The best beaches around Narbonne

A wild beach in the middle of fine sand dunes, a family beach, a beach dedicated to sporting activities… There really is something for everyone in the area around the seaside resort of Narbonne and its marina. So here’s a selection of dream beaches, highly ranked in the top list of the most beautiful beaches for your next holiday!

1. Plage des Chalets Gruissan

Fans of the 80s will no doubt have seen Jean-Jacques Beineix’s film “37°2 le Matin”, which immortalised this 2km long sandy beach with its mythical chalets on stilts. It’s true that it’s original, but above all this beach plays a very important role for local families, some of whom have had a family chalet on this beach for several generations, and wouldn’t leave it for anything in the world!

Some of these cottages are available to rent during the summer months, so make sure you put them on your list for a holiday that’s sure to be original. You’ll have the pleasure of treading the sands of one of the most beautiful beaches in the Aude, with the Clape massif as a backdrop. The azure blue sea, the laughter of the seagulls, the shells, the sweetness of the sea spray… It’s like being there! Oyster tasting, stand-up paddle, jet, banana, sofa, buoy, flyboard… There’s no shortage of water sports activities on this beach.

2. La Vieille Nouvelle beach in Gruissan

This wild beach to the west of Gruissan is sure to be a favourite with nature lovers. The dunes and unspoilt natural areas make up this beach’s charm, the water is clear, the sand particularly fine, and there are fewer bathers due to the lack of equipment and supervision. Don’t forget to pick up your litter, so that the beach remains beautiful and unspoilt for all to enjoy.

Please note: the best way to get to the Vieille Nouvelle beach in Gruissan is by bike or on foot from the Barberousse campsite. Access by car is very difficult: there is a risk of silting up and motorised vehicles are not allowed on the vegetated areas. This is a nature reserve close to the Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Regional Nature Park.

The Plagette at Port-Leucate

Here’s a beach that has to be earned! Travel light and have good walking shoes if you want to go down to this beach, as the slope is quite steep and you have to descend some uneven steps from the top of the cliff to the beach. The most courageous can enjoy a little corner of paradise in a cove with turquoise waters and sheltered from the wind.

This beach is located in a protected Natura 2000 area. Be careful not to crush or pull up the small flowers growing on the rocks.

Due to its Natura status, the beach is not developed and is not necessarily easy to find! The landmark is the panoramic restaurant, and once you’ve parked your car, you have to walk 800 m along a narrow path before finding the steps. It takes 30 minutes to descend all the steps and reach the beach, and just as long on the way back. So don’t wear flip-flops.

3. The Coussoules beach at La Franqui

This is the spot for kitesurfers and windsurfers, and there are also plenty of sand yachts. This 8km-long sandy beach is very busy in the vicinity of the first-aid post, so you’ll have to go further out to get some peace and quiet and access a wilder beach. La Franqui beach is classified as a Natura 2000 site. Walking along the beach and enjoying the idyllic scenery is a real treat.

4. Plage du Rouet – La Palme

Between the beaches of Port La Nouvelle and La Franqui lie 2.5 km of fine sandy beaches where you can enjoy a wide range of water sports. Its wooden pontoon adds an extra touch of charm. Lovers of photos and sunsets will appreciate it… The beach is supervised and less crowded.

5. Plage des Cabanes de Fleury

Located at the mouth of the River Aude, this is a wild, undeveloped beach with fine golden sand and lifeguards on duty. There is a naturist area as you head towards Saint-Pierre-sur-Mer. The port, its restaurants and shops are nearby. The beach is beautiful and tranquil, surrounded by garrigue and vineyards.

6. Plage du Kyklos – Port-Leucate

A family beach of fine sand 8 km long, the seafront is pedestrianised. Pergolas, palm trees, benches, beach huts, free parking, toilets, first-aid post, bar, restaurants… It’s got it all! A wide range of water sports activities are available. This beach has been awarded the “France station nautique” label, which is awarded to high-quality facilities offering permanent, environmentally-friendly water sports and tourist activities, or providing recognised training.

And there’s no shortage of sporting activities to choose from, with sand yachting, jet skiing and windsurfing enthusiasts able to enjoy the beauty of this natural area while indulging in their favourite sport. The Aquajet – Narbonne Plage open-air water park is perfect for spending quality time with the family, with its waterslides, pools, Water Jump tracks and inflatable games. Narbonne beach Narbonne nature park or Narbonne town, a wide choice of activities with good weather every season.