Tag Archives: Sète

Views: Water Jousting Tradition In Sète, France

Like a medieval duel, but on the water: Contestants use lances to try to knock each other out of their boats. Since 1666, water-jousting events have been held yearly in the port city of Sète, southern France.

After a two-year break on account of the coronavirus pandemic, the traditional fisherman’s jousting event has returned. It’s considered the most important event of its kind – the the sport’s world championships. Each year, thousands of spectators and fans flock to the city to take part in the spectacle. The competition rules haven’t changed since 1666!

Travel Tours: Sète In Occitainie, South France

Sète is a major port city in the southeast French region of Occitanie. It’s bordered by the Étang de Thau, a biodiverse saltwater lagoon. Across a narrow isthmus, Sète’s Mediterranean coast is lined with sandy beaches. The top of Mont St Clair offers views of the city, known as “Venice of the Languedoc” for its canal network. The Musée Paul Valéry has displays on the history of Sète, plus an art collection.