Summary
The gorgeous western Mediterranean coast begins at the resorts around Perpignan. Its many highlights include the ancient town of Collioure with its 12th-century fortress, and the long beach of Argelès-sur-Mer on the Cote Vermeille. The coastline around the Leucate peninsula is one of France’s windiest stretches, making the area the windsports capital of France. Towns and cities like Beziers and Montpellier add to the attractions of the Herault before you come to the Bouches-du-Rhone and Marseille.
Surrounding Marseille is the mysterious Camargues area, while to the east, you find the naval port of Toulon and the Iles d’Hyeres. Go a little beyond this and you reach glitzy Saint-Tropez. The western part of the Mediterranean looks out onto the Golfe du Lion.
Argeles Plage, Near Perpignan
Just a short drive north from Spain and the rugged landscape of the Cote Vermeille (so-named because of its intense colors), you come to Argelès Plage. It’s near the well-known resort of Perpignan and offers a relaxing alternative to the city that ranks second after Barcelona in Catalonia.
8 kilometers (6 miles) of golden sand and blue waters provide peaceful days in the northern part and plenty of entertainment to the south. There’s a 3.2 km (2 mile) long promenade along the north end backed by pine woodlands, which is particularly popular for camping. You have the best of both worlds -– the chance to get away from everybody and the attractions of a funfair, cafes, and restaurants to keep the family happy.
Serignan Plage near Beziers
Just near Béziers, the wild, 3.2 km (2-mile) long Serignan beach is backed by sand dunes with large salt meadows lying to the west. All parties who come here, including naturists, families, and teenagers, happily coexist. It is easy to reach during the summer on a shuttle from the center of the town, making it a glorious place to be busy doing nothing.
Serignan itself, originally a Roman-Gallo city, is a popular and lively resort featuring a stunning equestrian festival in the arena, alongside flamenco dancing, concerts, and music, all free, towards the end of July each year.
The Delightful Resort of Sete
Sète is a delightful seaside resort town with a network of canals that have earned it the nickname ‘Venice of Languedoc.’ Barge cruises on the Canal du Midi start from here, and it’s also a working fishing port, ensuring there is plenty to keep you engaged.
Sète sits between the sea and the Etang de Thau, one of Languedoc-Roussillon’s largest lagoons. If you’re an oyster fan, this is the place to come for a satisfying meal or elegant snack in one of the many restaurants in town. Additionally, if you’re after a quiet life, Sete offers approximately 12.6 km (8 miles) of wonderful beaches stretching southwest toward Cap d’Agde, which must be France’s most famous naturist beach.
L’Espiguette Beach, Le Grau du Roi
Escape to this long windswept beach, stretching some 9.6 km (6 miles) into the sandy horizon. Dunes, lagoons, and scrub lie at your back; before you is the sparkling Mediterranean. It’s large enough to keep the naturists and families at respectable distances from one another.
L’Espiguette beach is ideally situated. To the east lies mysterious Aigues-Mortes, complete with extraordinary medieval ramparts and the fortress, the Tour de Constance, which has served multiple purposes throughout its long history. Beyond that, you’ll encounter Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and the glorious Camargue with its cowboys, bulls, and splendid white horses.
Cassis
Just 15 miles from Marseille, Cassis, dating back to the ancient Greeks, is a charming port town characterized by narrow lanes and beautiful views, managing to maintain a more relaxed atmosphere despite its immense popularity. It’s the ideal place for people-watching down by the harbor, once one of the busiest industrial ports in the area, but now elegant and chic. The little town itself is dominated by the ruins of the medieval castle from 1381.
Cassis provides a welcome refuge from the busier resorts along the Mediterranean, with both sandy and rocky beaches just a few minutes’ walk from the town. It’s also conveniently close to the calanques—the spectacular series of white cliffs interspersed with deep sheltered inlets stretching almost 20 km (12.4 miles) between Marseille and Cassis.
Almanarre Beach
Almanarre lies just west of the Giens peninsula, characterized by a salt marsh between two long sand bars leading to the small town of Giens. Almanarre beach is a long stretch of pale sand, with shallow water that shelves sharply further along. Therefore, if you have small children, it’s wise to check the depth before setting up for a day of sandcastle building and swimming.
This location is ideal for wind and kitesurf schools, boasting an average of 250 days of wind per year. In summer, there are a few places selling food and drink, but the main facilities are at the southern end. Alternatively, you can sit and admire the gorgeous pink flamingos strutting their stuff in the salt marshes.
If you’re interested in visiting the Ile de Porquerolles, head to La Tour-Fondue at the tip of the Peninsula for the ferry across to the island.
The Islands off Hyeres
There are three islands off Hyeres.
Ile de Porquerolles
Catch the boat from La Tour Fondue at the tip of the Giens peninsula for the 20-minute trip. The island is 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) long and just 2.5 (1.5 miles) kilometers wide, having seen conquest and civilization from the Celts, Greeks, and Romans. It offers plenty for the active visitor, with cycle and walking trails running around the island. Make your way to the south of the island for white sandy beaches backed by pine and eucalyptus trees.
Ile de Port-Cros
You can get to the Ile de Port-Cros from Port d’Hyeres. A one-hour journey takes you to this mountainous island, which in 1963 became the first protected maritime park in Europe. The mountains plunge straight down into the sea, and there are few beaches. Consequently, it’s a magnet for divers (though no scuba diving is allowed), with an underwater trail at Paluda beach.
Ile de Levant
It takes one-and-a-half hours to reach the third island, the Ile du Levant, from the Port of Hyeres. This island boasts a stunning collection of strawberry trees and offers a series of sports and nature trails. It is easily accessible from nearby Le Lavandou and is famous for its naturist emphasis.
