restaurant is often fully booked due to its popularity and small size.

3. La Ola: a gourmet break by the sea

La Ola is a restaurant-bar located on the promenade du Maréchal Leclerc, facing the beach. It offers uninterrupted sea views and a relaxed, festive atmosphere. The menu offers a selection of tapas, salads and dishes to share, as well as cocktails and refreshing drinks to unwind after a day’s walking.

In the evenings, La Ola transforms into a party venue with concerts, DJ sets and themed evenings. It’s the perfect place to share a drink and enjoy the balmy summer evenings in Sète. Don’t forget to book a table on the terrace to enjoy the view and the waterside atmosphere.

Organising your trip to Sète: our practical advice

Find the best tickets for Sète: tips and good deals

To get to Sète, the train is the most practical and environmentally-friendly option. The town is served by TGV and regional trains from many French cities, including Paris, Marseille, Toulouse and Montpellier. To find the best tickets, remember to book in advance and check special offers and promotions on online booking sites.

If you prefer to travel by car, Sète is about a 3-hour drive from Marseille and 2 hours from Toulouse. You can also hire a car locally, at Sète station or Montpellier airport.

Car hire in Sète: the best deals

If you want to hire a car in Sète, it’s best to compare offers and prices from different car hire companies online. That way, you’ll be able to get the best deals and choose the vehicle best suited to your needs and budget. Don’t forget to take into account any additional costs, such as insurance, mileage and optional extras, when making your comparison.

Car hire can be a great option if you want to explore the area around Sète, such as the Etang de Thau, traditional villages and unspoilt beaches. However, if you only plan to visit Sète on foot, a car is not essential and you can get around easily by public transport, bicycle or on foot.

Find the best hotels in Sète: tips and advice

To find the best hotels in Sète, it’s important to book in advance, especially during the high season, which runs from June to September. Consult online booking sites to compare offers and prices, and don’t hesitate to read travellers’ reviews to choose the accommodation that best suits your expectations and budget.

If you prefer holiday rentals, check out specialist platforms such as Airbnb or Abritel to find flats, holiday homes or bed and breakfast accommodation. These accommodations are often more spacious and better equipped than hotels, and can be an excellent option for families or groups of friends.

Ideas for activities during your holiday in the region

The Sète region offers a multitude of activities and discoveries to suit all tastes and ages. Here are a few ideas to enhance your stay:

• Visit the vineyards and wine estates around Sète, and take part in local wine tastings.
• Explore the Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Regional Nature Park, a protected area with remarkable flora and fauna.
• Enjoy water sports such as sailing, paddling, kayaking and scuba diving on the region’s beaches and lakes.
• Attend cultural events and festivals, such as the Estivales de Thau, the Jazz à Sète festival and the Sète International Environmental Film Festival.

Whatever the length of your stay in Sète, there’s no shortage of activities and discoveries to make the most of this exceptional destination. Enjoy your trip and your holiday in Sète!