Occitanie, South of France (le Midi), France

Narbonne-Plage Beaches

Overview

Narbonne-Plage offers a classic South of France beach experience, set within the beautiful Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Natural Regional Park. This modern seaside resort is particularly known as an excellent destination for families, boasting vast stretches of fine, golden sand and safe, shallow waters perfect for children. The resort town provides a convenient and relaxed setting for a holiday on the Mediterranean coast.

The coastline presents a variety of beach styles to suit any preference. The main Narbonne Plage is a five-kilometer hub of activity, perfect for a traditional day by the sea. For a truly unique cultural sight, visit the film-famous Plage des chalets, renowned for its iconic landscape of stilt houses. Nature lovers will appreciate the protected, wild dunes of Plage de la Vieille Nouvelle, while those seeking adventure can head to Plage du Créneau Naturel, one of the coast's best spots for the exciting sport of sand yachting.

While its famous neighbor Gruissan offers a more historic village atmosphere, Narbonne-Plage appeals with its modern resort feel and long, spacious promenade. The area is well-known for its steady winds, which, while sometimes strong, create ideal conditions for a host of watersports. From bustling family shores to wild, natural escapes, there is much to discover along this stretch of coast, all detailed in our longer list of beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Narbonne-Plage a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Narbonne-Plage is considered an excellent destination for families. The main beach is a vast 5-kilometer stretch of fine, golden sand with shallow waters, making it safe for children. The resort has held the Blue Flag label since 1988, which guarantees high water and beach quality. During the summer, there are four lifeguard stations, kids' clubs, and playgrounds on the beach. For more fun, there's also a water park nearby.

Narbonne Plage

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

The ideal time for a beach holiday in Narbonne-Plage is from June to September. During these months, the weather is hot and dry, and the sea temperature is warm enough for comfortable swimming, often exceeding 20°C. July and August are the peak season, offering the warmest weather but also the largest crowds. For a quieter experience with pleasant weather, consider visiting in June or September.

How do I get to Narbonne-Plage from the city of Narbonne?

Narbonne-Plage is located about 15 kilometers from the historic center of Narbonne. The easiest way to get there is by car, a journey of about 20 minutes via a scenic road through the La Clape massif. Alternatively, you can take the Citibus network's line 8, which runs frequently, especially in the summer, and takes around 35 minutes. For those who enjoy cycling, a dedicated bike path along the Canal de la Robine offers a scenic, hour-long ride to the beach.

Is the water warm enough for swimming in Narbonne-Plage?

The swimming season in Narbonne-Plage typically runs from June to October. In the peak summer months of July and August, the Mediterranean water temperature is pleasantly warm, averaging between 21°C and 27°C. In June and September, it's also generally comfortable for swimming. Outside of these months, the water is usually considered too cold for most people.

What is the best way to find accommodation with beach access in Narbonne-Plage?

Narbonne-Plage is a purpose-built seaside resort, so much of the accommodation is in close proximity to the beach. You will find numerous apartment rentals, hotels, and campsites within easy walking distance of the sea. Many properties are located directly on or just behind the main promenade. For direct beach access, look for hotels and holiday residences described as 'beachfront' or 'pieds dans l'eau' (feet in the water).

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Are there quiet or more natural beaches near Narbonne-Plage?

Yes, if you're looking for a more natural and less crowded experience, head towards the Créneau Naturel beach, located to the west of the main resort area, in the direction of Gruissan. This is the wildest and most unspoiled section of Narbonne's coastline, backed by dunes and offering plenty of space. It's also a popular spot for sand yachting.

Plage du Créneau Naturel

How does Narbonne-Plage compare to Gruissan?

Both Narbonne-Plage and Gruissan offer long, sandy beaches typical of the region. Narbonne-Plage is often described as a classic family-friendly resort with a long promenade and modern amenities. Gruissan has a unique character, with its famous stilt chalets on the Plage des Chalets and a historic village centered around a castle tower. While Narbonne-Plage is a purpose-built resort, Gruissan offers a more traditional village atmosphere alongside its beaches. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference for either a modern resort feel or a more historic, picturesque setting.

Plage des chalets

What is the wind like at Narbonne-Plage and does it affect the beach experience?

The area is known for being windy, with the Tramontane wind being a significant local feature. While this can sometimes make sunbathing a bit challenging, it also creates excellent conditions for watersports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, and sand yachting. On windy days, some visitors prefer more sheltered beaches in the region, like Leucate Plage, but the wind is also a key part of the local identity and a draw for sports enthusiasts.

Leucate Plage

People Also Ask

Are dogs allowed on the beaches at Narbonne-Plage?

Dogs are generally not allowed on the main supervised beaches of Narbonne-Plage during the high season, from May 1st to September 30th. However, they are permitted during the off-season (October 1st to April 30th). Additionally, there is a specific, designated area where dogs are allowed year-round on a leash, located between the beaches of Languedoc and Créneau Naturel.

Plage du Créneau Naturel

Is it easy to find parking at Narbonne-Plage?

Yes, there are several free car parks available along the seafront and near the port. You can also find street parking in the surrounding areas. During the peak summer months of July and August, it is advisable to arrive earlier in the day to secure a spot, as it can get very busy.

Are there any naturist (nude) beaches in or around Narbonne-Plage?

While the main beach of Narbonne-Plage is not naturist, there are well-known naturist beaches in the vicinity. The closest options are located towards Gruissan, such as the Plage naturiste des Mateilles. The wider region, particularly around Cap d'Agde, is famous for its large naturist resorts.

Plage Naturiste des Montilles

Cap d’Agde

What kind of activities are available at Narbonne-Plage besides swimming and sunbathing?

Narbonne-Plage offers a wide range of activities. The 2.5 km long promenade is perfect for walking, cycling, and rollerblading, with fun 'rosalie' pedal cars available for hire. The consistent wind makes it a prime spot for watersports like sand yachting, kitesurfing, and jet-skiing. The beach is also equipped for beach volleyball and beach soccer. For nature lovers, the nearby La Clape massif offers numerous hiking and biking trails.

Are there private beaches with sunbed rentals at Narbonne-Plage?

Yes, while most of Narbonne-Plage is a public beach, there are a few private beach clubs where you can rent sunbeds, loungers, and parasols for the day. These establishments, such as L'Hospitalet Beach, often have their own restaurants and offer a more exclusive and comfortable beach experience.

Is Narbonne-Plage a good destination for a party holiday?

Narbonne-Plage is primarily known as a family-friendly and relaxing seaside resort rather than a major party destination. While there are bars and restaurants along the promenade that are lively in the summer, the nightlife is generally low-key. Those seeking a more vibrant party scene might find resorts like Cap d'Agde to be more suitable.

Cap d’Agde

Is it safe to swim at Narbonne-Plage?

Yes, swimming at Narbonne-Plage is considered very safe. The beach has a gentle slope into the water, and it is supervised by lifeguards at four different first-aid posts during the high season (mid-June to early September). The resort is also a long-standing recipient of the Blue Flag award, indicating excellent water quality and safety standards.

Narbonne Plage