My car-free holiday

Visiting the charming ‘Little Venice’ of Languedoc? We’ve put together a day-time itinerary for you to explore on foot, so you don’t miss a thing on our unique island: a stroll along the seafront, a leisurely wander through the Quartier Haut, a gourmet break in the heart of the Halles de Sète, a cultural interlude in the museums, relaxation along the canals, sunset in the Pierres Blanches forest and dinner in the Old Port. Fancy it? See the itinerary.

• The water shuttles:

From early May to early September, take a free boat ride to the market in Sète town centre every Wednesday morning. Aboard this unusual shuttle, you’ll glide through the canals of Sète, avoiding the road traffic that can be heavy at this time of year. The service departs from Quai Paul Riquet, alongside the Mas Coulet car park (free parking / remember to register at the pay-and-display machine) and arrives at Quai du Général Durand. This ferry service also runs on evenings when there are events at the Théâtre de la Mer. More information.

• City buses:

The town of Sète has numerous local bus routes allowing you to explore the town neighbourhood by neighbourhood. Whether you prefer to head to the beach, stroll through the town centre or admire the view from the top of Mont Saint-Clair, you can use the SAM bus network to make getting around easier. Bonus tip: Route 8 is free and runs from the station to Sète town centre. For your convenience, you can buy your bus ticket on board using a credit card or directly via the “Sète Agglopôle Mobilité” mobile app.

• My cycling holiday:

To help you organise your cycling holiday in Sète, check out our dedicated section listing all Accueil Vélo-certified businesses, bike hire companies, and cycling routes right here.

• Guided tours:

Would you like to discover Sète and its monuments on a guided walking tour? Nothing could be simpler! The Tourist Office offers a wide range of themed tours throughout the year. Whether you’d like to learn more about the life of the famous Georges Brassens, discover the street art murals that enhance the town, or gain an insight into maritime trades at Sète fish market, simply follow the guide! Book my guided tour.

Known for its focus on well-being, the resort of Balaruc-les-Bains is also popular for the atmosphere of its market, the panoramic views from the Georges Brassens promenade, the flower-lined paths of its Jardin Antique Méditerranéen, its restaurants overlooking the Thau lagoon, the greenway and its rich cultural programme at the Piano-Tiroir. If you fancy spending a day in Balaruc-les-Bains without a car… Follow the guide!

• The ferry service:

From April to October, the Ecothau, which specialises in eco-friendly cruises, offers a 20-minute crossing to Sète from Balaruc-les-Bains. After booking on 07 71 71 03 52 (€10 per person per crossing, €15 return), head to the “La Piscine” jetty in Balaruc-les-Bains or the Tivoli bridge in Sète. Cyclists can also board the Ecothau as there is a designated area for bikes. They also offer themed trips tailored to your preferences in small groups. More information.

• The bus network:

Several bus routes on the SAM network will take you to Balaruc-les-Bains. Whether you’re arriving at Sète station or during your stay, you’ll always have the chance to pop over to Balaruc-les-Bains! More information.
Bonus tip: Bear in mind that the Thermalis card allows you to use the bus network throughout your spa treatment (21 days).

• My cycling holiday:

Why not discover Balaruc-les-Bains by bike with our dedicated package?

Fancy a stroll around Mèze? Why not treat yourself to a morning walk through the town centre to explore its flower-filled alleyways and architectural heritage? Then head out onto the Thau lagoon for a spot of water sports (kayaking, paddleboarding, Optimist sailing) or why not simply relax on the warm sand of the small beaches. After all that effort, it’s time for some comfort! Numerous restaurants welcome you to the port of Mèze, offering a chance to sample local produce and seafood. Getting to Mèze by bus.
Don’t miss the many museums and religious sites dotted across the hinterland, such as the Étang de Thau Museum in Bouzigues or the Gallo-Roman Villa-Loupian Museum in Loupian. Find out more.

• Ferry services:

To reach the Île Singulière from Mèze in just 45 minutes, take the ferry services (€6–€11 / free for under-10s) operated by Sète Croisières and the local authority. The departure point is next to Sète railway station or at the port of Mèze, from early June to late September. Here too, cyclists can bring their bikes, as there is a designated space for bicycles (limited spaces, additional charge), as well as pushchairs. People with reduced mobility (who are able to climb stairs unaided) are welcome. If this is not possible for passengers with reduced mobility, line 20 of the Sète Agglopôle Mobilité network is accessible from the ‘Marianne’ stop in Mèze and the ‘Gare SNCF’ stop in Sète . More information.

• My cycling holiday:

If you’d like to explore Mèze by bike, please take a look at our section dedicated to organising your cycling holiday.

Nestled between former salt marshes, a 7km-long beach and the Gardiole mountain range, the town of Frontignan is the ideal destination for a journey back in time. Start your day with a stroll through the market halls or at the traditional market before heading to the Tourist Office. There you can pick up Le Médiéval Challenge, a family treasure hunt that’s perfect for exploring the area’s history whilst having fun. Street art enthusiasts can also wander through the town’s narrow streets to discover the murals dotted here and there, offering another way to explore the built heritage.

Travelling to Frontignan by bus from other towns in the Thau Archipelago.
Travelling to Frontignan bybus or train from Montpellier.

Just as renowned for its unspoilt natural areas as for its Muscat wine, Frontignan can also be explored through a tasting of fragrant wines in a cooperative winery, followed by a nature walk and a birdwatching session in the old salt marshes. Discover the full programme.

The city of Muscat can also be explored on two wheels. To help you organise your cycling holiday, please take a look at our dedicated section.

Balaruc-le-Vieux, Bouzigues, Gigean, Loupian, Montbazin, Mireval, Poussan, Vic-la-Gardiole, Villeveyrac… Nine towns that complement one another, like so many precious pearls, to form the Thau Archipelago. Set amongst scrubland and lagoons, vineyards and shellfish, ramparts and monuments, come and discover these Languedoc towns and villages during your stay with us.

• The Sète Agglopôle Mobilité bus network:

Serving the entire Thau basin area, the Sète Agglopôle Mobilité bus network is ideal for exploring the Thau Archipelago without a car. Visit their website to find your next destination and the best route to get there. You’ll also find area-by-area maps, timetables, advice, as well as fares and season tickets (several options are available depending on the traveller’s age or circumstances). The standard fare is €1.30. Free for children under 10. Visit the website or the “Sète Agglopôle Mobilité” mobile app to buy your bus tickets (you can also pay on board by card).