Puces Nautiques de Sète

The sea comes to the flea market on the Criée quay

Every September, the fish market car park in Sète transforms into a flea market entirely dedicated to the maritime world. On the Quai Maximin Licciardi, facing the trawlers and tuna boats, exhibitors offer second-hand rigging, sails, ropes, navigation instruments, maritime books, boat models, diving equipment, and marine decoration items. Boat owners come to equip their vessels at a lower cost, while collectors look for that rare find: a brass sextant, an old nautical chart, or a racing pennant.

Sète, the leading fishing port in the Mediterranean

Sète is the leading fishing port in the French Mediterranean. The fish market (Criée), located on Quai Maximin Licciardi, is the beating heart of this activity, where trawlers land their daily catch each morning. The port, created in 1666 by Louis XIV to serve as an outlet for the Canal du Midi, is now a mixed port – fishing, commerce, boating, and cruising. The Puces Nautiques are part of this maritime tradition, offering visitors an immersion into the Sète port world.

Events and conviviality facing the boats

The BICEPS association orchestrates this event with the support of local port stakeholders. Events punctuate the day, including giant puppet shows and knot-tying demonstrations. Entry is free and the event runs from 9 am to 4 pm in a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for families. The proximity of the quay's restaurants allows visitors to extend their stay with a seafood tasting.