Visiting Le Grau-du-Roi: 10 must-see places
Looking for sun, sand and a real taste of the Camargue? A visit to Le Grau-du-Roi is a destination that combines a lively fishing port, an impressive marina, miles of beaches and wild landscapes of dunes and ponds. Between discovering the Seaquarium, strolling around Port Camargue and the wide open spaces of the Espiguette beach, the seaside resort has enough to fill a weekend… or a whole week.
A visit to Le Grau-du-Roi lends itself perfectly to exploration on foot, followed by ‘extensions’ by bike or car to Espiguette, Port Camargue and the salt marshes.
You can also read in the Le Grau-du-Roi guide :
- The 5 best straw huts in Grau du Roi
- Visiting the Seaquarium in Le Grau-du-Roi: opening times, prices and tours
- Visiting the Gard: 20 not-to-be-missed things to do
- Visiting the Camargue: 12 must-sees and must-dos
- What to do around Montpellier with your family?
- Visiting Aigues-Mortes: 8 must-dos
- Visit the Aigues-Mortes salt marshes
- The 20 most beautiful beaches in France
1. Port Camargue, the essential marina
The first great classic when you come to visit Le Grau-du-Roi is Port Camargue, renowned for its size and its very ‘marina’ atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for a stroll in the late afternoon, when the terraces fill up and the light falls on the boats. For a simple break, alternate between strolling along the quays, watching the yachtsmen come and go and making a diversion to the nearby beaches.
If you’re looking for the exact address: Port Camargue (30240 Le Grau-du-Roi, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 2,896 reviews).
2. The Espiguette beach, dunes and open sea
If you had to see just one “wow” landscape when visiting Le Grau-du-Roi, it would be the Espiguette beach. Here, the impression of space is striking: dunes, sand as far as the eye can see and a real feeling of unspoilt nature. The spot is also known for its kitesurfing and windsurfing, but it’s still a great place to just walk barefoot along the water’s edge.
Open in Google Maps: Plage de l’Espiguette (30240 Le Grau-du-Roi, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 1,783 reviews).
Field tip: come early in the morning or at the end of the day to get the best light, and remember to take water and sun protection: shade is rare on these vast expanses.
3. The Seaquarium, the “safe bet” for families
When you’re looking for something to do in Le Grau-du-Roi as a family (or when the weather’s not so good), the Seaquarium is a must. It’s a fun, rich visit that’s easy to fit into a day: you’ll discover the world of sharks, as well as Mediterranean and tropical species, not forgetting the areas dedicated to turtles and marine mammals.
Practical address: Seaquarium Institut Marin (Av. du Palais de la Mer Hall Seaquarium, 30240 Le Grau-du-Roi, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 20,297 reviews).
4. The fishing port, the soul of Grau-du-Roi
Before being a seaside resort, Le Grau-du-Roi was a port. And you can feel it: the fishing port gives the town an identity of its own, more authentic, more ‘alive’. It’s the ideal place to feel the maritime atmosphere, watch the boats and treat yourself to a simple seafood dinner.
To get there easily: Port de pêche du Grau-du-Roi (13 Quai Colbert, 30240 Le Grau-du-Roi, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 685 reviews).
Tip: if you like a canal-side atmosphere, sit down on a terrace and watch the boats go by. It’s simple, but it’s precisely this kind of moment that makes visiting Le Grau-du-Roi so enjoyable.
5. The town centre and market, for a taste of the local atmosphere
To balance beach and discovery, keep a ‘strolling’ slot in the centre: alleyways, shops, ice creams and, depending on the season, the market. It’s also a good way to vary your ‘sea’ days.
You can also take the opportunity to identify your next stops: a trip to the seaside, bike hire or dinner by the water. And if you like to structure your visits, the ideal solution is to follow a clear, step-by-step itinerary, such as an audio tour.
6. The Grau-du-Roi bullring, Camargue culture and summer evenings
Camargue culture can also be experienced in the bullring: shows, events, summer atmosphere… An interesting stop-off if you want to see something other than the sea during your stay. Before you go, check the programme (dates may vary according to the season).
Google page: Arènes du Grau du Roi (Arènes, 3 Route d’Aigues Mortes, 30240 Le Grau-du-Roi, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 2,642 reviews).
7. Le Boucanet beach, the more family-friendly alternative
Less of a ‘big desert of dunes’ than L’Espiguette, Le Boucanet beach is often appreciated for its ease of access and its more ‘seaside district’ atmosphere. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a practical beach (especially with children), or if you’re staying in the area.
Google page: Plage du Boucanet (30240 Le Grau-du-Roi, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 411 reviews).
8. The Espiguette lighthouse, an emblematic landmark in the middle of the dunes
In the Espiguette area, the lighthouse is an excellent target for a walk: it gives a different view of the landscape (between sea, dunes and ponds) and recalls the maritime history of the area. It’s also a perfect landmark to “give purpose” to a walk along the beach.
Google tag: Le Phare de l’Espiguette (Parking des Baronnets, 30240 Le Grau-du-Roi, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 774 reviews).
9. Sea outings, cruises and nautical activities
If you want to “see the coast in a different way”, a sea trip (sailboat, catamaran, pleasure boat) is an excellent complement. In high season, there’s a wide range of options, particularly around Port Camargue. It’s also a great option for a sunset at sea, much appreciated by couples.
And for those who want to get moving, the coastline lends itself well to water-based activities: paddle, kayak, windsurf, kitesurf… to suit your level and the wind of the day.
10. Excursion to Aigues-Mortes and the salt marshes: a must-see nearby
It’s impossible to visit Le Grau-du-Roi without considering a trip to Aigues-Mortes. In a very short time, you’ll be in a completely different place: medieval ramparts, narrow streets, panoramic views over the marshes… It’s an ideal day out if you’re staying for several days.
To complete the picture, add the salt marshes: pink landscapes, birdwatching and discovering Camargue salt. If you’re planning this outing, our article Visiting the Aigues-Mortes salt marshes will give you some useful pointers.
Download the audio tour to discover Le Grau-du-Roi on foot and on your own
For the moment, we haven’t found a Navaway “Visiter Le Grau-du-Roi” tour page on https://navaway.fr/circuits/. As soon as the itinerary is available, the idea is simple: follow a clear route, listen to the anecdotes in the right places, and enjoy a visit at your own pace, without missing anything of the port, the districts and the viewpoints. In the meantime, you can already plan your outings in the region with Navaway content such as Visiter la Camargue or Visiter Aigues-Mortes, then return to the Grau-du-Roi itinerary as soon as it is published.
Practical tips for visiting Le Grau-du-Roi
To get the most out of your visit to Le Grau-du-Roi, keep things simple and effective: comfortable shoes (centre + port), sun protection (Espiguette), water (dunes), and a light windbreaker if the mistral rises. In summer, target ‘smart’ times: early morning for the beach, afternoon for a Seaquarium-type visit, end of day on the quays of Port Camargue.
And if you like guided tours with no strings attached, stick with Navaway: a walking itinerary, audios, and the freedom to take breaks whenever you like (ice cream, terrace, photos). This is exactly the spirit we recommend for a destination like Le Grau-du-Roi.
In conclusion, a visit to Le Grau-du-Roi is an excellent way to combine the sea, nature and the Camargue atmosphere: a day at the port and the centre, a day at the Espiguette and the lighthouse, a trip to the Seaquarium, and an escapade to Aigues-Mortes… A well-balanced and memorable holiday. And as soon as the itinerary is available, don’t hesitate to let yourself be guided by the “Visit Le Grau-du-Roi” tour on Navaway for an even smoother discovery.
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