Théâtre de la Mer in Sète

 

https://icisete.fr/lieu/theatre-de-la-mer-jean-vilar/

 

The theatre de la mer, or sea theater, is a wonderful start or end to your Canal Du Midi bike tour.  Located within easy walking distance of the city center, it is well worth a visit on a warm summer evening.  Listen to live music while admiring the moon shimmering over the warm sea.  Locals come in by boat to listen for free to the shows.

 

The amphitheater is located inside an old fort, the Fort Saint Pierre.  This fort dates from 1746, and was build to defend the city from English attack.  This fort worked in harmony with Fort Richelieu which is located a bit higher up on the mountain and is of similar architecture and age.

 

The fort later served as prison (1848) and hospital (1914).  The hospital specialized in treating soldiers returning from Africa and who had infectious diseases.  To this day, the hospital is still the official owner of the fort.

 

In 1944, the Germans bombarded Sete and greatly damaged the fort.

 

In 1960 the fort was restored and turned into an open air theatre.

 

 

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