What to do in Sète ? Five ideas for outings in this town in the Thau basin
|Sète, surnommée l’Île singulière, est le point de départ du canal du Midi Midi Libre – VICTOR GUILLOTEAU
The identity of Sète has crossed the borders of the Thau basin. A true breeding ground for culture, Paul Valéry, Geroges Brassens and Robert Combas have narrated Sète. Mont Saint-Clair, jousting, tielles… Treasures that tourists love. But Sète has other rare pearls to discover.
1. Go up to the priest's terrace to see the Thau basin
View from the priest's terrace Midi Libre – GUILLAUME CROS
A few steps to climb and the light appears. This light is the breathtaking view of the entire Thau basin. Sète, the Mediterranean, the pond, the Gardiole massif, the villages… Breathtaking 360°. However, access to this panorama is little known. Vacationers, most of them uninformed, go to the foot of the white cross, depriving themselves of a view of the salt marshes and the Lido beach.
Just turn your back on Sète and head towards the Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette chapel. On the left, a building where these few steps will take you to the top of Mont Saint-Clair. Please note that the opening hours are flexible and depend on the weather. The terrace is mainly accessible in the afternoon. An orientation table is located there and allows visitors to see the location of the thousand and one wonders of the area. On the ground floor of the building, exhibitions are temporarily organized. The opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.
2. A traditional and little-known brand, the Pouget biscuit factory
La biscuiterie Pouget Midi Libre – GUILLAUME CROS
It is 111 years old and the manufacturing processes have not changed. The Pouget biscuit factory is proof that a tradition can continue. All generations of Sétois have enjoyed their shuttles, their chocolate madeleines and their chalumeaux. And manager Tony is prohibited from revealing his secret recipes. Except admit that to achieve the expected result, « it’is a set of things ».
For example, the oven for cooking is the same as when the shop opened. At the time, Sète was still called This. This shows how far we have come. The products have nevertheless diversified over time: there are now lemon, orange blossom, cinnamon and anise flavored shuttles. Enough talking, go and taste at 47 Quai de Bosc.
3. It’s salty in the Villeroy marshes
The Villeroy marshes Midi Libre – EVA TISSOT
They were used to extract salt at the time, today they serve as a fitness trail. The Villeroy salt marshes extend over more than 160 hectares. A wild land where nature has reclaimed its rights since the end of salt mining in the 20th century. Around 400 species of plants were listed in 2009. Several natural environments are combined: bodies of water, salt meadows, sansouires… A great diversity of birds also thrives there.
Tourists can admire this symbiosis of flora and fauna by accessing the 3.5-kilometre-long Villeroy path. Activities in the marshes are even possible, or even recommended, such as cycling, kayaking or kitesurfing. A natural space that is impossible to miss since it faces the Lido beach and the Thau lagoon.
4. The street of Tunis, or the meeting place with street art
The street of Tunis Midi Libre – GUILLAUME CROS
It is impossible to take two steps without glancing at a graffiti with a thousand and one motifs. From depictions of Georges Brassens, to waves raging on the port of Sète, to simple dedications, the walls of the rue de Tunis are full of colour. Street art has breathed new life into this place, once notorious, thanks to renowned graffiti artists such as Swed, Jace or Sock Wildsketch.
The street located between the Peyrade canal and the rue Honoré Euzet has become passable, even attracting film cameras. And this, to the great delight of businesses such as the only vinyl store in the city, the Discomaniaks. But the rue de Tunis does not forget its past. On the balcony of an apartment, a poster reminds us that this street, « is also unsanitary slums, slum landlords, people on the street… »
5. A green oasis in the city center, Simone-Veil Park
Simone-Veil Park Midi Libre – GUILLAUME CROS
Simone-Veil Park means nothing? Its former name, the Château d'eau garden, will be a consensus among Sète. Inaugurated in 1866, it has seen all generations pass by on its benches. The poet Paul Valéry even confided in one of his writings that he had brushed death by drowning in one of the pools. One hectare in size, this uphill park is home to century-old trees, fountains, a war memorial and a grotto. The entrance is ardently guarded by the statue of the Roman god Neptune, both hands clutching his trident.
On the heights, Sunday walkers have a panoramic view of this island of greenery located in the city center. The opportunity to rest in the shade under palm trees, while enjoying a snack purchased at Ô Kiosque Gourmand. A playground and a chicken coop will also bring a smile to the faces of the youngest.