Stay in a luxury villa in the pretty French town of Sète on the Mediterranean coast, characterised by rows of little pastel houses and a traditional fishing port. It sits roughly halfway between Montpellier and Cap d’Agde. This old-fashioned jewel is known as the Venice of the Languedoc region, and it just oozes Gallic charm. Ancient canals crisscross the town and outlying area and are still in use today. Sète is a busy working port, full of laden fishing boats that add oodles of charm.

When to Visit Sete

Sète has a warm and dry Mediterranean climate and is a great luxury villa holiday destination to visit at any time of year, but is at its best in the summer months.

What We Love About Sète

We love the unspoilt seaside charm and unusual, bohemian air of Sète. The fact that it is a real working port, not just a tourist attraction, gives it the edge over some other Mediterranean hotspots.

A large saltwater lagoon, full of oyster and mussel beds stretches out behind the town. Sète is built around a hill, the Mont St-Clair, and its sandy beaches form narrow spits on either side, bordering the sea and the lagoon. The local residents scoot around on little boats, using the canals. These waterways are also the venue for the annual boat jousting tournament, which goes on through the summer to its grand finale at the end of August.

There are eight miles of beautiful Mediterranean beaches around Sète, some quiet and some more lively, such as La Fontaine Beach. Visitors come mainly for the sunshine, walking, cycling, and laid-back atmosphere. The town is home to many artists and musicians and has an impressive centre for contemporary arts. There is plenty to see and do on a luxury villa holiday in Sète, from annual music festivals to the daily clamour of the fish auction house.

Getting to Sète

Sète can be accessed from both Bézieres airport, which is approximately 1 hour by car, and Montpellier airport, which is 30 minutes by car.

The Best Places To Eat and Drink in Sète

The locally grown mussels and oysters and the freshly caught fish are one of the main attractions of Sète and a must-try when renting a luxury villa in Sète. A wealth of unpretentious seafood restaurants serve up delicious, fresh fish, straight out of the sea. The Grand Canal in the centre of town is full of such eateries, but it is worth delving into the back streets to find hidden gems too.

For an evening out of your luxury villa there are buzzing canalside bars and restaurants along the Quai de la Resistance, where you’ll find seafood on the menu, and a strong Italian influence. One of the best restaurants in Sète is Le Paris Mediterranée, which has a Parisian bistrot style. It is also worth seeking out Les Demoiselles Dupuy for spectacular shellfish dishes. Don’t forget to order the local aperitif, Noilly Prat, to wash down your gourmet fare.