Occitanie, South of France (le Midi), France

Narbonne Beaches

Overview

Set along the sun-drenched coast of Southern France, Narbonne offers a refreshingly relaxed and spacious beach holiday experience, standing in contrast to the more crowded French Riviera. It is an excellent destination for families, boasting long stretches of fine, golden sand and clean, Blue Flag-awarded waters. The area provides a classic seaside resort atmosphere with a laid-back charm, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking both relaxation and recreation by the Mediterranean.

The coastline around Narbonne is dotted with diverse beaches, each with its own distinct character. Among the highlights is the expansive Narbonne Plage, the city's main and most accessible beach, perfect for sunbathing and family activities. For a touch of cinematic history, visit Plage des chalets, famous for its iconic stilt houses featured in the film 'Betty Blue'. Nearby, the wild, windswept dunes of Plage de la Vieille Nouvelle attract kitesurfers from all over, while the sheltered, shallow waters of Plage du Grazel provide a safe haven for young children to swim and play.

Beyond the sand, the region's well-known winds, such as the Tramontane, have shaped it into a premier destination for watersports, including windsurfing and sand yachting. The landscape offers everything from lively resort promenades to the untamed beauty of protected natural areas. Whether you are looking for adventure on the waves or a quiet spot on the shore, you can find your perfect beach in our comprehensive guide.

FAQ

Is Narbonne a good beach holiday destination?

Narbonne is an excellent destination for a family-friendly beach holiday. The main beach, Narbonne-Plage, stretches for five kilometers with fine, soft sand and has been awarded the Blue Flag for its clean water. The area is known for its spacious, uncrowded feel, even in summer, offering a relaxed alternative to the busier French Riviera. While it's a quieter resort, there are still plenty of activities, including watersports, evening markets, and free open-air shows in the summer.

How do you get from Narbonne city to Narbonne-Plage?

Narbonne-Plage is located about 15 kilometers from the historic center of Narbonne. You can drive there in approximately 20 minutes via a scenic road through the Massif de la Clape. Alternatively, the Citibus network's line 8 connects the city to the beach, with departures every 30 minutes during the summer, and the journey takes about 35 minutes. For those who enjoy cycling, a dedicated bike path runs along the Robine and Clape canals, taking about an hour.

Which is better, Narbonne-Plage or Gruissan?

Choosing between Narbonne-Plage and Gruissan depends on your preference. Narbonne-Plage is a classic family-friendly seaside resort with a very long, wide, and sandy beach, a pedestrian promenade, and numerous amenities. Gruissan is often described as having a more original and charming character, with its old village, marina, and famous beach huts on stilts at Plage des Chalets. While both have beautiful sandy beaches, some travelers prefer Gruissan for its picturesque setting and livelier village atmosphere, while others opt for the spaciousness and straightforward resort feel of Narbonne-Plage.

Can you swim at Narbonne-Plage and what is the water like?

Yes, you can swim at Narbonne-Plage. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag, indicating good water quality. The water is generally clear and shallow for some distance, making it particularly safe for families with children. Lifeguards are on duty at several posts during the high season (typically June to September). The swimming season usually runs from June to October when the water temperature is comfortable.

What kind of accommodation is available near Narbonne-Plage?

There is a wide range of accommodation at Narbonne-Plage to suit different budgets. You can find hotels, apartment rentals (many with sea views), holiday homes, and several large campsites with extensive facilities like pools and kids' clubs. Many options are within walking distance of the beach, and some, like the famous chalets on stilts at Gruissan's Plage des Chalets, offer a unique beachfront experience.

Is Narbonne-Plage very windy?

The Narbonne area is known for being windy, with winds like the Tramontane being a regular feature. While this can sometimes be a nuisance on the beach, kicking up sand, it also makes the region a premier destination for watersports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, and sand yachting. On windy days, some visitors prefer to explore the nearby Massif de la Clape or the more sheltered beaches in the region.

Are there any quieter or more natural beaches near Narbonne?

Yes, for a more natural and wild beach experience, you can visit the Plage du Créneau Naturel at the southern end of Narbonne-Plage or the beaches in the nearby Massif de la Clape. Another excellent option is La Vieille Nouvelle beach in Gruissan, which is an undeveloped, protected beach with beautiful dunes. These beaches have fewer amenities and are less crowded, offering a more tranquil setting.

What is there to do at Narbonne-Plage besides sunbathing?

Narbonne-Plage offers a wide range of activities. The resort is a hub for watersports, including sailing, jet-skiing, kitesurfing, and sand yachting. The 2.5-kilometer pedestrian promenade is perfect for walking, cycling, or renting a 'rosalie' pedal car. In the summer, there are evening markets, open-air shows, and traditional festivals. The nearby Massif de la Clape also offers numerous hiking and biking trails with beautiful views.

People Also Ask

Is Narbonne-Plage suitable for families with young children?

Narbonne-Plage is considered very family-friendly. The beach is vast, with fine sand and shallow water, making it safe for kids. During the summer, there are supervised swimming areas, children's clubs, and playgrounds. The resort also features an Aquajet water park for additional family fun. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and geared towards family holidays.

Are dogs allowed on the beaches in Narbonne?

Yes, dogs are allowed on a specific section of the beach in Narbonne-Plage. There is a designated 150-meter dog-friendly beach located near the Créneau Naturel car park. In other areas of the main beach, especially during the high season, dogs are generally not permitted. It's always best to check the local signage for the most current regulations.

What is the best time of year to visit Narbonne for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in Narbonne is from June to September. During these months, the weather is hot and sunny, and the sea is warm enough for swimming. July and August are the peak season, with the most activities and entertainment but also the largest crowds. For a quieter experience with pleasant weather, consider visiting in June or September.

Are there naturist beaches near Narbonne?

Yes, there are designated naturist beaches in the area. The Plage naturiste des Mateilles in Gruissan is a well-known naturist beach. There is also a naturist section at Cabanes de Fleury, located at the mouth of the Aude river. These beaches are typically situated in more natural, undeveloped settings.

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Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Narbonne: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, July 26, 2025
Today is shaping up to be a pleasant day at the beach. The sun will be shining with hardly any clouds. The maximum air temperature will be around 29.8 °C, so it will be warm. The sea temperature is a comfortable 22.5 °C and waves will be moderate. Be aware that the wind might be strong at times. The UV index will reach 7.4, so make sure to apply sunscreen.
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Air

Low / High19.3°C/29.8°C
Feels Like (High)25.2°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature22.5 °C
Wave Height1.1 m
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Rain

Rain Chance3%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:32/21:16
Sunshine Hours13.3 hrs
UV Index7.4
Cloud Cover4%
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Wind

Speed33.7 km/h
Gusts60.5 km/h
DirectionNW

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