To make the most of your stay in the Hérault, consider discovering the port town of Sète. Every year, its maritime heritage is celebrated as part of the Escale à Sète event. So make sure you book at the 3-star La Créole campsite. To attend the Escale à Sète events, allow 26 minutes' drive from your campsite at Marseillan Plage.
Celebrating Sète's maritime heritage
Sète dates back to the reign of the Sun King. Sète has a distinctive cultural and human mix, which has helped to forge its unique identity. This Mediterranean city is rich in history, which is still alive in the oral tradition and the Sète art of living.
The very first edition of the Escale à Sète festivities dates back to 2010. It usually takes place during Holy Week. This year, the festivities will take place from 26 March to 01 April 2024. They are open to all ages. Young and old alike can enjoy a wide range of activities.
In the heart of the city's port, traditions come alive again. More than just a celebration of maritime heritage, Escale à Sète is a sublime tribute to the values of solidarity, Conservation, sharing and environmental protection. It has received several international distinctions, including the patronage of the Presidency of the Republic of France and that of the French National Commission for UNESCO. The event has also been awarded the European Year of Cultural Heritage label.
A successful partnership
Behind the event is the gens de mer association, which has 400 members. Volunteers and enthusiasts are committed to preserving the adventurous spirit of Escale à Sète. To ensure the longevity of this maritime event, public bodies as well as private sponsors and the media make an active contribution. Participants from several European countries make the trip. Indeed, you'll note that some of the national navies are present.
The importance of the safeguard charter
In order to continue to offer visitors an exceptional programme, the event follows a very strict quality charter, which stipulates that "the preservation of maritime heritage depends to a large extent on the will of those involved and the rigour they bring to maintaining the spirit of the maritime world".
With this in mind, a carefully selected committee is responsible for finalising the list of participants. They will be selected according to qualitative criteria, with the aim of preserving the authenticity of this heritage celebration.