River cruises and license-free boating in Sète

Perched on its promontory, Sète proudly wears its cap as the Venice of Languedoc, with its magnificent canal and fine sandy coastline that combine to create a landscape that is both marine and bucolic. On the Mediterranean side, the desire to let off steam and break the waves is growing. But inland, the atmosphere becomes more peaceful. Let's take a look behind the scenes in Sète.

Sète, a historical heritage

Sète is not just a fishing port and seaside resort. The town also has a more picturesque landscape that can be discovered along the water. River cruises in Sète will allow you to go behind the scenes of this large village where historic buildings and canals stand side by side. As you follow the canals, you can admire the magnificent buildings housing the shops, bars and restaurants that adorn the lower town, where you can treat yourself to a little gourmet break. A stop is also a must to take a closer look at what is hidden in these buildings and streets hauled in by boats. And then you come across some old stones, such as the Mont-Saint-Clair lighthouse, the Saint-Louis decanal church, the consular palace or the Paul-Valérie museum.

Some wonderful surprises also await you in the upper town, on Mont Saint Clair. At the top of the mountain is the Quartier Haut, also known as Little Naples. It owes this nickname to the peach trees that were brought here from the Amalfi coast. You will find the unique atmosphere of southern Italy with its pastel-colored houses and small pedestrian streets. This neighborhood has undoubtedly converted the Sète spirit. And to end this visit to the city in style, nothing beats this panoramic view of Sète, its canals and its port facing the Mediterranean stretching as far as the eye can see.

License-free yacht charter in Sète for a bucolic cruise on the Canal du Midi

A gentle transition between seascape and bucolic setting can be felt at the Etang de Thau, the point where the Canal du Midi and the Mediterranean meet. Your bucolic adventure along the Canal du Midi begins at the port of the small town of Marseillan, hauled in at the side of the boat.

As you pass through the locks, you will discover a magnificent landscape, calm and serene, home to unexpected flora and fauna and some of the gems of the Languedoc-Roussillon region. This excursion is all about rest and relaxation, even if passing through the locks is quite a physical challenge. On the program: a walk, a visit to picturesque villages and tastings of local specialties.

From Marseillan, you will reach the town of Agde, known as the black pearl of the Mediterranean because of its buildings constructed in basalt stone. This city of Marseille has a whole heritage for you to discover, including the Saint-Étienne cathedral, recognized as a historical monument in 1840, and the neoclassical Château de Laurens, surrounded by the Canal du Midi and the Hérault. As you travel along the water, also pay attention to the round lock, built in basalt, and the Saint-Joseph deck spanning the canal.

Practical information for a license-free yacht charter in Sète

How do you choose a river boat for sailing in Sète?

We offer a wide range of license-free yachts for charter from Sète. Some ranges are more comfortable, such as Horizon or Pénichettes, but are more expensive. The smallest river boats have 2 cabins, so you can easily go on a cruise for two! However, it is not possible to sail alone because maneuvering when hauling in at the locks requires two people on board.

Another advantage of the yacht charter in Sète is that you don't need a license. A 30-minute training session at the departure base will enable you to quickly take control of the boat without a license. With an average speed of 8 km/h and simple maneuvers, driving a river boat without a license does not present any particular difficulties.

This is also one of the advantages of river cruises, as Robert discovered when he went on a trip with his family on the Canal du Midi with Filovent: "It's great, because when you arrive at the base, they show you how to operate the boat without a license in 20 minutes and you can set off straight away. It gives you a very pleasant feeling of freedom".

What are the prices for a license-free yacht charter in Sète?

The table below gives you an idea of the average prices for a river cruise in Sète, for a period of one week. Note that these prices are a dead reckoning and may vary depending on several factors (season, model and size of the license-free boat).

For more information on prices and license-free yacht charter, don't hesitate to contact our team of advisors!