STOPOVER IN SÈTE 2026: HOIST THE SAILS, THE PARTY’S ABOUT TO BEGIN!

From 31 March to 6 April 2026, Sète becomes the beating heart of the Mediterranean. For its 9th edition, Escale à Sète returns with over 120 boats, delegations from around the world, concerts, culinary delights and parades. Here’s everything you shouldn’t miss.

A week of maritime festivities

The grand arrival parade on 31 March kicks things off: crews from all over the world take to the quays in an electric atmosphere. Each day is themed around a different topic – culture, the environment, solidarity and gastronomy – to explore every facet of the maritime world.

For seven days, entertainment, re-enacted naval battles, workshops on seamanship, shipbuilding and seafood cooking, Sète jousting tournaments, parades of crews in period costume, and concerts of traditional maritime music set the tone. And this year, a special event: the Navy is celebrating its 400th anniversary with a high-profile presence on the quayside!

TALL SHIPS: COME ABOARD THESE LIVING LEGENDS

This is THE moment everyone has been waiting for: stepping aboard the world’s most beautiful sailing ships, chatting with their crews, and feeling the age-old wood beneath your feet. This year, don’t miss: Belem, Vera Cruz, Florette, Phoenix, Galeon, Pascual Flores, Nao Victoria and La Grâce.

Getting on board these legends couldn’t be simpler: a single ticket gives you access to all eight of these great sailing ships for the whole day. Take your time, move from one to the next at your own pace, and let yourself be surprised on every deck.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

The visiting hours are as follows:

Tuesday 31 March: 2pm to 6pm
Wednesday 1 to Sunday 5 April: 9.30 am to 6 pm
Monday 6 April: 9.30 am to 2 pm

Last admission 30 minutes before closing time.

Please note that access to certain boats may be suspended during the day depending on the sailing schedule.

Two on-site ticket offices will also be available during the event: Quai de la République and at the Tourist Office, 60 Grand rue Mario Roustan.

OTHER BOATS NOT TO BE MISSED

In addition to the tall ships, over 120 vessels will line the quays: lateen-rigged boats, traditional rowing boats, fishing boats, rescue vessels… Not to mention the Nave Italia, the flagship of the Italian delegation, and the Sudarshini, a three-masted barque from the Indian Navy, having sailed all the way from Goa – a first for Sète! Free to explore.

And among the highlights of this year’s event, the French Navy is celebrating its 400th anniversary with a notable presence at the quayside. The schooner Étoile, sister ship to the Belle Poule, which has never before sailed to the Île Singulière, will be calling for the very first time. She will be accompanied by the BSAM Loire, the mainland support and assistance vessel. A rare opportunity to come aboard and chat with the uniformed crews.

ESCAALE ASSIETTE: A CELEBRATION OF SEAFOOD CUISINE

Throughout the week, the flavours of the Gulf of Lion take centre stage. And this year, Italian cuisine is in the spotlight! The tielle, the emblem of Sète, traces its roots back to Gaeta, from where it arrived with the first Italian fishermen. From Cetara on the Amalfi Coast, the tradition of anchovies, tinned tuna and traditional colatura crosses the Mediterranean to the quays of Sète.

Highlight on Saturday 4 April at 1.30 pm: a grand fish soup showdown will take place in the fish market car park, between a lagoon fisherman and a sea fisherman.

How do I get there?

By train or LiO bus
By car

Sète station is just a 15-minute walk from the festival. It is served by TER, TGV and Intercités trains.

And as an added bonus, by showing your train or LiO bus ticket for the day, you’ll get a reduced rate on a tour of the tall ships.

By car

To enjoy the festival with peace of mind, make use of the free out-of-town car parks: Zifmar (east side), Mas Coulet and Cayenne Sud are served by free shuttle buses throughout the day.

Stay connected

→ Follow theArchipel de ThauandEscale à Sèteaccounts to keep up with the event live.

→ Download the Escale à Sète app (Apple&Android): map, programme, practical information… Find everything you need right in your pocket

AND AFTER A STOPOVER IN SÈTE?

Extend your adventure in the Thau Archipelago! Cycle around the Thau lagoon, enjoy oysters with your feet in the water at Bouzigues, set off to discover outdoor artworks with the Balades Artistiques en Méditerranée (BAM), or climb Mont Saint-Clair for a breathtaking view.