A European town offering that quintessential maritime feel is the ideal spot to soak up the glorious sunshine this summer. Home to sandy beaches surrounded by the stunning Mediterranean coast and culture in bucket loads, this town has endless ways to fill your sunny days.

Sète is a major port city located in the southeast French region of Occitanie and is a hive of activity all year round. Alongside the town’s glorious beaches providing that ultimate sun-drenched spot, Sète also offers a poetic European vibe with canals lined by colourful buildings, swing bridges and of course, its bustling fishing port. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts or those who prefer to simply sit back and relax with a glass of muscat soaking up the sights on the banks of the town’s Canal Royal, Sète appeals to all.

Sète offers a one-of-a-kind getaway thanks to its lively port town, golden sands and oyster-filled lagoons with less crowds compared to many other French resort towns. 

The region was founded in 1666 by Louis XIV who chose it as his harbour for his royal galleys with plenty of historical delights and royal connections found here including an old royal canal.

Set between the sea and the Thau Lagoon, the region is surrounded by picturesque canals but its crowning glory is found along its southeast coast.

Here you will find 8 miles of golden sandy beaches that extends along its lido and is dubbed a true paradise thanks to its crystal-clear waters boasting of 320 days of sunshine a year.

Sète’s Lido beaches are famous and they are often a hive of activity, with exhilarating activities on offer including diving, sailing, kitesurfing or kayaking.

The town’s fishing port offers a thriving maritime centre, with sights of nets, floats and trawlers tied up along its waterfront with a fish auction available too. 

Another ideal activity to soak up the vibes in this pretty town is cycling, with Sète providing a cycle path on the Lido and cycle parks found along the promenade.

Lovers of a good stroll in the sunshine are also in luck with a visit to the top of Mont Saint Clair coming highly recommended. 

The town was also once the home of philosopher and poet Paul Valéry who is buried here with culture lovers able to learn more about him in a museum dedicated to Valéry and includes private letters, sketches, notebooks and his silver fountain pen.

The French town is also home to an array of summer festivals and quirky celebrations including nautical joust competitions or the oysters of the Etang de Thau.

“Beautiful town offering many magnificent panoramic views that's easily accessible via foot,” wrote one review on TripAdvisor.

Another echoed the sentiment and said: “The harbor area in this seaside town is very pretty, we spent a lot of time here walking around admiring all of its beautiful perspectives on offer.”