The Théâtre de la Mer (Sea Theater) in Sète has stood at the foot of Mont Saint-Clair for more than three centuries. This venue was originally Fort Saint-Pierre and was part, with the semaphore, of a defensive complex intended to protect the population and the port from both land and maritime attacks. The fort was built on seven platforms arranged in an amphitheater and equipped with cannons. It was designed to work in tandem with Fort Richelieu to crossfire the enemy. Fort Saint-Pierre was converted into a theater in 1959 at the instigation of Jean Deschamps, the actor behind the Festival de la Mer (Sea Festival), and its first concerts were given by Claude François in the 1970s.