Stopover in Sète 2024: where to stand to observe the departure parade of the tall ships ?

L’événement maritime prend fin ce lundi 1er avril avec la parade de départ des grands voiliers, à partir de 15 h 30. Archive Midi Libre – EVA TISSOT

L’événement maritime se termine ce lundi 1er avril par la parade de départ des grands voiliers, à partir de 15 h 30.

This Monday, April 1, the grand departure parade of the guest sailboats of Escale à Sète 2024 marks the final whistle of six days of festivities around seafarers, their boats and of their traditions. The armada should be visible at sea from 3:30 p.m.. But it's not always easy to find your place to observe the dozen ships that must take part in the parade.

The weather will be good

Spectators wishing to avoid the crowds can go to the promenade du Maréchal-Leclerc, from the Théâtre de la Mer , to the Corniche.

Those who opt for more height will fall back on the little-known Richelieu garden, between the Paul-Valéry museum and the Sémaphore. Even higher, the belvedere of Mont Saint-Clair and its 183 meters of altitude constitute an ideal observation point to capture all the maneuvers, although a pair of binoculars is recommended.

Position yourself as close as possible to the tall ships

Two sectors risk being taken by storm by the most passionate. The first is the Saint-Louis mole, at its end. At the foot of the eponymous lighthouse, the spectator will see the sailboats depart which will then follow the coastline and the beaches of the Lido.

Another strategy is to go directly to the heart of the demonstration. In this case, the quai du Maroc, the quai d’Alger and the quai Samary are ideal. This is where all the large sailing ships will leave.

Safety instructions

On the occasion of the departure parade, Escale à Sète calls on visitors present on the quays to exercise the greatest caution when the sailboats depart. And, above all, to respect the safety instructions which will be imposed on the Algiers quay to allow the crews to leave the mainland without incident.