Sète. A must see.

Transcription

1 Sète A must see

2 2 3 In Sète, every season has its charms Sète, the singular island * A little over three centuries ago, Louis the XIV th granted the building of a new port at the end of the Canal du Midi: the port of Sète was born. On the 29th of July 1666, Sète celebrated its birth by water jousting contests, which from then on have become intimately linked to the town. This port notably owes its richness to its involvement in the wine trade. Its urbanisation and architecture still bear witness to this. The port with its cargo ships, cruise ships, sailing and fishing boats still make up the heart of the town. Every day, the return of the trawlers with their escort of seagulls behind them provides a wonderful spectacle. A certain something in the atmosphere explains how great literary men such as Paul Valéry, Jean Vilar and Georges Brassens were born here, as well as inventive painters such as the artists of the Figuration Libre (French art movement of the 1980s) whose colours explode in galleries around the world. * as Paul Valéry liked to call it. Right in the sun... stroll around the beach or quayside 7 miles of beaches, a rocky coastal road overlooking the sea. It is 5 miles around the foot of the mountain with the Mediterranean waters and the Thau lagoon as far as the eye can see, canals crossed by 12 bridges which divide the town, 2 exceptional panoramic views from the top of Mont Saint Clair, the Pierres Blanches (literally white stone) national forest, the unceasing ballet of the boats... Exceptional! A great spectacle! the lido Miles and miles of beaches, a cycle lane and a foot path on the shoreline with restaurants who set up in the warm season. Take a deep breath! the corniche (coastal road) Bicycles, rollerblades, jogging or simply walking, all are allowed on this path overlooking the Mediterranean.

3 sur une visite audioguidée (à détacher et à donner à la caisse) 4 5 A Venetian perfume the quays and canal royal A true lively place, the canals are in motion all year round through the coming and going of boats, ranging from imposing tuna boats to small crafts that every self-respecting Sétois (French name for the locals) have moored along a quay. A relaxed rhythm of life the fisherman s quarter: the pointe courte Take a stroll around the typical fishing village of the Thau lagoon, where time stands still... Blue as far as the eyes can see! the mont Saint-Clair At 600 feet in altitude, make the most of an unbelievable view over the entire Languedocian coast up to the Pyrenees! Visits: Notre Dame de la Salette, a chapel from the XIX th century. Take advantage of a picnic break with a view of the beaches from the Pierres Blanches forest. The sailing boats listen to its History the Saint-Louis breakwater A jetty of half a mile built under the orders of Louis XIV and who saw the Jewish embarkation for the Holy Land on-board the Exodus in Eternity facing the sea... le cimetière marin Overlooking the Mediterranean, this is certainly one of the most beautiful cemeteries in France with its small chapels, statues and mausoleums. Escape into the heart of the Sète basin, in thau country A true inner sea, the Thau lagoon is only separated from the Mediterranean by a narrow strip of sand, the Lido. Discover the oyster-farming and wine-producing villages bordering the lagoon, and take advantage of tasting the oysters and mussels from Bouzigues, visit the Gallo-Roman villa of Loupian or even take stroll around the charming port of Marseillan, which shelters the wine warehouses from the reputed Noilly Prat. A taste of Italy! the quartier haut (literally high district ) Originally the district of Neapolitan immigrant workers who worked under the orders of Pierre Paul Riquet to build the port. Today, it is the favourite haunt of Sète s artists who regularly open the doors of their studios to the public. -2 Le plan touristique N S Tourist Discovery Map Essential in discovering the singular island. On a pretty illustrated map, you will find the unmissable places of interest. Also included are 8 walking trails which pass by the quaysides constantly in motion through the coming and going of boats.

4 6 7 Enter into the universe reserved for fishermen the fish auction A tour conducted by a guide in French and followed up, with the use of an audio-guide. Tours from February to November from Monday to Friday. City Pass 50% de réduction toute l année pour croquer la ville à petit prix! City Pass City Pass City Pass Follow your heart with the city pass an all included pack for visiting the unmissable sites of sète! An audio-guided tour access to 1, 2 or 3 museums a typical gift a welcome drink in a partner restaurant Types of city pass: Solo, Duo from Children (under 10 years old): free (with any purchase of a Solo or Duo City pass) / Valid all year round Solo duo PITCHOUN Passeport City pass Also available in some accommodation within the scope of the Ville Passion operation (see p. 12 ) Audio-guided tours Rent the audio-guide at the Tourist Office and discover Sète in your own time 2 audio-guided trails with commentary available in english: The quartier haut: the petit naples ( small naples ) and its cimetière marin Quays and heart of the town Approximate duration: 1hr30 Rental from the tourist office, 5 Explore the town with your smartphone Commentaries, photos, videos about the places and monuments that make Sète such a fascinating town. Have a nice walk! > Mention Follow the Guide! Authenticity, land, heritage, history: take your pick. The fascinating universe of shellfish-farming the Grande Bleue ( deep blue ) conchological farm Tours from easter to september on Tuesdays. Audio-guide available. In Sète, even the vines have their feet in the sand! Discover the Listel* vineyard A Tour and tasting on tuesday and wednesday at 3 pm from may until the end of august (in french) Booking at the tourist office Tel: 33 (0)

5 8 9 RIDES Boat trips In Sète, a boat trip is a must! Tours of the port of Sète, the rocky coast or the Thau lagoon with its shellfish beds on board a boat with underwater viewing with Sète Croisières: +33 (0) Trips all year round with commentary in foreign languages (audio-guide). Possibility of visiting the port of Sète in a traditional embarkation with French commentary only: Azur croisières: +33 (0) RIDES Miniature train rides A picturesque train that will never go out of fashion! Enjoyable trail along the quays and port, exploring the main tourist sites of the Town Rides all year round with commentary in foreign languages (audio-guide). Open from April to October Miniature train of Sète: +33 (0) Sète, artists come first! 4 museum reveal to you the culture of Sète The Espace Brassens Come and meet Georges Brassens, French poet and singer ( ), and discover his life and work in a fun and interactive way in this museographic place fully dedicated to the artist. French commentary only. The Paul Valéry Museum This museum of overlooks the Cimetière Marin with reference to the famous poem of Paul Valéry. It exhibits works inspired by the light of Sète and welcomes temporary exhibitions, and an entire hall is dedicated to Paul Valéry. The International Museum of Modest Arts An odds and ends museum with particularly unusual objects from daily life over the last 60 years. The site also welcomes temporary exhibitions related to popular culture. Régional Contempory Art Center Temporary exhibitions based on the latest current art and regional artistic creation, both French and international. 26 quai Aspirant Herber Tel: 33 (0) boulevard Camille Blanc Tel: 33 (0) Rue François Desnoyers Tel: 33 (0) quai Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny Tel: 33 (0)

6 à plus d informations children Dinner time! Flavours of the south with an Italian twist! Sète s cuisine, influenced by its population of Italian origin, draws its inspiration from the Mediterranean sea and the Thau lagoon: mussels and stuffed squids, la rouille de seiche (tomato, garlic and sepia dish), la bourride de baudroie (monkfish speciality), la tielle (tomato and octopus pie), l a macaronade (pasta dish), etc. To be tasted in the town s numerous restaurants, some of which are distinguished, having obtained quality seals and which make the most of local products in order to offer you an authentic and friendly local cuisine. All senses aroused! les halles this seal identifies the standard of quality of the services offered to the whole family. Le guide des pitchouns Flashez ce code avec votre smartphone pour accéder Famille Plus (family plus) offers throughout the year: comitted professionals at your service (sporting, free time, discovery activities, accommodations and restaurants) to offer you the welcome you deserve. events and activities for discovering Sète for the whole family: paper chase, City Pass, etc. Want to find yourself in a friendly and typical Mediterranean atmosphere? Then make your way to the market halls and their overflowing fish market every morning (even on Sundays). Don t miss the big Wednesday market all around the market halls and in the squares in the heart of the town. Bon appétit! the res thau quality cheque Offer your parents or friends a gourmet meal with the Res Thau quality cheque. Of a nominal value of 30, it enables you to savour the Sétois and Mediterranean cuisine in partner restaurants in Sète and the Thau Country amongst a selection of quality establishments. Your guests will only have to choose their preferred address For further information, go to

7 12 13 The Sejours passion Hôtel Impérial*** Tel: +33 (0) Hôtel L Orque Bleue*** Tel: +33 (0) Hôtel de paris*** Tel: +33 (0) Hôtel Azur ** Tel: +33 (0) Hôtel les Tritons** Tel: +33 (0) Village vacances du lazaret (holiday village) Tel: +33 (0) Location de meublés boix immobilier (furnished rentals) Tel: +33 (0) An ideal formula for discovering Sète as a couple or family A gift for yourself or someone else! The ville passion stay offers different accommodation formulas from 1 to 4 nights (hotel, holiday village or furnished apartments) complemented by the citypass for discovering the town which includes: access to the Espace Brassens and to the International Museum of Modest Arts, an audio-guided tour, a welcome drink in one of the partner restaurants a welcome gift For further information, go to Book directly from the accommodation office of your choice by specifying Séjour Ville Passion Offer not valid in July and August, non-contractual offer susceptible to modification Want to offer someone a gift? You can complement the Ville Passion stay by a meal with the Res Thau Quality Cheque or a seat at a show, all wrapped in a beautiful gift bag. For further information, please contact the Tourist Office: Tel: 33 (0)

8 The famous Water Jousting contests If you want to melt into the atmosphere of the most mythical of tournaments, the one that every Sétois dreams of winning, come during the month of August on the Monday of Saint Louis. From the very creation of the town, inaugurated in 1666 by a jousting tournament, this sport is firmly anchored into the heart and traditions of the Sétois. Well steadied on their tintaine (wooden platform) overhanging the rowing-boat powered by 10 oarsmen, these knights challenge each other, armed with a pavois (wooden shield) and a lance, at the end of which a triple steel point is attached, the trident. The oboe and drums, at their very particular tone, give rhythm to and animate the combats while the fanfare installed in the tribunes (called la peña ) warms up the audience and salutes the victorious jousters. To watch a tournament, nothing could be simpler. All you have to do is come, during the summer season, to the banks of the Cadre Royal (part of the Canal Royal situated between the savonnerie and Civette bridges), and you will definitely get the occasion to watch this colourful spectacle! For more information: At the theatre, tonight Théâtre Molière and la Passerelle A rich, diverse and quality programme in one of the most beautiful Italian-style theatres in the south of France Tel: 33 (0) Théâtre de la Mer A magical place where festivals and concerts take place every summer with the sea as a backdrop. Tourist Office, Tel: 33 (0) festival time The musica Sète festival, symphony orchestras and choirs Festival / april imagesingulières, photography festival / beginning of may K-live, urban culture festival / end of may Festival quand je pense à Fernande, festival of French Song / mid june Acte III Scène 7, festival of amateur Theatre / mid june Worldwide festival, festival of electro, jazz, hip hop music / end of july Festival international jazz à Sète / mid july Voix vives de Méditerranée en Méditerranée festival of poetry / end of july Festival Fiest à Sète, world music festival / beginning of august Infraction, Art performance festival / Mid september The big traditional fairs Grand pardon de la Saint Pierre, (Saint Pierre s atonement days) fishermen s fair / beginning of July the festivals of saint louis Town festival and jouster s festival / end of August For further information on the programme, go to Buy your tickets for the shows by telephone from the tourist office and pay by Bank Card at + 33 (0)

9 Office de Tourisme 60, Grand Rue Mario Roustan SÈTE - FRANCE T 33 (0) F 33 (0) Open all year round Environmentally friendly Tourist Office. Document printed on recycled paper Issue Designer : Tourist Office - easy catalogue - photos taken by: O. Maynard, D. Merlin, Getty images, A. Médel, town of Sète Office de Tourisme Cette marque prouve la conformité à la norme NF X et aux règles de certification NF 237. Elle garantit que les activités d accueil, d information, de promotion / communication, de la boutique, l évaluation et l amélioration de la qualité de service sont contrôlés régulièrement par AFNOR Certification 11, rue Francis de Préssensé LA PLAINE SAINT DENIS Cedex France nf.com