Occitanie, South of France (le Midi), France

Lattes Beaches

Overview

While the town of Lattes is not directly on the coast, it serves as an ideal and tranquil base for exploring the beautiful Mediterranean shoreline of Southern France. Situated a few kilometers inland between a river and a lagoon, Lattes offers excellent and scenic connections to the sea. Visitors can easily take a short tram ride or enjoy a pleasant cycle along dedicated paths by the Lez river to reach the nearest sandy shores in just minutes.

The beaches near Lattes offer something for every type of traveler. For the classic seaside resort experience, Plage de l’Hôtel de Ville in Palavas-les-Flots is the most convenient spot. If you're seeking a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of beach clubs and activities, the popular Plage du Grand Travers is the place to be. For a more natural and undeveloped coastline, Plage du Pilou provides a wilder escape. Further afield, the iconic Plage de l'Espiguette is well worth the trip, rewarding visitors with a vast, protected landscape of stunning white sand dunes.

Lattes is a fantastic choice for a family-friendly holiday, combining a relaxed atmosphere with simple access to a variety of beaches. Beyond the main resorts, you can find quieter spots like the wild and preserved Plage de Maguelone, perfect for escaping the crowds. With so many options ranging from lively hubs to tranquil nature reserves, the area provides a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery. For more inspiration, be sure to explore our longer list of the best beaches the region has to offer.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Does Lattes have its own beach?

No, the town of Lattes is not directly on the coast. It is a coastal town located a few kilometers inland, situated between the Lez river and the Méjean lagoon. However, it is very close to several popular Mediterranean beaches, which are easily accessible.

How do you get to the beach from Lattes?

The nearest beaches are easily accessible from Lattes. You can take the Tramway line 3, which connects Lattes centre to Pérols, from where you can reach Carnon beach. Another popular and scenic option is to use the dedicated cycle paths that run alongside the Lez river, leading you directly to the beaches of Palavas-les-Flots in about 15-20 minutes.

Carnon Plage

Palavas-les-Flots

What are the closest beaches to Lattes?

The two main beaches closest to Lattes are Palavas-les-Flots and Carnon Plage. Both offer long stretches of fine sand, classic seaside resort amenities, and are popular with families. A little further away, you can also easily reach the wilder, more natural beaches like Le Petit Travers and Le Grand Travers, or the vast Plage de l'Espiguette.

Palavas-les-Flots

Carnon Plage

Plage le Petit Travers

Plage du Grand Travers

Is Lattes a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Lattes is considered an excellent base for a family beach holiday. The area has numerous family-oriented campsites and holiday parks with pools and activities. The nearby beaches like Palavas and Carnon are well-suited for children with their calm waters and supervised swimming zones in summer. The combination of nearby nature reserves, easy beach access, and family-friendly accommodation makes it a popular choice.

Are there accommodations in Lattes with beach access?

While Lattes itself is not on the beach, you will find many holiday rentals and campsites in Lattes that advertise their proximity and easy access to the beaches. These accommodations are often located along the cycle paths or near tram stops, making the trip to the sand very convenient. For direct, walk-out-the-door beach access, you would need to look for accommodation in Palavas-les-Flots or Carnon.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Palavas-les-Flots

Carnon Plage

What's the best time of year for a beach trip in Lattes?

The best time for a beach holiday is from late June to late August, when the weather is hottest and the sea is warmest. However, this is also the peak tourist season, meaning more crowds and higher prices. For a quieter experience with pleasant weather still suitable for swimming, consider the shoulder seasons of June and September.

Can you swim in the sea near Lattes and what is the water like?

Yes, you can swim in the Mediterranean Sea at the nearby beaches. The water is generally calm and clear, especially during the summer months, making it ideal for swimming and paddling. The beaches are sandy and gently slope into the sea, which is great for families.

Are the beaches near Lattes free to access?

Yes, the public beaches such as those at Palavas-les-Flots and Carnon are free to access. While access to the sand and sea is public, you will find private beach clubs ('plages privées') where you can pay to rent sun loungers, umbrellas, and receive waiter service.

Palavas-les-Flots

Carnon Plage

People Also Ask

Is it better to stay in Lattes or directly in Palavas-les-Flots for a beach holiday?

Choosing between Lattes and Palavas-les-Flots depends on your preference. Stay in Palavas-les-Flots if you want to be directly on the beach with immediate access to seaside restaurants and nightlife. Stay in Lattes for a potentially quieter atmosphere, often with more spacious accommodation like campsites, while still being just a short bike or tram ride from the sea and close to Montpellier for city excursions.

Are there any quieter, less crowded beaches near Lattes?

Yes, if you're looking to escape the crowds of the main resort beaches, you can head towards Plage de Maguelone. It's a more wild and preserved beach situated on a spit of land between the sea and a lagoon, requiring a bit more effort to reach but rewarding visitors with a more natural and tranquil environment. The beaches of Le Petit Travers and Le Grand Travers, between Carnon and La Grande-Motte, are also known for being less developed.

Plage le Petit Travers

Plage du Grand Travers

What is the beach culture like around Lattes?

The beach culture is very relaxed and family-oriented. You'll see locals and tourists alike enjoying simple beach days, picnicking on the sand, and playing games. In the evenings, the waterfronts at Palavas and Carnon become lively with people strolling, visiting ice cream shops, and dining at the numerous seafood restaurants. There's also a significant 'pétanque' culture, which you might see being played near the beach areas.

Carnon Plage

Palavas-les-Flots

Do I need a car to enjoy a beach holiday in Lattes?

A car is not essential for a beach holiday based in Lattes. The excellent public transport, particularly the tram line 3, and the extensive network of cycle paths make getting to the nearest beaches and the city of Montpellier very straightforward. However, a car can be useful if you wish to explore more remote beaches or other parts of the Languedoc region further afield.