Plage Centrale, Sainte-Marie-la-Mer is a family-oriented beach located centrally in the town of Sainte-Marie-la-Mer, within the Pyrénées-Orientales department of the Languedoc-Roussillon region in France. The beach is situated right in front of the town's tourist office and is easily accessible thanks to well-placed road signage at the entrance of the site.
The beach is known for its picturesque environment, featuring a fine sandy terrain and a significant number of palm trees, making it a unique seaside resort. Compared to other resorts, Plage Centrale is well-preserved with minimal construction, offering a serene and relaxing atmosphere. Despite this tranquillity, the beach becomes livelier during the summer tourist season.
For the convenience of beach-goers, Plage Centrale provides a variety of amenities. There are accessible toilets and showers, and beverage sales are available nearby. For the safety of visitors, a lifeguard station is open during the summer season. The beach is also part of the Handiplage association, which ensures the beach's accessibility features, such as entrances and ramps, are maintained to high standards.
For those visiting with children, the beach features playgrounds and inflatable structures in the sea for kids to play on. There is also a pedestrian promenade bordered by a health trail on the southern part of the beach, perfect for leisurely strolls.
Parking is made easy with two free parking lots located on either side of the health trail. One of these is in the "city center", providing a convenient access point to the beach. Additionally, there are parking spaces specifically available for people with disabilities.
One unique natural characteristic of Plage Centrale is the presence of pebbles for about 5 meters when entering the water. However, it is important to note that dogs are not permitted on the beach. With its well-preserved area, close proximity to shops and restaurants, and family-friendly atmosphere, Plage Centrale, Sainte-Marie-la-Mer is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
