Théâtre de la Mer

The Théâtre de la Mer in Sète is an open-air theatre built into the rock on the seafront, and it is one of the most beautiful performance venues on the Mediterranean coast. It lies within the walls of Fort Saint-Pierre, an old coastal fortification that was built to defend the port of Sète, and it faces the open sea from the western edge of the town. The fort dates from the period when the harbour was developed and needed protection from attack by sea, and its stone ramparts and bastions were later adapted to a different use. In the middle of the twentieth century the fort's interior was transformed into a theatre, and the venue opened for performances around 1960.

The theatre is arranged as an amphitheatre. Tiers of stone seating rise in a semicircle above a stage, and the stage is open to the sea, so that the horizon forms the backdrop. At dusk the colours of the sky and the lights of passing boats become part of the performance. The setting, with its thick walls, gives the audience a feeling of shelter against the wind and the surrounding water, and the acoustics are good because of the shape of the space.

Sète has a strong cultural link with the theatre. The director Jean Vilar, who was born in the town and later founded the Festival d'Avignon, is associated with the Théâtre de la Mer, and the theatre has carried his name. The poet Paul Valéry, another son of Sète, wrote of the sea and the cemetery that overlooks it, and the Musée Paul Valéry stands on the hill nearby. In this sense the theatre is part of a landscape that has inspired writers and artists.

The programme runs mainly in the summer months, when concerts, theatre, dance and music festivals take place. The venue is best known for its evening concerts, which cover many styles, from French song and jazz to world music and rock, and for festivals that bring the town to life in July and August. The atmosphere is relaxed, and many people come early and picnic on the grass before a show. Outside the season, the theatre is usually closed, so the best way to see it is to attend an event. Check the schedule and ticket arrangements before you plan a visit, as seating is limited and popular concerts sell out.

The theatre lies in a part of the town with fine sea views, close to the coastal road, and it is reached by a short walk or drive from the centre. The town's fish market, the Marché aux Poissons, and its canals are a good addition to an afternoon, and in the evening you can dine on shellfish by the harbour before the show. The venue suits music lovers, theatre fans and anyone who enjoys an open-air performance with a sea view.