Discovering the Delightful French Town of Sete

Jan 19
13:08

2015

Lisa Jeeves

Lisa Jeeves

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French hostels are not just located in the big cities. Venture down south to the tiny town of Sete and discover a different side to France.

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Travellers choosing to stay in French hostels usually do so because they enjoy the laid-back atmosphere this kind of accommodation offers. They also relish the opportunity to meet like-minded people who can pass on travel advice and share stories and information about unusual destinations in a global community environment. One such place to discover off the beaten track is Sete,Discovering the Delightful French Town of Sete Articles in France.

Visit a Lesser-known Town in France

Sete, in the southeast corner of France, is a wonderful small town and a valuable place to discover for those travellers looking to stay in one of the excellent French hostels. Making no attempt to disguise its rustic roots, Sete is a working town bursting with a local charm that draws you in as soon as you arrive. Thriving on its fishing trade, mussels and lobsters are big business here. The whole region revolves around the fishing industry, evident in the canals that define the town and the energy generated by the residents and the tourists.

Sete is one of those understated towns that you tend to stumble across rather than make a beeline for, which is why it remains relatively undiscovered. Its beautiful beach, one of the finest on the French Mediterranean, stretches for eight miles and is as natural a beach as you can get on this stunning part of the coast.

Things to Do in Sete

Although there are no significant museums or historical monuments in the town, the lack of places to visit may be a welcome relief to some. French hostels (and particularly those in rural areas) allow the visitor a freedom and independence to enjoy the culture of a place rather than spend their days trekking from one museum to the next.

The town of Sete is the attraction itself, and its colour and vibrant energy captivate anyone who visits. The lively port is definitely worth a morning stroll, and the network of canals that runs through the town centre (built in 1666 to allow the Canal du Midi an outlet to the sea) is its main feature. The Pont-de-la-Civette bridge denotes the beginning of the Quai-de-la-Resistance, which is the main area, boasting delightful waterside cafes, bars and eateries.

Sete’s seafood is a winner and when here you owe it to yourself to try the Italian influenced seafood cuisine. Find a canal-side restaurant, grab a table on the terrace and watch life pass you by as you enjoy some delicious seafood caught fresh that morning.

If you feel energetic after lunch, you could head to Mont St-Clair, the 600ft hill that is the base for the foundations of the town. The climb is somewhat challenging, but you can take public transport or a taxi – however you get there, the views from the top are definitely worth it. You can marvel at the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean, the Thau Lagoon with its decorative mollusc beds, and the lovely beaches that stretch in both directions.

There are plenty of other activities to choose from when staying in one of the French hostels in or around Sete. A cycle, a walk or even a bus ride out to the surrounding villages is always fun, but for those preferring a more relaxing activity, a day on the beach could be just what the doctor ordered.

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