The beautiful town and port of Sete ( also known as the “Little Venice of France” ) is situated on the mediterranean coast of the Herault department of Languedoc. Each summer “Knights” raise their lances and prepare for battle, not on a horse, but on a boat! The sport is called water jousting and it’s been around since 1666.
Two boats propelled by 10 oarsmen make their way towards one another to the sound of oboes and drums and the screams and cheers of the spectators.
The knight stands on a wooden platform at the back of the boat, holding a long lance, in the other hand he holds a wooden shield.The battle commences the moment the oboes and drums sound the charge. Each knight aims for the others shield, hoping to push him into the water. Splash!!!
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