Between fine sandy beaches caressed by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and intimate coves, the Mediterranean coast is clearly one of the jewels of the Occitanie region. Stretching over 200 kilometers in 4 départements (Pyrénées-Orientales, Aude, Hérault, Gard), Occitanie’s coastline boasts 108 beaches and 20 marinas with the Pavillon Bleu label. This label controls a hundred or so criteria, notably in terms of waste and water management, beach cleanliness and accessibility for people with reduced mobility. The aim? To guarantee that bathing water is accessible, clean and supervised.
In 2023, Occitanie will lead the national Pavillon Bleu rankings in terms of the number of sites awarded the label (a quarter of the national total), far ahead of its nearest rivals, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Nouvelle-Aquitaine regions. A source of pride for all local players, and an undeniable attraction of the South of France for holidaymakers in search of idleness and relaxation by the sea.
The Languedoc coastline is seductive for its fine sandy beaches, and its gentle slope into the water. A real comfort for swimming and family vacations. Further south, closer to Spain, on the Vermeille coast, sandy or pebbled coves are a holidaymaker’s delight. Sometimes more difficult to access, they offer a wilder, more intimate landscape. This part of the coast is also very popular for scuba diving, with depths of over 60 metres just 2 kilometers from the shore.
In fact, seaside resorts such as Cap d’Agde, La Grande-Motte and Collioure are among the most popular and well-known in France and internationally. The coast lives to the rhythm of tourism, and has adapted to it by developing a varied offer of accommodation: hotels, vacation apartments, campsites… But also water sports and cultural activities to ensure that everyone has an unforgettable stay.
In this article, the team at the 5-star La Clape Village campsite, located in the heart of the seaside resort of Cap d’Agde, invite you to discover their selection of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Occitania. It goes without saying that this ranking is that of the Cottage Parks teams, that it may vary from one person to another and that many other beaches are also worth a visit. We hope this selection will help you plan your vacation itinerary in the Hérault.
Farinette beach in Vias-Plage
The large, sandy beach at Vias, in the Hérault region of France, is perfect for enjoying the pleasures of the beach with the whole family, whatever the season. The beach is wide and easily accessible, with gradual entry into the water for the pleasure and safety of all family members. The beach is perfectly laid out and close to all Vias-Plage amenities: restaurants, bars, stores…
Grande Conque beach at Cap d’Agde
Have you ever seen a black sand beach? If not, head for Cap d’Agde without delay! With its black sand and rocks, the Grande Conque beach at Cap d’Agde is nicknamed the Black Pearl of the Mediterranean. Its immense basalt cliffs, inherited from the seaside resort’s volcanic past, offer a magnificent contrast with the shades of blue of the Mediterranean Sea. A spectacular site not to be missed, just a few minutes’ walk from the eco-chic La Clape Village campsite. In addition to this breathtaking natural geological spectacle, the arched rocks also protect beach-goers from the wind. A very positive point when the wind (mistral or tramontane) blows on the coast, making the fine sandy beaches much less pleasant. We won’t bore you with the sand flying everywhere and crunching under your teeth! Practicalities: this beach, a unique and atypical cove, is easily accessible via a small staircase carved into the cliff. For swimming, the more sensitive and cautious may wish to bring suitable footwear, as the water is also close to basalt.
Espiguette beach at Grau-du-Roi
The Espiguette beach at Grau-du-Roi, at the gateway to the Camargue, is 10 kilometers of natural, untouched sand. The Espiguette beach is a true natural and ecological jewel: one of the most beautiful dune systems on the northern Mediterranean coast, it is home to a rich flora and fauna. A program to protect the site against the devastating effects of rising sea levels on the dunes has been underway for several years.
Tip: Horseback rides lasting around two hours are available on the Espiguette beach. A wonderful way to enjoy the magic of the place. An unforgettable experience for a romantic or family holiday in the South of France.
Orpellières beach in Sérignan
The large, sandy beach of Les Orpellières in Sérignan, in the Hérault department, is unique in that it lies at the heart of a vast protected natural site, classified Natura 2000. The Orpellières natural site extends over 150 hectares, and comprises the 2.5-kilometer-long beach, a particularly well-preserved dune belt with dunes up to 8 meters high, and a vast area of salt meadow. The Orpellières beach offers a wild and unspoilt setting. During the summer season, the Béziers Méditerranée Tourist Office organizes regular visits to learn more about the local ecosystem and environmental issues. Don’t hesitate to drop in at the Maison des Orpellières for all the tourist and educational information you need. Practicalities: When you visit this remarkable natural area, please make sure you respect the rules in place: don’t walk outside the designated areas, don’t pick any plants, don’t disturb the flora and fauna, don’t litter… The ecosystem is still very fragile, and protecting it is everyone’s responsibility.
La Franqui beach in Leucate
Just north of Leucate, at the foot of the cliffs, under the hundred-year-old pines, the 3.5 kilometer La Franqui beach is yours to explore between cliff, sea and pond. An incredible natural environment for a great family day out. Here again, the slope into the water is gentle, guaranteeing children’s safety. The beach is also a haven for birds: pink flamingos, cormorants, egrets…
Practical tip: don’t forget to take the stone steps up from the beach to the top of the cliff. Breathtaking views await you.
Corniche beach in Sète
Plage de la Corniche, accessible from the promenade of the same name, is a sandy beach consisting of two coves, each around 200 meters long. During the summer season, the beach is home to restaurants, a children’s playground and an area reserved for water sports: windsurfing, kitesurfing, etc. When you’re in Sète, in the Hérault region between Béziers and Montpellier, take a pleasant stroll along the Promenade de la Corniche, which overlooks the Mediterranean from a height of around ten meters, offering a breathtaking view of the sea in a natural setting combining rocky coastline and coves.
Plage des mouettes in Valras
Valras-Plage is another well-known seaside resort on the Languedoc coast. Close to Béziers, it remains quite lively, even out of season. Small boutiques, restaurants and bars offer a pleasant and relaxing experience. Plage des Mouettes is another large, sandy beach, perfectly equipped for holidaymakers: showers, toilets, surveillance, parking…
For a pleasant stroll with family or friends during your stay in Occitanie, don’t miss the “de l’Orb à l’Aude” path along the beach.
Plage des chalets in Gruissan-Plage
In Gruissan, 15 minutes from Narbonne in the Aude department, the Plage des Chalets offers 1.8 kilometers of fine sand. As its name suggests, this beach is distinguished by its 1,330 stilt houses built right on the beach. They exude a special atmosphere: you immediately feel like you’re on vacation. A magical effect worth trying out! This emblematic beach was made famous by the film “37°2 le matin”. It’s still just as popular today, thanks to its size, its fine sand, its breathtaking view of the Massif de la Clape, its restaurants and its many activities. On the practical side, children can walk for dozens of metres. So you can spend your seaside vacations with your family with peace of mind.
Plage du petit et du grand travers at La Grande-Motte
La Grande-Motte, a renowned seaside resort in the Hérault region, is famous for its unique, sometimes bewildering architecture, designed by Jean Balladur, as well as for its very long, wide sandy beaches stretching over more than 7 kilometers. The “grand travers” and “petit travers” beaches are the best-known and most popular with holidaymakers. La Grande-Motte is a family-friendly sun destination par excellence!
Just twenty kilometers from Montpellier, the dynamic capital of the Hérault region, La Grande-Motte is a lively year-round resort, unlike other seaside resorts that are more deserted in winter. A wide range of facilities and services are available to meet the needs and expectations of all holidaymakers.
Saint-Cyprien Plage
Further south, closer to Spain this time, in the Pyrénées-Orientales, Saint-Cyrprien plage offers holidaymakers in search of sea and sun 6 kilometers of fine sandy beach. Largely equipped for people with reduced mobility and offering a wide range of water sports such as kitsurfing, stand-up paddle and volleyball, Saint-Cyprien’s beaches offer plenty of options for families and friends in search of seaside fun.
So, which beaches will you be visiting on your next trip to the Mediterranean coast?
