Sète is a surf spot located along a long stretch of beach between Sète and Marseillan. It’s about 30 km from Montpellier, making it fairly accessible. The area overall can often be blown out and mushy, especially during certain conditions, but there are spots like the jetties that might hold some sand and offer a bit of protection from the wind. If you're in the mood for exploration, check out the wedge near the Agde jetty or Frontignan for some different options.
The surf here generally works best with a south-east swell, but you can catch waves coming from the east and south as well. The ideal swell size to aim for is around 1 ft (0.3 m), and the waves tend to break over sand. Surfers can find both lefts and rights, but it’s mostly intermediate-level conditions. The best times to paddle out are early mornings when the renverse smooths out the chop from the east wind. Keep in mind that you might only see really good waves about a handful of days a year.
For those looking to catch something a bit more varied, check out the reefs towards La Corniche. La Chapelle has a rock shelf that can surprise with some hollow, multi-sectioned waves. Depending on the tide, you can surf at low, mid, or high tide, with the best days usually happening when there’s north-west wind. Just be ready for a spot that isn’t always firing, so it helps to keep your expectations in check.