After the Marathon de Montpellier: Sète

The Route: Montpellier Saint-Roch → Sète → Montpellier Saint-Roch Logistics: Direct TER trains, about 20 minutes, run frequently through the day. Marathon Month: April Duration: Day trip

Montpellier Saint-Roch ──(TER, ≈20 min)──> Sète
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          └────────(TER, ≈20 min)───────────┘

Sète sits on a narrow strip of land between the Mediterranean and the Étang de Thau, with canals running through the centre and a hill, Mont Saint-Clair, rising behind it. It is a working port with a different character from Montpellier, and at twenty minutes by train it is the easiest day out after the marathon.

The Canals

From the station, walk into town along the Canal Royal, the main waterway, lined with fishing boats and café terraces. The quays are flat and good for a slow walk. The town's fish market and restaurants are the reason many people come: try the tielle, a small pie filled with spicy octopus and tomato, which Sète is known for.

The Cimetière Marin and Georges Brassens

The Cimetière Marin, on the hillside above the sea, is where the poet Paul Valéry is buried, and it inspired his best-known poem. The singer Georges Brassens was born in Sète, and the Espace Georges Brassens museum tells his story. Both involve some uphill walking, so choose one if the legs are tired.

Mont Saint-Clair

The views from Mont Saint-Clair over the sea and the lagoon are the best in the area, but the road up is steep. Go by bus or taxi and walk only at the top.

Getting Back

Trains back to Montpellier run frequently until late evening, so there is no need to rush dinner on the quays.