
Sète harbour, sailing boat, hull, mast, deck, traditional boat, sea, sailing, maritime heritage, exterior, vertical
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Spring: a young woman in a field of poppies
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Sète harbour, sailing boat, hull, mast, deck, traditional boat, sea, sailing, maritime heritage, exterior, vertical
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Every two years in spring, immerse yourself in the fascinating world of our grand celebration of maritime traditions. Embark on a unique adventure amidst a spectacular gathering of traditional sailing ships, galleons and historic vessels.
In 2026, ‘Escale à Sète’ has some exceptional experiences in store, with Italy as the guest of honour, amongst other highlights. Set sail for an immersive experience, explore these ships steeped in history and share the passion of seafarers.
The next edition will take place in 2028.
Are you a fan of street art? Don’t miss the K-Live Festival from 2 to 7 June 2026! Every year, leading artists from the street art scene take turns to give the public the chance to watch the creation of giant artworks on the walls of Sète live.
Launched in 2008, this event has now evolved into a veritable Open-Air Museum (MACO) that you can explore at your leisure throughout the year using this mapor on a guided tour with the Sète Tourist Office.

A couple standing in front of the artworks at the Maco
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Los Pepes mural, 20–22 Rue Montmorency, Sète2024
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Works from the MaCo
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Discover all the spring events in the Thau Archipelago.

Flamingos, Aresquiers Beach Pond
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Flamingos, Ingril Pond
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Synonymous with rebirth, spring is the perfect season to observe flora and fauna in all their splendour. That’s why we invite you to follow in the footsteps of the flamingos, the symbols of our region, as we reveal the best spots for spotting them in this article.
Near Marseillan, the Bagnas nature reserve is a real paradise for birdwatchers at heart. This nature reserve can be explored via freely accessible paths or during public events organised by the ADENA team, which is responsible for managing and protecting the site.
Tip: don’t forget your binoculars and your camera!
Whether you prefer a gentle stroll or a hike, vineyards or pine forests, lakes or beaches, a whole range of scents and colours awaits you in the Thau Archipelago. Choose from ideas for inland excursions, strolls by the sea, or let yourself be charmed by this selection of natural areas to explore to your heart’s content.

Poussan, capitelles, garrigue, footpath, forest, undergrowth, dense vegetation, nature, landscape, pine trees, trees, foliage, path, hiking, walk, stroll, walking, exploration, nature tourism, outdoors, woman, silhouette, from behind, visitor, tourist, peaceful, shaded, wild, authentic
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Walk along the lagoon, Bouzigues, Étang de Thau, jetty, pier, woods, lagoon, calm water, landscape, nature, woman, silhouette, standing, seen from behind, horizon, blue sky, sunny, natural light, outdoors, peaceful, horizontal
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Head to Bird Island! A fun walk along theThau Lagoon, featuring nature workshops, will take you on adiscover the exceptional flora and fauna of this site.Whether underwater, on land or in the air, you’ll spot some amazing species throughout the morning.
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If you’d prefer a guided tour to spot the wildlife typical of our destination, we recommend joining a nature walk organised by the CPIE and the EID. You can, for example, learn more about birds, grasshoppers, frogs and marine species, and even venture into the history of the salt workers at the heart of the old salt marshes of Frontignan.
Are you passionate about culture and heritage? Sète is renowned for its way of life, its traditions, and the famous figures who have shaped its history, such as Georges Brassens and Paul Valéry. To get a taste of what makes it special, set off on an enriching journey of discovery through the museums of this unique island, including the Paul Valéry Museum, the International Museum of Modern Art (MIAM), the Maritime Museum, the Georges Brassens Centre and the Chapel in the Quartier Haut.
Tip: a discounted pass (€15) is available to visit these five venues.

THE SEA MUSEUM FOR FAMILIES
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ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN
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The Thau Lagoon Museum, located in Bouzigues, showcases fishing and oyster and mussel farming, as well as all the activities associated with the management of the Thau Lagoon.
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Villa-Loupian Gallo-Roman Museum
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To find out all about the history of the Étang de Thau and the villages surrounding it, this time head to:
Why not explore the Thau Archipelago from the water alongside fellow sailing enthusiasts? You’ll be able to choose your vessel from an old sailing ship (Voiles Auriques), a catamaran (Mansathau), a semi-rigid boat (Midi Cap Thau), the “Canauxrama” (Sète Croisières), a sailing boat (L’Air du Large) or even “the canal boat” (Amaï).

Catamaran trip on the Thau Lagoon
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COUPLE ON A BIKE ON THE GREENWAY
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Swap your boat for a bike (electric or otherwise) and set off on an adventure around the Thau Lagoon (58 km / approx. 4–4½ hours / Easy). Here’s the slightly mad experience we’re suggesting you try to explore the landscapes and places that make up the charm of the Thau Archipelago:
What better way to discover the local cuisine and specialities than by taking part in a cookery workshop? Head to the heart of Sète’s market halls to meet Magali, your chef for the next two hours.
With her, you’ll peel, poach, chop and slice fresh, seasonal produce before cooking and tasting it on the spot! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, travelling solo, as a couple or with the family, let yourself be swept away by this unique experience.

Cookery workshop with Joe le Cooker (Halles de Sète), cuttlefish rouille
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Cookery workshop with Joe le Cooker (Halles de Sète), cuttlefish rouille
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cooking class
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Noilly Prat
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Launch event for the Archipel de Thau brand, a Mediterranean destination
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Who hasn’t dreamed of trying their hand at the art of mixology or sampling James Bond’s favourite cocktail? If this sounds like something for you, head to Noilly Prat in Marseillan!
Renowned for its vermouth, the distillery offers guided tours as well as a workshop in its “Basalte” bar. Accompanied by an expert, you’ll learn all the subtleties of the aromas of the vermouths produced here and create your own cocktail before tasting it.
Make the most of the mild Indian summer weather to enjoy a drink on a terrace in the Thau Archipelago. Whether you’re in Sète, Balaruc-les-Bains or Marseillan, terraces offering stunning views of the Thau lagoon and the coastline await you.
Let yourself be charmed by the elegant rooftop terrace of a hotel in Sète, which offers a breathtaking panorama. In Balaruc-les-Bains, take a seat on a terrace overlooking the lagoon, whilst in Mèze, a tea room welcomes you for gourmet moments, from breakfast to brunch.
Whatever takes your fancy, these spots guarantee a moment of pure relaxation, lulled by the gentle breezes of Indian summer.

Visit to Valmagne Abbey, wine, bottle
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Valmagne Abbey in autumn, cloister, garden, vegetation, stone, architecture, inner courtyard, heritage, warm light, sunny, outdoors, peaceful atmosphere, vertical
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Valmagne Abbey. The present Gothic-style church was rebuilt in 1287 on the foundations of a Romanesque church that had become too small. It is 24.5 metres high and 83 metres long.
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Wellness, massage, an Obalia escape. A couple on the terrace of the thermal baths
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Looking for a relaxing weekend in the south of France? Head to the Thau Archipelago to make that dream a reality! In our dedicated article, we’ve put together a few ideas for activities to help you make the most of the sunshine and your time together: a night in a cosy aparthotel, a gourmet dinner followed by a concert, a visit to an unusual museum, a couples’ massage and spa treatments…
In an atmosphere designed for relaxation and culinary delights, come and enjoy a romantic getaway far from the daily grind and stress of everyday life. Step inside the Domaine Saint-André to discover your cosy retreat, set within a wine-growing country house. You’ll find all the comforts you need, with lovely, well-maintained rooms, an 800 m² garden, and a swimming pool overlooking the vineyard.
And where there are vineyards, there must be wine tasting. If you’d like to learn the basics or refine your skills in the art of oenology, the Domaine Saint-André offers several tours, either guided or self-guided, followed, of course, by a tasting of the estate’s wines.

Couple in their thirties, view of Sète and the lagoon
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A father and his two sons are playing in the water, laughing, smiling and splashing about
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Are you on holiday in the Thau Archipelago with your family? Here are 5 activity ideas that should please everyone: a journey back in time at the dinosaur museum-park, a 360° panoramic view from the top of the Saint-Louis lighthouse, an unusual ride on a donkey or a camel…
For treasure hunt enthusiasts, we’ve got plenty of surprises in store with our pirate-themed exploration of Sète, our investigation into the Kraken’s secret chest in Frontignan, as well as our Medieval Challenge, our puzzles about the little crab’s friend in Marseillan, our investigation into the identity of Lolo Spinosi’s friend in Balaruc-les-Bains, and the search for the lost treasure of Valmagne’s colours in Villeveyrac.
Please also note that the town of Sète has been awarded the Famille Plus label. You’ll find a warm welcome and services designed for the whole family, with a special focus on the little ones.