Highlights of Sète | Archipel de Thau

The Sea Urchin Feast mid-March

Every year in Sète, the Oursinade, a large open-air festival, attracts visitors who come to sample the very best the Thau basin has to offer: sea urchins, as well as oysters, mussels, tielles and other local culinary and wine specialities.

The K-Live Festival early June

By leaving their mark on the city’s walls, they enrich the Musée À Ciel Ouvert (MaCO) in Sète year after year, offering a picturesque artistic stroll dotted with murals all year round. But the highlight of the K-Live Festival remains in early June, when urban art, visual arts and contemporary music concerts converge in the streets of the town centre and at the famous Théâtre de la Mer.

When I think of Fernande late June

When we think of Fernande, we’re actually thinking of Sète’s most charmingly irreverent festival. A real slap in the face to the self-righteous, this festive event brings together the best artists on the current scene and captivates audiences with a wealth of songs and diverse stage performances. Georges, no doubt, would appreciate the tribute.

The Feast of the Great Pardon of St Peter's Day Late June – early July

Join the fishermen on this solemn procession and experience the sense of togetherness that fills the crowd gathered to pay tribute to Saint Peter and to the sailors and fishermen who have passed away, around the old harbour and the Marine district in Sète, or in Mèze and Bouzigues.

The Thau Summer Festival every Thursday throughout the summer

Loupian, Montbazin, Frontignan, Bouzigues, Mèze, Mireval, Balaruc-les-Bains, Sète… One date = one town to sample wines and local produce! Les Estivales de Thau offers, every Thursday, a warm atmosphere perfect for indulging in delicious treats: tielles, shellfish, cakes, chocolates, ice cream…

You’ll be spoilt for choice and have just one desire: to come back the following week.

Worldwide festival early July

The Worldwide Festival fills the port of Sète with the sounds of a wildly eclectic electronic music line-up. In the morning, the party gets underway in the cafés and continues in the afternoon on one of the town’s beaches. In the evening, head to the Théâtre de la Mer for wild night-time celebrations.

JAZZ IN SÈTE mid-July

The big names in contemporary jazz are set to perform, promising some wonderful moments of outdoor music and celebrating the diversity of a musical genre that knows no boundaries. Fans of world music will be keen to check out the excellent line-up at another festival, Fiest’A Sète.

Voix Vives en Méditerranée Poetry Festival late July

The Voix Vives de Méditerranée poetry festival is a delightful cultural phenomenon that brings together numerous poets from across the Mediterranean every year.

A celebration of tolerance, it introduces visitors to the art of poetry through reading and listening to texts. The streets, squares, gardens and heritage sites of Sète are taken over by the artists for a shared experience with the public.

FIEST'A SÈTE July–August | Sète

This world music festival needs no introduction; for over 20 years, it has been bringing together the world’s finest artists for nearly two weeks. With concerts, musical films, ‘tchatches’, workshops, music and cooking… there really is something for everyone.

St Louis’s Day Celebrations late August

The Saint-Louis Festival is the biggest event of the year and sets the pace for life in Sète. Combining tradition and authenticity, it features street performances, bodegas and the famous jousting tournaments.

22 V'La Georges late October

It’s a celebration. It’s a popular event. It’s joyful. Ultimately, it’s a wonderful tribute to our friend Brassens, held every autumn to mark the anniversary of the birth and death of the most famous of all the Georges in France. The event, which is completely free, is entirely dedicated to his songs, performed and sung by over 100 artists in various languages and musical styles.

STOPOVER IN SÈTE every two years

Stop off in Sète and feast your eyes on this exceptional event, which brings together some of the world’s most beautiful ships every two years around Easter – and you’ll even have the chance to go on board!

Renowned internationally, the event is also an excellent excuse to explore the priceless maritime heritage of the Thau Archipelago.