Historic Tall Ships Gather for Sète Port Festival in Occitanie

The port of Sète in France's Occitanie region is currently hosting a week-long maritime festival called 'Escale à Sète,' featuring historic sailing vessels from around the world. Among the notable ships on display is a Spanish galleon replica that measures 51 meters in length with three masts and twelve cannons. According to François Savière, a volunteer with 'El Galeón,' this vessel is an accurate reproduction of a 17th-century merchant ship that later evolved for military use. The event has drawn spectators who express admiration for seeing these historic vessels in operation, with one local resident noting it's the first time such ships have called at Sète. Festival activities include traditional music and dance performances under sunny skies, creating a festive atmosphere where visitors imagine themselves as pirates or future captains. The gathering showcases maritime heritage through these operational historic ships, offering public access and educational insights into naval history.