Sète
Sète is a lovely fishing village which has much allure, from its beaches to its port, lined with buildings painted in rich ochres, rusts and azures. This is the spot to sample some of the world’s best seafood, usually prepared from the morning’s catches. Several canals wind through the city.
For a watersports fan, this is an ideal destination. There is hardly a water activity, from sailing to swimming to scuba diving, that isn’t possible here. Sète also hosts water jousting tournaments like its neighbors in Montpellier. It is a good base for exploring this region, situated just a few minutes from Montpellier to the east and Agde to the west. Béziers is also a short train-ride away. Sète itself is much like a volcanic island on first sight. Although it is connected to the mainland by a peninsula of beaches, the city is surrounded on all remaining sides by water. It comes to an apex at the top of Mt. Saint Clair, where there are memorable views of the city and sea.
Sightseeing In Sète
Sète’s Espace George Brassen is a museum devoted to this tremendously popular French singer, poet, writer and occasional actor who was born in the city in 1921. Some have compared the French people’s adoration to England’s love of the Beatles. The museum provides an informative and entertaining tribute to the artist. Don’t miss the never-before-released films and concerts shown in the video room near the exit. Entry costs €5 for adults, €2 for students and children. The museum is open from 10 am to noon and 2 to 6 pm every day from June to September, but closes Mondays from October to May.
Musée Paul Valéry in Sète pays homage to another famous city native. This city’s answer to Leonardo da Vinci, Valéry was a man of many talents, ranging from writing to art to science. A fascinating man of many contrasts and complexities, he spent a period in which he abandoned writing as selfindulgent. This museum includes a large room devoted to the man and his works.
Across from the museum sits the Marine Cemetery, which was honored in Valéry’s poem, Le Cimetière Marin, and is his final resting place.
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