A brief history of..

La promenade JB Marty located in front of the old port

The construction of the port started in 1666 with the erection of the möle St Louis. This 650 meters pier protects the old port and offers a shelter to the boats since 17th century.

The quay "de la consigne" located between the môle and the auction market was nicknamed quay of the ox bottoms because fishing boats, which used to be sailing boats, always tractor drew their nets by pair.

The quay General Durand :

The fishing port is in the town centre. The float of fishing boats is composed of trawlers, tuna boats, and "petits métiers". They practise artisanal fishing in the sea and the Thau Lagoon.

Along the General Durand Quay, commonly named quay of "la Marine", The restaurants are located side by side. They put at the honour Sète gastronomy, fish of the Mediterranean Sea and shellfish of the Thau Lagoon.

Le quai Lemaresquier ? Le Canal Royal:
The canal du Midi which crosses the Thau Lagoon, emerges in the Mediterranean Sea and links it to the Atlantic Ocean.

"Le cadre Royal" , located between the bridges "Savonnerie" and "Civette" plays the role of a public square, where on summertime the well-known jousting tournaments take place since July 1666

Le quai de Lattre de Tassigny :
In the 19th century, the port increases its activity thanks to the trade of wine, wood, sulphur, cereals, and iron as well. Sète became the first port of cooperage in the world.

Simultaneously, the population tripled between 1820 and 1870 and the urbanization extended towards the Thau lagoon.
The district behind the consular palace is a testimony of this prosperous time.
The tourist office proposes audio guided tour to discover these places.