Stopover in Sète

Destination Hérault for Escale à Sète, Festival of Maritime Traditions in the Mediterranean. Discover all the events of this biennial event which attracts visitors from all over the world to the Gulf of Lion.

Stopover in Sète, the meeting place for sea lovers

Every two years since 2010, Sète, the main port in the Languedoc region, has been honouring the maritime heritage of the Mediterranean. The enthusiasts of this city, criss-crossed by canals, bring back to life the authentic traditions in the heart of the sea and river port created under Louis XIV. 400 volunteers are at the helm of this event to which they give their beautiful energy. They are the soul of Escale à Sète and succeed in bringing with them more than 300,000 visitors and thousands of participants. Several National Marines are also part of the festival. Culture, solidarity, the environment and education are the DNA of these days, which are governed by a historical charter aimed at preserving their authenticity. It is no coincidence that Escale à Sète has received numerous supports and labels in France and Europe (UNESCO, Elysée…).

Party on land and at sea

This unique event is a celebration of all generations and combines land and sea. The organisers strive to offer a quality programme that is freely accessible to all audiences. To ensure that the festivities are complete, Escale à Sète is structured around different centres all linked to the sea.

Hundreds of exceptional boats…

The most beautiful sailing ships in the world are in the heart of the city of Sète. Some galleons, ships and rigs from distant times even set sail again for the great pleasure of the spectators. This is also a great opportunity to admire the triangular-shaped Latin sails typical of the Mediterranean and the typical jousting boats.

Music and sea chanteys

The streets are taken over by music groups, shows and theatre recounting the exceptional lives of sailors who have travelled the world. The colourful parades criss-cross the Thau Archipelago and send the crowd into a frenzy as they pass. The festive atmosphere is guaranteed and an excellent way to forget all the worries of everyday life.

Thematic stops

The work of carpenters, riggers, captains, sailors… the men and women who make sailing ships is perfectly highlighted. Visit the fun educational villages organised around the transmission of values and the preservation of the marine heritage. Great times and great encounters with the “people of the sea” are in prospect.

Gourmet events

It is impossible to celebrate without discovering the local culinary specialities. Of course, fish products have a large place on the plates offered by the exhibitors, in the halls or by the restaurant owners.

Each event, show, animation, stand… pays tribute to centuries of marine evolution.

And for the practical side…

The city is already waiting for you for the 8th edition of Escale à Sète, scheduled from 26 March to 1 April 2024. Escale à Sète is also an application to make sure you don’t miss anything about this unmissable event and networks to follow all the news. Why not discover the area and Occitania before the holidays? For accommodation, book at Camping Cayola, just a stone’s throw from the beach at Vias and only 35 kilometres from the centre of Sète. And it’s a good bet that you’ll come back again…