We met up with Liz and René and the Emma in Sète, located on the Mediterranean coast—once a small fishing village with a very strong Greek and Roman history, now a buzzing destination for all discerning tourists looking for the ‘real’ France (see pictures to left and below). Known now as the ‘little Venice of France’ this fascinating town is criss-crossed with canals and waterways, lined with elegant sandstone buildings with intricate facades and rows and rows of boats of varying colours and sizes. Nearer the Mediterranean Sea there are very modern fishing boats to be seen as the thriving fishing trade still exists here. Fresh fish and seafood of all shapes and sizes abound, and this is one of the many bonuses of a cruise aboard the Emma. Liz, your very capable Irish chef, has been cooking for 40 years, and it shows! If you like seafood then she and René will share with you the unique delights of this corner of France, bringing the freshest of produce straight from the clear blue sea to your plate.

After exploring the Mont Saint Clair and it’s wonderful views (see bottom left) along the Mediterranean coastline, we were treated to a walk through the heart of the smaller fishing community (see below), where techicoloured boats were moored up everywhere and fishing nets lay drying in the sun.

Then, back to the barge for a decadent lunch with gloriously chilled Picpoul le Pinet (local wine), as we set sail across the Etang de Thau (top picture, above right), cruising very close to her famous oyster beds.