Occitanie, South of France (le Midi), France

Le Grau-du-Roi Beaches

Overview

Le Grau-du-Roi, nestled in the South of France, offers a delightful Mediterranean beach experience. Visitors often wonder if the waters are inviting for a swim, and indeed, the area is known for its clean, Blue Flag-awarded beaches, perfect for a dip. Families too will find Le Grau-du-Roi a welcoming destination, with several shores catering specifically to younger visitors and those seeking calmer waters.

The coastline presents a diverse range of beach experiences. For those seeking untamed natural beauty and vast expanses of sand dunes, the iconic Plage de l'Espiguette is a must-visit, offering a truly wild escape and even a designated naturist area. Closer to the heart of the town, Plage rive droite provides a classic, easily accessible seaside atmosphere. Families often gravitate towards Plage du Boucanet, renowned for its gentle entry into the sea and fun environment, while Plage Rive Gauche is another popular choice near the town centre, known for its lively coves.

Beyond these highlights, Le Grau-du-Roi's shoreline has even more to discover, from the beaches near Port Camargue like Plage Nord, also popular with families, to other charming spots. Whether you're looking for vibrant activity or quiet relaxation, our guide explores a wider selection of beaches to help you find your perfect seaside spot in this captivating corner of le Midi.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Le Grau-du-Roi good for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Le Grau-du-Roi is considered a family-friendly beach destination. Beaches like Plage du Boucanet and Plage Nord are popular with families due to their fine sand, shallower waters, and seasonal lifeguard services. The town also offers attractions like the Seaquarium, which can be a good activity for children.

Plage du Boucanet

Plage Nord

Can you swim in the sea at Le Grau-du-Roi and what's the water like?

Yes, you can swim in the sea at Le Grau-du-Roi. The beaches, including the famous L'Espiguette, have been awarded the Blue Flag for water quality and environmental management for many years. The water is generally calm and clear, especially during the summer months, though it can be wavy on windy days. Water temperatures are most comfortable for swimming from June to September.

Plage de l'Espiguette

What's the best time of year to visit Le Grau-du-Roi for beaches?

The best time for a beach holiday in Le Grau-du-Roi is generally from late June to late August when the weather is warmest and sunniest. The shoulder seasons, April-May and September-October, also offer pleasant weather for beach activities with potentially fewer crowds, though the water might be cooler.

Are there lifeguards on the beaches in Le Grau-du-Roi?

Yes, several beaches in Le Grau-du-Roi have lifeguard services during the peak summer season. These typically include Plage du Boucanet, Plage Rive Gauche, Plage Nord, Plage Sud, and parts of L'Espiguette. It's always best to check locally for specific lifeguard posts and operational times as they can vary.

Plage du Boucanet

Plage Rive Gauche

Plage Nord

Plage de l'Espiguette

What is L'Espiguette beach like and is it worth visiting?

L'Espiguette beach is a vast, wild, and protected natural area known for its extensive sand dunes, some reaching up to 10-12 meters high. It stretches for over 10 kilometers and offers a unique, desert-like landscape. It's considered one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in the region, ideal for those seeking space and nature. It also has designated areas, including a naturist section.

Plage de l'Espiguette

Espiguette Naturist Beach

How do you get to L'Espiguette beach and is there parking?

L'Espiguette beach can be reached by car, with large parking areas available, though some are paying during the high season (typically April to September). There's also a 5km cycle path from Le Grau-du-Roi town centre. Some campsites offer shuttle services in summer. Access to the sea from some parking areas can involve a walk through the dunes.

Plage de l'Espiguette

Are dogs allowed on the beaches in Le Grau-du-Roi?

Generally, dogs are not allowed on the main supervised beaches during the tourist season. However, L'Espiguette beach has a reputation for being more accommodating, particularly in its wilder, less crowded sections, though specific rules should always be checked. Some reviews mention it as dog-friendly.

Plage de l'Espiguette

Which beach in Le Grau-du-Roi is best for young children?

Plage du Boucanet is often recommended for families with young children. It features fine sand, a gentle slope into the water, and is supervised in season. Plage Nord, near Port Camargue, is also a good option with calmer waters and amenities.

Plage du Boucanet

Plage Nord

People Also Ask

Is it very windy on the beaches in Le Grau-du-Roi?

Le Grau-du-Roi, like much of the Mediterranean coast, can experience windy days, particularly when the Mistral or Tramontane winds blow. This can make some beach activities less comfortable and create waves, which might be enjoyed by kite surfers. Some coves or beach orientations might offer more shelter than others.

Are there naturist beaches in Le Grau-du-Roi?

Yes, there is a well-known and designated naturist section on L'Espiguette beach. It is typically located further along the beach, offering a degree of seclusion.

Plage de l'Espiguette

What are the beaches like near Port Camargue?

Port Camargue, Europe's largest marina, has several accessible beaches. Plage Nord is located to the left of the Seaquarium and extends in sandy coves, offering a more natural setting away from the road, with lifeguard services in season. Plage Sud is another option. These beaches are convenient for those staying in or near the marina complex.

Plage Nord

Le Grau-du-Roi or La Grande-Motte for beaches: what's the difference?

Le Grau-du-Roi offers a more traditional fishing port atmosphere with access to vast, wild beaches like L'Espiguette, alongside family-friendly town beaches. La Grande-Motte is known for its distinctive modern architecture and a more urbanized, continuous beachfront promenade with many amenities directly along the sand. Both have popular sandy beaches, but the overall vibe and landscape character differ.

Plage de l'Espiguette

Are there beach clubs or private beaches with sunbeds to rent in Le Grau-du-Roi?

Yes, some beaches in Le Grau-du-Roi, such as Plage Rive Gauche and Plage du Boucanet, have private sections (plages privées) where you can rent sunbeds and parasols, and often have associated restaurants or snack bars. North Beach also has options for renting sunbeds.

Plage Rive Gauche

Plage du Boucanet

What are some less crowded or hidden gem beaches in Le Grau-du-Roi?

For a less crowded experience, the further reaches of L'Espiguette beach, away from the main access points and towards the lighthouse or beyond, offer vast expanses of wild, natural sand. Exploring the northern parts of L'Espiguette, closer to Port Camargue but still part of the protected area, might also yield quieter spots.

Plage de l'Espiguette

Can you easily walk or cycle to the beaches from the town centre of Le Grau-du-Roi?

Yes, beaches like Plage Rive Gauche and Plage Rive Droite are close to the town centre and easily accessible on foot. There are also cycle paths; for instance, a 5km cycle path connects the town centre to L'Espiguette beach. Cycling is a popular way to reach various beaches in the area, with paths often running alongside canals or coastal routes.

Plage Rive Gauche

Plage rive droite

Plage de l'Espiguette