Since Louis XIV chose Sete as the port where the Canal du Midi would join the Mediterranean in 1666, Sete was destined to be a maritime town in the south of France. Known as the “Venice of France” because of its many canals, Sete is a charming town offering a unique introduction to the Occitanie Region. The residents fiercely cling to their regional identity, and proudly continue to speak their native language as demonstrated by our guide. Occitan to his core, Tony sprinkled his tour narrative with political perspectives and regional songs, which he sang and played on his fife as we made our way through the city.
The Port of Sete was originally inaugurated with a water jousting festival, a Medieval tradition that continues to this day. Every August, thousands of spectators flock to Sete for a week-long contest between two teams: blue (bachelors) and red (married men), although women are beginning to infiltrate the sport. Standing on special boats, the jousters try to knock each other into the river.
As we walked along Fisherman’s Village, we encountered many local fishermen as they prepared to go out for the catch of the day.
Locals gather at Les Halles, the lively local marketplace, where a variety of fresh products of the land and sea are available to enjoy there or take home.
The octopus is celebrated throughout Sete, with a statue in the middle of the town square. It is also baked into a local delicacy called tielle, a pie filled with octopus and tomatoes. It is considered a delicacy and is available all over town.
Our walking tour with Tony was fun, interesting, and HOT! After bidding a fond farewell, we boarded a bus for our ride to Pays de Thai wine region.
A short ride through the countryside took us to Tarbouriech, the realization of Florent Tabourich’s dream of developing a method of cultivating the most delicious oysters. This unique process creates artificial tides using smart solar panels and wind turbines. The oysters are grown on large frames in the lagoon and are lifted repeatedly from the water throughout their growing cycle, a process resulting in a sweeter taste and fleshy texture.
The proof of the method is oysters with a sweet, salty taste that’s perfectly paired with Picpoul de Pinet, a crisp white wine.
We ended our day in Sete with a return to the lovely canals and a breathtaking sunset.
Timeless Travelers 
Just lovely, your descriptions are so inviting that I feel like I’m there with you!
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Wish you were!
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This is so interesting. I love oysters, btw.
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These were like none other!
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This is such a vivid description of a beautiful, historical place. I look forward to continued posts as you navigate this journey. Enjoy every minute of this trip.
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Thank you 💖
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You have the ability to catch the ambience of each place you visit in your narratives and photos. Tony looks like a real character!
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Thanks, he had us laughing all the way through Sete!
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Another fascinating/informative post.
Oysters and wine, 😋 !! Wish I was traveling with you. Enjoy 💕❤️
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You would have loved it!
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Travel and Leisure needs your expert and impassioned writing style! Go Doug and Denise.
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Thanks, Michael. We’re having fun!
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We are enjoying your journey with you! Your descriptions are fantastic, along with your writing style.
Tony sounds like a fun character! Look forward to your next post already!💕
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Thank you 💖 Miss you too!
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We are so enjoying traveling with you. It is a seamless, albeit slightly interrupted adventure rich with detail. And the oysters… Oh my!
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Yes, the oysters were something else!
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A double bonus today! First I learned something new about France as I had never heard of Sete. Second, all of your previous posts appeared so I read about your Octantis adventure as well as your harrowing return to the US post interrupted world cruise. In addition to great story telling I really enjoy your sunrise shots and am blown away by your extraordinary “Peach Sunrise” down under!
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Thanks, Bob! That peach sunrise was a gift! I was in the right place at the right time with camera in hand. It now hangs in my living room at home.
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