Sète can be busy during peak seasons, such as summer and during the numerous festivals throughout the year. If you’re looking for an Airbnb in Sète, a bit of early planning can help you secure the best accommodation. Here’s a guide to choosing the best Sète holiday rental for your needs.

Choose where you want to stay in Sète

Before you reserve your holiday home, take a look at the different districts in Sète to find one that suits you, whether it’s a lively area with nightlife and restaurants in the town centre or a quieter residential zone for rest and relaxation.

Rentals in the heart of the town

The town centre is the heart of Sète, with its narrow streets, canals, shops, restaurants and historical buildings. It’s lively and convenient, especially if you want to be close to amenities. If you are looking for a historical area in the town centre, the famous “Quartier Haut” is in the old town of Sète, perched on the hill with narrow, winding streets. Its bohemian atmosphere is popular with artists, and it offers stunning views over the town. Another popular area is La Pointe Courte, Sète’s authentic fishing district, famous for its colourful houses and artistic vibe, often featured in films and photography.

View of the Quartier Haut, la Marina and Sète’s harbour from Mont Saint Clair

Accommodation near the beaches in Sète

If you want a beachfront rental, you might consider booking your accommodation in La Corniche, a little further from the town centre. A good compromise is booking a rental property closer to the west side of the town centre in the Marina or Quartier Haut districts. The first coves, Crique de la Nau and La Vigie, are just 15 to 20 minutes from the Quartier Haut, where you’ll find our holiday home, Le Pouffre. You can also cycle along the path from the town centre or take bus lines 3 and 9 to one of the many beaches.

La Corniche and Lazart beaches in Sète

For more information about the beaches, read this article “Where are the best beaches in Sète?”.

A quieter holiday in a residential district

Some guests may not mind walking 10 minutes to the town centre or taking a bus to the beach to ensure a quieter location or easier parking. If you’re travelling by train from Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, etc., you might not want to walk 20 minutes into town with your luggage, so look for accommodation close to the train station. Conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the train station and the same distance again to the town centre, you’ll find our holiday apartment, Le Piade.

View of Mont Saint Clair from Le Piade, our holiday apartment

If you plan to attend local events or festivals, book a place nearby to avoid transportation hassles. Le Pouffre is just a 10-minute walk from the famous Théâtre de la Mer and, of course, 5 minutes from the town centre. 

Choose your type of holiday

You may want an entire place to yourself or just a private room in a shared space. If privacy is important, or you’re travelling with family, friends, or a couple, opt for an entire home or apartment. Ideally, you want 2+ bedrooms if you’re traveling with family or simply want to spread out a little. And no fold-down sofa beds, please!

Sète offers unique accommodations, such as houseboats or homes overlooking the sea or canals, and Le Pouffre is no exception! The house is a 19th-century fisherman’s house built on the oldest street in Sète. All the houses in the district are listed buildings, designated as being of special architectural, historical, or cultural significance, and are therefore protected from alterations that could compromise their unique character.

The Quartier Haut, the oldest district in Sète, overlooking Sète’s harbour, with its artists’ studios and street art

Ensure you have the amenities you need

It’s important to check if your Airbnb in Sète has the basics like an equipped kitchen, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, etc. A balcony, a garden, a view of Mont Saint Clair, or a glimpse of the port of Sète may be a plus, but extras will depend on your budget and needs. If you’re staying longer, laundry facilities might be important. Also, if you’re travelling with a pet, ensure the property allows animals. Make sure you get all the parking information from your host.

Consult reviews and ratings for insight

It’s helpful to read what other guests have to say about any accommodation you might be considering renting. Check out reviews on Booking.com, Airbnb, Google reviews, etc., and aim for properties with consistently high ratings as they give insights into the cleanliness, accuracy of the listing, and responsiveness of the host. Focus on recent reviews to ensure the property is still well-maintained and the host is responsive. If possible, you could book directly with the host and save a bit of money. Just be aware that different guests have varying standards and expectations. Reviews that are brief and lack context make it hard to understand the specifics of what the guest liked or disliked. Reviews can be a valuable resource, but it’s essential to approach them critically.

Prioritize host interaction for peace of mind

To ensure that you have the best experience, your host should be communicative and have positive feedback regarding their responsiveness. A responsive and helpful host can significantly enhance your stay, making a slightly higher price worth it and reassuring guests if anything goes wrong during the holiday. In the era of key boxes, it’s a pleasure to meet your host, who can give you their recommendations for visiting Sète, and restaurants  and activities in Sète, which can help to make your holiday easier. Make sure to ask your host about any potential hidden costs, such as additional fees for extra guests, late check-out, or use of certain amenities. On Airbnb, check for Superhosts, who are selected for their reliability, quality assurance and positive reviews.

Decide on your budget and book accordingly

A good strategy is to book well in advance to secure lower rates, especially for popular destinations or peak travel times. Sète is a highly popular destination. Find properties within your range based on your budget, amenities, location, and type of property (entire home, private room, etc.). On the contrary, if you’re flexible, you might find significant discounts on last-minute bookings, as hosts often lower prices to fill gaps in their calendar. Some properties offer discounts for longer stays. Check if this applies if you’re staying for a week or more. If your travel dates are flexible, you can find cheaper options during less popular times. Look for reviews that specifically mention value for money, which can provide insights into whether the price is justified.

By taking these factors into account, you’ll be better equipped to choose the perfect Airbnb for your stay in Sète.