I have a day next April on which I am free to make a train excursion from my Narbonne hotel to either Beziers or Sete. Any opinions as to which is preferable? I realize B. is slightly closer, but my main concern is with architectural and/or scenic beauty. And a nice lunch. According to google, center ville of each city is about a 15 min walk from the train station. Are dining options in S. more appetizing?
Posted by
Paris
7870 posts
I find Béziers to be less interesting than Narbonne, and a bit depressing even. Some people would even call it sketchy - an exaggeration to me.
Sète will be more different and more worthwhile, it's just 40 min on the train from Narbonne. Also, I am sure that you will find better restaurants in Sète; Béziers is a poorer town with less tourism.
This being said: will you have visited Carcassonne (30 min on the train + 15 to the Cité)? Fontfroide Abbey (short bus ride)? Collioure (70 min on the train)?
Posted by
New England
12133 posts
I would go to Sete.
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3718 posts
If the weather's nice (or even if it's not so nice), I'd also choose Sète.
There are quite a few interesting restaurants along the Canal Royal on both banks.
To digest after a meal, I suggest a walk up Mont Saint-Clair (an almost 400-step climb).
Posted by
OP
22 posts
Thanks Balso, Suki, and of course Jolui, who seems to have traveled already to all the places I want to go. Collioure we have done on past trips and Carcassonne. It was strictly a choice between B. and S, of which the latter seems the unanimous choice. I assure you I will not be climbing 400 steps in any direction; rather, if you have a waterfront restaurant recommendation, I'll take it.
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3718 posts
There's no way I'm going to Sète without having "Encornets farcis à la Setoise"" preceded by oysters from the Etang de Thau.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/EHxf33urgA2z7Z896
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1kPsTcisdYXzWrNZ6
It's like going to Collioure without eating anchovies. :)