VISITE GUIDÉE : AU CŒUR DE LA CRIÉE

Come behind the scenes of the Sète fish auction. During this tour, we'll explain the techniques used to catch and sell different species of Mediterranean fish. Practical info : - Duration 1h00. - Minimum 5 persons - Visit not suitable for baby carriages. PRM access. - Animals not admitted. - Meeting point Quai de la consigne, south entrance to the fish market, opposite the J.B. Marty promenade staircase. The Sète fish auction is an emblematic feature of the town of Sète, a market reserved exclusively for professionals, where fishermen sell their freshly caught fish by auction. It is particularly renowned for the quality of its Mediterranean fish and seafood. This is one of the region?s main fishing ports, and every afternoon on their return from fishing, local fishermen bring their catches back to the auction for sale. Professional buyers, usually fishmongers and restaurateurs, gather to try to acquire the various lots of fish and seafood at the best price. The fish are put on display, and the downward bidding proceeds apace. The first auction in Europe to be computerized in 1967. Bids are no longer made by voice and raised hand, but by means of a display screen for the seller and a buy button for each buyer. In this way, the sète fish market is developing know-how that will serve as an example for other fish markets (Port de Bouc, Arcachon, etc.), The first auction to manage buyers? outstanding amounts and payment terms in real time, The sales system continued to be improved, notably in 2009, with the possibility of raising bids in the event of a collision (simultaneous purchase by several buyers), in order to guarantee the fairest price, The auction rate of 700 lots per hour and the registration of 7 lots before the auction have enabled the introduction of programmed purchasing in real time and off-line.