joutes nautiques

 Photography: Christopher Anderson


Two hours West of Marseille, the Mediterranean town of Sète is the de facto capital of “Les Joutes Nautiques,” or maritime jousting. It is a sporting tradition that dates back to the 15th century, with competitors from around the French Riviera gathering for the annual summertime tournament. Taking to the seas in man-powered boats, they risk life, limb, and ocular dismemberment for a shot at local celebrity.