Cimetière marin, Cemetery and tourist attraction in Sète, France
The Cimetière marin is a cemetery and tourist attraction in Sète, France, set on a hillside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the Étang de Thau. Its narrow paths wind past old headstones, small family chapels, and tombs built across several centuries.
The cemetery was created around 1680 during the construction of the port of Sète, originally serving as a burial ground for workers who died on the Saint-Louis jetty project. In 1945, it was renamed Cimetière marin, after the famous poem by Paul Valéry.
The cemetery is nicknamed the 'cemetery of the rich,' as it was long favored by the more prosperous families of the town. Just across the Étang de Thau, the so-called 'cemetery of the poor' holds the grave of singer Georges Brassens.
The site is freely accessible and open throughout the year with no entrance fee. Some paths are narrow and can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is a good idea before exploring.
Paul Valéry, the poet whose work gave the cemetery its current name, is himself buried here in the Giulo Grassi family tomb. Other notable figures resting on the grounds include theater director Jean Vilar and filmmaker Henri Colpi.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
