The city has earned the nickname ‘France’s answer to Venice’ thanks to its picturesque canals and abundant seafood, not to mention its unbeatable views
Vita Molyneux Travel reporter and Aimee Robinson
12:14, 29 Sep 2025
The canals of Sètè (Image: Getty)
Nestled on the Mediterranean coast in the South of France, Sete is a delightful port city bordered by the biodiverse Etang de Thau lagoon on one side and the breath-taking Mediterranean Sea on the other.
However, it’s the intricate network of canals that has bestowed upon Sete the nickname “Venice of the Languedoc” or even “the Venice of France”.
The canal system threads its way through the city, connecting the lagoon and the sea, giving the impression that Sete is elegantly floating on water.
Mirroring the charm of Italy’s Venice, Sete is a watery wonderland where boat tours are popular with tourists, and colourful rowing boats enhance the picturesque landscape.
Travel insurance experts at StaySure have identified Sete as one of the top “hidden gems” in the South of France, saying: “Sete is France’s answer to Venice.” They suggest partaking in boat tours for a magical view of the city, some of which explore the Etang.
However, the quintessential experience involves relaxing on a restaurant terrace by the canal, enjoying local oysters accompanied by a refreshing bottle of Picpoul de Pinet, reports the Express.
With the Languedoc vineyards within easy reach, Sete offers a wealth of “affordable and easy-drinking wines”, ideal for pairing with the plentiful fresh seafood that the city’s prime location provides.
Sete is surrounded by waters and seems like a floating city(Image: Getty Images)
Oysters, a local speciality, are farmed in the Etang before being exported worldwide.
“A combination of fresh sea water coming in to replenish the lake, the shelter of the lagoon-like environment and abundance of sun means these oysters are large, plump and much meatier compared to the native oysters in the UK,” noted the experts at Staysure.
For those keen to take a stroll after dining or seeking the most breathtaking views, Mont St-Clair provides an exceptional lookout point.
Travellers can either tackle the 175-metre climb on foot or opt for a more relaxed journey by vehicle, with parking facilities available at the top.