Sete is a lively port town in southern France, famous for its canals, seafood, and maritime culture. Unlike many tourist spots that feel overly commercialized, Sete offers authentic, hands-on experiences that connect you with local life. We particularly love the Boat walk in Sete on the singular island because it offers a peaceful way to see the city from the water, with just a small group and an hour on the boat. Similarly, the Sea kayak tours reveal hidden caves and secret beaches inaccessible from land—perfect for adventure lovers wanting a unique perspective of Sete’s coastline.
Whether you’re interested in oyster farming, wine tasting, or eco-friendly boat rides, this list covers a wide range of options. Each tour offers something different—more active excursions, cultural insights, or gastronomic delights—making it easy to find something that fits your style and schedule.
Quick Overview
Sete’s tours cover a spectrum of experiences, from boat trips on canals and the sea to kayaking adventures exploring caves and beaches. Food lovers can enjoy oyster farm visits and seafood tastings, while those seeking cultural insight might prefer guided city tours or wine tasting excursions. There are options suitable for families, solo travelers, or couples, with activities ranging from eco-friendly miniboat ecotours to private wine and oyster tours. For a detailed look at each experience, click on the links provided.
1. Boat walk in Sete on the singular island 1 hour
At number 1, this 1-hour boat trip on the canals of Sete is perfect if you want a relaxed, intimate way to see the city. With a 4.8/5 rating from over 200 reviews, it’s clear travelers love the small-group format and the different perspective it offers. The trip takes you through Sete’s canals, revealing parts of the city that are often missed by land-based tours. It’s a leisurely way to soak up the atmosphere without feeling rushed.
The key highlights include discovering Sete differently, cruising through its historic waterways, and enjoying the tranquility of a private boat experience. The price is reasonable at $23 per person, making it an excellent value for those wanting a quick, charming introduction. Perfect for first-timers, this tour is well-suited for couples or small groups wanting a peaceful view of the city from a different angle.
Bottom Line: Simple, affordable, and charming—this boat walk offers a peaceful escape with authentic views of Sete’s canals.
2. Loupian: Tour guide of our oyster farm and tasting
For a taste of local life, the Oyster farm tour in Loupian ranks highly—rated 4.9/5 by 86 reviews—and offers a charming look into oyster farming. This 1.5-hour guided tour takes you to a working oyster farm in the Thau basin, where you’ll see the different stages of oyster cultivation firsthand. The tour concludes with a tasting of fresh oysters, so you can savor the fruits of this traditional craft.
Guides are knowledgeable and eager to share the secrets behind oyster farming, making this experience especially appealing if you want to learn about local seafood traditions. The price is just $11 per person, making it a budget-friendly choice. It’s suitable for those interested in food, sustainable aquaculture, or simply wanting a memorable local experience.
Bottom Line: An affordable, authentic experience for seafood lovers and curious travelers eager to see how oysters are farmed and taste them fresh.
3. Sea kayak tour: Sète, the French pearl of the Mediterranean
At number 3, this 2.5-hour sea kayak tour offers an active way to explore Sete’s stunning coast. Rated 4.8/5, it’s ideal for those who want to paddle along the cliffs of the corniche, explore marine caves, and discover secluded beaches inaccessible from land. The tour is suitable for anyone in good physical shape, and it’s accessible for most fitness levels.
What sets this trip apart is the combination of adventure and scenery. Paddling through marine caves and along rocky formations offers a different perspective on Sete’s natural beauty. The cost is $64 per person, which includes equipment and guidance. It’s a good choice for active travelers, families, or anyone wanting a memorable, invigorating experience away from crowds.
Bottom Line: An adventurous, scenic paddle that’s perfect for active travelers wanting a close-up view of Sete’s coast.
4. 3 Hour of Sea Kayak Trip in the Creeks of Sete
This 3-hour sea kayaking adventure ranks highly with 179 reviews averaging 4.5/5. It takes you into the lesser-known creeks and caves along the coast, ideal for those wanting a longer, more immersive experience. It departs several times during the day, with options for families or first-timers, thanks to their family-friendly setup.
The highlights include exploring secret caves, hidden coves, and taking breaks for swims. Many reviewers mention how the guides are excellent at adapting to your skill level, even if you’re a beginner. The activity costs $58.14 per person and offers excellent value considering the length and variety of sights. It’s best suited for those seeking a relaxed yet adventurous outing.
Bottom Line: Ideal for families or casual paddlers, this tour offers a longer, more varied kayak experience with plenty of scenic spots.
5. Sète by Miniboat Guided Ecotour
Rated 5.0/5 with 42 reviews, the eco-friendly miniboat tour is a standout for its unique approach to exploring Sete. Lasting about 40 minutes, it offers a slow, carbon-free way to see the royal canal and the fishing port. Being your own captain, you get a relaxed, almost meditative experience while observing local fishing boats and fish markets.
This activity is perfect if you want a quiet, respectful, tour that suits eco-conscious travelers. The guided commentary enriches your understanding of the city’s maritime life and history. At $58.15 per person, it’s a slightly more premium option but worth it for the intimate, environmentally friendly experience.
Bottom Line: A peaceful, eco-friendly alternative for those seeking a gentle, personal adventure on the water.
6. 3 Hour Sea Kayak Trip in the Canals of Sete
This intimate 3-hour kayak tour offers a different side of Sete, focusing on its atmospheric canals. Perfectly rated 5.0/5 with 24 reviews, it suits travelers who want to combine sightseeing with physical activity. Equipment is provided, and all skill levels are welcome—it’s especially family-friendly.
During the trip, you’ll explore canals, enjoy a swim at the breakwater, and learn about the city’s maritime history from your guide. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and the beautiful scenery. Priced at $57.82 per person, this tour provides a memorable, active way to experience Sete’s unique waterways.
Bottom Line: A friendly, active tour for families or anyone eager to paddle through Sete’s charming canals.
7. Marseillan: La Maison Noilly Prat Premium Tour
This tour offers an inside look at the famous Noilly Prat vermouth production in Marseillan. With a 4.9/5 rating, it’s a favorite for those interested in local craft spirits. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, during which you’ll visit century-old aging casks, a cooperage, and learn the secrets of vermouth making.
Guests love the exclusive tasting of wines aged in oak tuns and the opportunity to see the hidden parts of the manufacturing process. The moderate cost of $20 per person delivers good value, especially considering the behind-the-scenes access.
Bottom Line: A fascinating, affordable experience for spirit enthusiasts and curious travelers interested in traditional craft techniques.
8. Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Oyster Tour from Sète
Rated 5.0/5, this luxury half-day tour combines wine tasting and oyster sampling in a private setting. For about $265 per person, you will explore a wine estate in the countryside and then visit an oyster farm in the Thau lagoon. This tour offers personalized attention and the chance to savor fresh oysters paired with local wines.
Guests praise the knowledgeable guide and the scenic drive through the wine country. It’s best suited for travelers who want a luxurious, all-inclusive experience with a focus on gourmet tasting. The tour’s comprehensive nature makes it a good value for those wanting insider access.
Bottom Line: A top choice for couples or connoisseurs seeking a private, gourmet day of wine and seafood.
9. Sète: 3-in-1 tour of the city via the canals, the sea, and the lagoon
This all-in-one experience is highly rated at 4.7/5, offering a full-day exploration across three different water environments—canals, sea, and lagoon—aboard a 100% electric boat. It features local commentary from fishermen, making it both entertaining and educational.
The tour is accessible for all, including wheelchair users, and offers a comprehensive view of Sete’s maritime life. Costing $12 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to see many sides of the city without multiple bookings. It’s perfect if you want a full immersion with minimal time investment.
Bottom Line: An inclusive, accessible tour providing an extensive overview of Sete’s waterways in a single day.
10. Stand-up-paddle on Laguna of Thau, rental, Sete
Rated 5.0/5, this stand-up paddleboard rental is a fun, eco-friendly way to explore the Thau lagoon at your own pace. With flexible departure times, you can paddle in the morning or afternoon for about 2 hours.
Paddleboarding is great for all levels, and many visitors enjoy the opportunity to spot native wildlife like herons and flamingos while floating peacefully. It’s a perfect activity for active travelers who want independence and a quiet moment on the water.
Bottom Line: A flexible, relaxing way to enjoy the lagoon’s natural beauty at your own rhythm—especially appealing for nature lovers.
11. Montpellier: half-day walking tour in Sète and oysters
This half-day walking tour balances cultural discovery with oyster tasting. Rated 4.8/5, it features a 1-hour walk through Sète’s Pointe Courte district, where you meet oyster farmers and taste freshly caught oysters.
The tour also includes a lakeside farm visit and regional snacks, making it a well-rounded experience for those interested in local life and cuisine. For $123 per person, it offers an engaging, hands-on look at the town’s oyster industry and its history.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want to combine a gentle walk with authentic seafood tastings and insight into local oyster farming.
12. E-bike day rental to discover Sète and its surroundings
Rated 4.5/5, this full-day e-bike rental allows you to craft your own adventure. Whether you want to pedal along the Etang de Thau, visit Béziers, or explore vineyards, the choice is yours. It’s suitable for all fitness levels thanks to the electric assist.
This activity is excellent for independent travelers who enjoy flexibility and want to see the countryside at their own pace. The cost is $53.41 per person, making it an affordable way to extend your exploration beyond Sete’s city limits.
Bottom Line: Perfect for self-guided explorers eager to cover more ground with minimal effort.
13. Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète
Rated 5.0/5, this private wine tour offers an intimate look at the Languedoc wine region. You’ll visit two wineries, including Domaine Saint-Andre and Chateau Saint Martin De La Garrigue, and taste a variety of reds, whites, and rosés.
This tour is highly personalized, with a guide explaining the winemaking process and helping you discover the best pairings. At $266.25 per person, it’s a premium experience, ideal for wine enthusiasts or couples seeking a relaxed, exclusive outing.
Bottom Line: A tailored, in-depth wine experience that appeals to those interested in the region’s vinicultural traditions.
14. Béziers: Wine and Oyster Tasting Tour at Thau lagoon
Rated 5/5, this small-group tour combines wine and oyster tastings in Béziers, with a focus on Picpoul de Pinet wines and fresh oysters. The 4-hour experience takes you to a local winery and oyster farm, with lunch included, overlooking the lagoon.
It offers a relaxed pace and the chance to learn about the local food and drink traditions. At $111 per person, it’s a great value for those wanting a comprehensive taste of the region’s flavors.
Bottom Line: A delicious, well-rounded day for food and wine lovers eager to explore the flavors of Thau Lagoon.
15. Visit to the oyster farm and seafood tastings in Sète France
This 3-hour tour is focused on the breeding techniques of oysters, visiting farms along the way. Rated 5/5 by a few travelers, it’s perfect for seafood enthusiasts wanting an up-close look at oyster cultivation and tasting.
The highlight is the opportunity to visit breeding grounds and learn firsthand about local aquaculture practices. The tour ends with a seafood tasting, making it a memorable, sensory experience. The price is $164 per person, reflecting its personalized and in-depth nature.
Bottom Line: Ideal for seafood aficionados who want to see oyster farming up close and enjoy fresh seafood in a guided setting.
How to Choose the Right Tour
Selecting the best tour in Sete depends on your interests, fitness level, and how much time you want to dedicate. If you’re after a relaxed introduction, the Boat walk in Sete (more info) is perfect. For those craving adventure, the sea kayak trips (more info) or 3-hour kayak in the creeks (more info) offer active fun.
Food lovers should consider the oyster and wine tours (more info), which combine tastings with scenic visits. For those interested in local spirits, the Noilly Prat tour (more info) offers a behind-the-scenes look at vermouth production.
Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the full-day 3-in-1 city tour (more info), which covers multiple water environments at a low cost. For active explorers, e-bike rentals (more info) provide flexibility to customize your day.
Final thoughts
Sete offers a variety of tours that cater to all tastes and interests—whether you’re after a peaceful boat ride, an active kayak adventure, or a culinary journey through wine and oysters. The key is matching your choice with what excites you most: do you want to learn about oyster farming, explore the coast by kayak, or sip local wines? Consider your time, budget, and fitness level to pick the perfect experience.
If you’re eager to make the most of your trip, booking early is recommended—especially for popular tours like the private wine tastings or eco-friendly boat rides. Whatever you choose, each of these experiences promises a memorable way to connect with Sete’s lively seaside charm and authentic local culture.