Sète, the vibrant port city in France's Hérault department, known as the "Venice of Languedoc" for its canals and maritime heritage:

Ancient and Medieval Roots

Pre-Roman and Roman Era: The area around Sète was referenced in ancient texts like Ptolemy’s Geography (2nd century AD) as Σήτιον ὄρος (Setion Mons) and in Avienius’ Ora Maritima as Setius Mons.

Cathar Influence:

During the 11th century, the Languedoc region, including Sète’s surroundings, became a center of Catharism, though the town itself was not yet established

Every summer, Sète hosts water jousting (joutes nautiques), a tradition dating back to the town’s founding in 1666. Teams dressed in all-white naval uniforms row toward each other on wooden boats, while jousters stand on elevated platforms armed with lances. The goal? Knock your opponent into the canal—preferably with dramatic flair.

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