Sète Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Sète

The royal canal

Coat of arms

Sète

Location in France

Sète

Location in Occitanie

Country

Area

24.21 km² (9.35 sq mi)

Population

(2012)

44,558

• Density

1,840.5/km² (4,766.8/sq mi)

Time zone

UTC+01:00 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+02:00 (CEST)

INSEE/Postal code

34301 /34200

Elevation

0–76 m (0–249 ft)
(avg. 4 m or 13 ft)

¹ French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Sète is a lively city in the Hérault department of France. It is home to about 45,000 people. Sète is famous for being both a busy port and a fun seaside resort.

This charming city sits right on the beautiful Mediterranean coast. Sète has its own special culture, unique traditions, delicious cuisine, and even its own local dialect. Many famous artists were born here, including the writer Paul Valéry, the actor Jean Vilar, and the singer Georges Brassens. Other notable artists from Sète include Gregory Del Piero, Hervé Di Rosa, Manitas de Plata, and Robert Combas.

What Makes Sète Special?
- A City of Water and Boats
- Fun by the Sea
Culture and Traditions
- Water Jousting
- Local Food
Famous People from Sète
- Paul Valéry
- Georges Brassens
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What Makes Sète Special?

Sète is often called the "Venice of Languedoc" because of its many canals. These canals connect the Étang de Thau, a large saltwater lagoon, to the Mediterranean Sea. The city is built around Mont Saint-Clair, a hill that offers amazing views of the sea and the lagoon.

A City of Water and Boats

Sète's port is one of the most important on the French Mediterranean coast. It handles a lot of different goods, from wine to oil. Fishing is also a big part of Sète's history and economy. You can often see colorful fishing boats coming and going from the harbor.

Fun by the Sea

As a seaside resort, Sète offers lovely beaches where visitors can relax and swim. The Mediterranean climate means warm, sunny weather for most of the year. Many people come to Sète to enjoy its coastal charm and fresh seafood.

Culture and Traditions

Sète is known for its strong local identity. The city celebrates its heritage through various festivals and events.

Water Jousting

One of the most famous traditions in Sète is water jousting. This exciting sport has been practiced here for centuries. Two jousters stand on platforms at the end of boats, holding long lances. They try to knock each other into the water as their boats pass by. It's a thrilling spectacle that draws big crowds, especially during the Saint Louis Festival in August.

Local Food

Sète's cuisine is a mix of fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavors. Some local specialties include "tielle" (a savory pie with octopus and tomato sauce) and "bourride de baudroie" (a fish stew). The city's markets are full of fresh produce and seafood.

Famous People from Sète

Sète has inspired many artists and thinkers.

Paul Valéry

Paul Valéry (1871–1945) was a famous French poet, essayist, and philosopher. He is one of the most important figures in French literature of the 20th century. His childhood home in Sète is now a museum.

Georges Brassens

Georges Brassens (1921–1981) was a beloved French singer-songwriter. He was known for his poetic lyrics and simple guitar melodies. Many of his songs tell stories about everyday life and people. A park and a museum in Sète are dedicated to him.