Sete’, France

Walking tour this morning. 

Sete’ (pronounced “set”) is an island of 24,000 people, founded in 1666 by Louis XIV (who also built Versailles). When they discovered it the mountain looked like a whale so they named it Cette (Cetus in Greek = large sea creature) and later changed to the Latin Sete’. There are 12 bridges and canals through the city.

The street art is planned: for a 3-week period each year artists can do their projects as selected by the city government. 

Tuna fishing is big here although very regulated. The Japanese ships were coming in and taking all the tuna so they outlawed their ships. Now the Japanese buy the tuna from the local fishermen so it’s still hard to get fresh tuna here. There is a French government official on every tuna  boat to ensure that once they reach their limit, or exceed the tuna fishing time period, they stop.

There is a big public market similar to other cities:

We saw a lot of art and this fountain that we asked about. The guide said, “we eat a lot of squid here” (no tuna!).

Here are the guys sight-seeing their brains out again….

Sete’ is known for jousting (hence the statue) and rowing and there are schools for both here.

There are lots of shops, coffee shops, restaurants and bakeries here. The translated message on this mural is “we feel well”. And again with the squid.

Lori, Deb and I stayed behind after the tour for a little French chocolat (👍🏻) and shopping.

Open afternoon, then tomorrow a big day: tour in the morning and afternoon.