It has been a busy time for me one way and another recently , but at last I can resume blogging . Let me tell you about a special event in Sète that we visited with family guests during the week leading up to Easter. Every two years one of Europe's most loved tall ships sailing events takes place, and the crowds descend on Sète to view the spectacle. We decided to visit on Good Friday, which is not a public holiday in France, but even then the port was was exceedingly busy. Strolling along the quayside amongst the crowds, it felt as though we had stepped back in time for we were surrounded by sailors, musicians, and pirates from the past. The atmosphere was joyous.

As well as sailors, pirates and musicians , there were craftsmen showing their art. One man was showing how to caulk a boat to make it watertight , while others threaded fish on a skewer for smoking...an important food to take aboard for a long voyage. Modern day mixed with the old, as a fisherman mended his nets on the side of the quay, and modern trawlers docked nearby.

But of course the main attraction of the festival were the boats themselves. Standing proud at the quayside with their tall masts and complicated rigging, they were a splendid sight. People were invited to come on board, and two boats also offered overnight accommodation. How I would have loved to see them under sail as they entered or left the port. as it was, we did spot sight of a smaller sailing ship as it returned to port , after taking visitors for a spin on the open sea.

Here are some of the fine sailing ships we saw