Occitanie, South of France (le Midi), France

Sète Beaches

Overview

Sète offers a wonderfully authentic beach holiday on France's Mediterranean coast, distinct from more commercial resort towns. It is a lively port town where visitors can discover two unique coastal experiences. Along the Corniche, you'll find a series of charming rocky coves with turquoise waters. Stretching southwest is the Lido, a 12-kilometer strip of fine, golden sand that separates the sea from the Thau lagoon, ensuring plenty of space for everyone.

Among the local highlights are several distinct beaches catering to every preference. The easily accessible Plage du Lazaret is perfect for a convenient town-side beach day, while Plage de la Corniche is famous for its scenic and sheltered coves. For a glimpse into local life, Plage des Quilles is a protected spot favored by residents. If you're seeking a more vibrant scene, Plage de la Fontaine serves as the area's hub for lively beach clubs and restaurants. Further along the coast, the expansive Plage de la Baleine provides a more natural and tranquil setting.

These selections are just a starting point for what Sète's shoreline has to offer. The town proudly maintains its coastline, with many of its beaches earning the Blue Flag certification for their high standards of cleanliness and water quality. From bustling family-friendly spots to wild, quiet stretches perfect for escaping the crowds, there is a beach for every type of traveler. To find your perfect spot, explore our complete guide to all the beaches in Sète.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Sète a good destination for a beach holiday?

Yes, Sète is an excellent destination for a beach holiday, offering a more authentic and less commercially developed experience than some of its neighbors. The town boasts 12 kilometers of Blue Flag certified sandy beaches, ensuring clean and well-managed swimming areas. Beyond the beaches, Sète is a vibrant, working port town with picturesque canals, a lively cultural scene, and renowned seafood, offering a rich holiday experience that combines relaxation with authentic French Mediterranean life.

What's the best time of year to visit Sète for the beaches?

The best time for a beach holiday in Sète is from June to September when the sea is warm enough for comfortable swimming. July and August are the hottest and most vibrant months, but also the most crowded. For a more relaxed experience with pleasant weather and fewer tourists, consider visiting in June or September. Spring (March to May) is also a lovely time to visit the town itself, with milder temperatures, though the sea will still be quite cool.

How do I get to the beaches from Sète town center?

Getting to the beaches from the town center is straightforward. The closest coves, like Crique de la Nau and Crique de la Vigie, are about a 20-minute walk from the Théâtre de la Mer. For the longer sandy beaches stretching towards Marseillan, you can take bus lines 3 or 9. A dedicated cycle path also runs for 12 kilometers along the coast, making for a scenic and easy bike ride to any of the beaches.

Are the beaches in Sète family-friendly?

Yes, many of Sète's beaches are very family-friendly. Plage de la Fontaine and Plage du Lazaret are particularly popular with families due to their calm, supervised swimming areas and playgrounds. The long sandy beaches of the Lido generally have a gentle slope into the water, making them safe for children. Many of these beaches also have lifeguard stations during the summer season.

Plage de la Fontaine

Plage du Lazaret

Are there hotels with direct beach access in Sète?

While Sète's town center is focused around its canals, there are several hotels and holiday residences located along the Corniche and the Lido that offer very close, if not direct, access to the beaches. Accommodations in the La Corniche neighborhood are a short walk from both the coves and sandy beaches, while some residences on the Lido are situated just across the road from the long stretches of sand. Many of these offer sea views and easy access to the beachfront.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

What are the different types of beaches in Sète?

Sète offers two main types of beaches. Close to the town center, along the Corniche, you'll find charming rocky coves ('criques') like Crique de la Nau and Crique de la Vigie, which offer deeper, turquoise water. Stretching southwest from the town is a 12-kilometer strip of land called the Lido, which features a succession of long, wide, sandy beaches like Plage de la Baleine and Plage des Trois Digues, separating the Mediterranean from the Étang de Thau lagoon.

Plage Baleine

How does Sète compare to Marseillan Plage or Palavas-les-Flots?

Sète offers a more authentic, less purpose-built resort experience compared to Marseillan Plage and Palavas-les-Flots. While all have beautiful sandy beaches, Sète is a genuine working fishing port with a rich cultural life, historic architecture, and a celebrated culinary scene. Marseillan Plage and Palavas are more singularly focused on tourism with a higher concentration of campsites and holiday residences directly on the beach. Sète's beaches are also noted for being less commercially developed.

Marseillan Plage

Palavas-les-Flots

Are there private beaches with sunbeds and restaurants in Sète?

Yes, several of Sète's beaches, particularly along the Lido, have private beach clubs ('paillotes') where you can rent sunbeds and parasols for the day. These establishments also feature restaurants and bars, often serving fresh seafood and local specialties right on the sand. It's a popular option for those looking for extra comfort and service during their beach day, and it's recommended to book in advance, especially during the high season.

People Also Ask

Is it easy to park near the beaches in Sète?

There are large car parks along the main road of the Lido beaches, but they are fee-paying from May to September. For non-residents, weekly passes are available. To avoid parking fees and the difficulty of finding a spot during peak season, it is highly recommended to use the bus or to cycle to the beach. For the coves closer to town, parking is available in the streets of the Corniche neighborhood, but can be challenging to find in summer.

Which beaches are best for avoiding the crowds?

For a quieter beach experience, head further down the Lido towards Marseillan. Beaches like Plage des Trois Digues and Plage du Jalabert tend to be less frequented than those closer to the town center. Plage du Jalabert, in particular, is considered one of the wildest and is only accessible by foot or bike, offering a more natural and secluded atmosphere. These beaches have fewer amenities, so it's best to come prepared.

Can you swim in the Étang de Thau?

While the Étang de Thau is a beautiful saltwater lagoon famous for its oyster and mussel beds, swimming is generally done in the Mediterranean Sea. The lagoon's shores are more geared towards shellfish farming and do not have the sandy beaches found on the sea side. For the best swimming experience, it is recommended to stick to the 12 kilometers of beaches on the Mediterranean coast.

Are Sète's beaches affected by the wind?

Yes, the Languedoc coast, including Sète, can be windy, which is why it's a popular destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Some beaches, like Plage des Quilles and Plage de la Corniche, are protected by breakwaters, making them good options on windy days. The long, exposed beaches of the Lido are where you'll find the most wind, with specific zones often dedicated to wind sports.

Plage des Quilles

Plage de la Corniche

Are there any naturist beaches in Sète?

Yes, there is a section of beach where naturism is practiced. The beach of Jalabert, located towards the Marseillan end of the Lido, is known as a 'mixed' beach where both naturists and clothed beachgoers are welcome. This beach has a wilder, more natural feel and is further from the main tourist areas.

Can I bring my dog to the beach in Sète?

Generally, dogs are not allowed on most of Sète's beaches during the main tourist season (from June 1st to September 30th). However, there is a designated year-round dog-friendly beach at Plage de Vassal, at accesses 73 and 74. It's always best to check the latest local regulations upon arrival.

What is the water temperature like for swimming?

The sea temperature in Sète is ideal for swimming during the summer months. In June, the average water temperature is around 20°C (68°F), rising to an average of 21-22°C (70-72°F) in July and August. By September, the water is still pleasantly warm. Outside of these months, the Mediterranean will feel quite chilly, and a wetsuit would be needed for comfortable swimming.