With its stretches of fine sand bathed by the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and its secluded coves, the Mediterranean coastline stands out as one of the emblematic treasures of the Occitanie region. Stretching over 200 kilometers across four départements (Pyrénées-Orientales, Aude, Hérault, Gard), this coastline boasts 108 beaches and 20 marinas proudly displaying the Blue Flag, a guarantee of environmental quality and services for vacationers. At the top of the national Blue Flag rankings in 2023, Occitanie far outstrips its rivals such as the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Nouvelle-Aquitaine regions, a well-deserved recognition for all local players and an undeniable attraction for summer visitors in search of idleness and relaxation by the sea.
The Languedoc coastline charms with its fine sandy beaches offering a gentle entry into the water, ideal for family bathing. Further south, approaching the Spanish border on the Côte Vermeille, visitors are captivated by sandy or pebbly coves. Although sometimes less accessible, they reveal a wild and unspoilt landscape, conducive to intimacy. This part of the coast also appeals to scuba diving enthusiasts, with spectacular seabeds just a few kilometers from the shore.
Emblematic seaside resorts such as Cap d’Agde, La Grande-Motte and Collioure are among the most popular destinations in France and abroad. The coastline comes alive with the rhythm of tourism and adapts to offer a varied range of accommodation, from hotels to vacation apartments and campsites, as well as a multitude of nautical and cultural activities to suit all tastes.
In this article, the team at the 4-star La Tamarissière campsite, nestled in the heart of a protected bicentenary pine forest, invites you to discover its selection of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Occitanie. However, it’s important to stress that this ranking reflects the opinion of the Cottage Parks teams and may vary according to individual preferences, bearing in mind that many other beaches are also worth exploring. We hope this selection will inspire you as you plan your vacation in the Hérault.
La Tamarissière beach in Agde
La Tamarissière beach in Agde stretches from the Hérault river to the seaside resort of Vias. This beach, accessible directly from Camping La Tamarissière, is the wildest on the Agde coast. A large part of the beach is bordered by the two-hundred-year-old pine forest that is home to the eco-chic La Tamarissière campsite and the Parc Naturel des Verdisses. There are also numerous bunkers, remnants of the Südwall built by the Third Reich during the war in 1943.
Good plan for dog lovers: between Bunker 638 and the mouth of the Canal du Clôt, separating the communes of Agde and Vias, the beach is now dog-friendly. A real treat for those who come on vacation with their dogs. Camping La Tamarissière is also dog-friendly, with a limit of one dog per accommodation.
Crique Boramar in Collioure
Boramar Cove, in the heart of the picturesque village of Collioure on the Spanish border in the Pyrénées-Orientales, is a little gem surrounded by the Church of Notre Dame des Anges on one side and the Château Royal on the other. A magnificent panorama in which to relax and refresh. Thanks to its various dykes and rounded shape, this 150-meter-long cove is protected from the winds. A true paradise for a relaxing break between two visits.
Orpellières beach in Sérignan
The vast expanse of fine sand at Les Orpellières in Sérignan, Hérault, is nestled in the heart of a remarkably well-preserved natural site, classified Natura 2000. The 150-hectare site comprises a 2.5-kilometer-long beach, an exceptionally well-preserved dune belt with dunes up to 8 meters high, and a vast area of salt meadow, offering a wild, unspoilt natural setting.
During the summer season, the Béziers Méditerranée Tourist Office organizes regular tours to raise visitors’ awareness of the local ecosystem and environmental issues. Don’t hesitate to visit the Maison des Orpellières for all the tourist and educational information you need.
To preserve this remarkable natural area, it’s essential to scrupulously respect the rules in force: stay on the marked trails, avoid picking plants, don’t disturb the flora and fauna, and make sure you don’t leave any garbage behind. The Orpellières’ fragile ecosystem depends on our collective responsibility to preserve it.
Corniche beach in Sète
The Corniche beach, accessible from the famous promenade of the same name, is a stretch of fine sand made up of two coves, each around 200 meters long. During the summer season, it offers visitors a variety of services, including restaurants, a children’s playground and an area dedicated to water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.
When you’re in Sète, between Béziers and Montpellier, don’t miss a pleasant stroll along the Promenade de la Corniche. Overlooking the Mediterranean by some ten meters, this promenade offers a breathtaking view of the sea, in a harmonious natural setting combining rocky coastline and coves.
Espiguette beach at Grau-du-Roi
The Espiguette beach in Le Grau-du-Roi, on the outskirts of the Camargue, stretches over 10 kilometers of unspoilt natural sand, untouched by construction. This natural and ecological treasure represents one of the most beautiful dune systems on the northern Mediterranean coast, home to a rich flora and fauna. A program to preserve the site is being actively pursued to counter the adverse effects of rising sea levels on the dunes, testifying to the commitment to its conservation over many years.
Not to be missed: horseback rides, lasting around two hours, are available on the Espiguette beach. This unique experience offers a wonderful opportunity to soak up the magic of this exceptional place. Whether on a romantic or family holiday in the South of France, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Aresquiers Beach
The 7-kilometer-long Aresquiers beach, straddling the communes of Frontignan and Vic-la-Gardiole, has many faces. The northern part of the beach, for example, is much wilder, narrower and made up mostly of pebbles. One area is even dedicated to naturism. The part closest to Frontignan, on the other hand, is made up of sand and is easily accessible, with numerous large parking lots. A good option for family beach excursions.
La Franqui Beach
North of Leucate, nestling at the foot of the cliffs and shaded by majestic hundred-year-old pines, the 3.5-kilometer La Franqui beach is a haven of peace between cliff, sea and pond. Its exceptional natural setting makes it the ideal place for a pleasant family day out. The gentle slope of the shore ensures children’s safety when swimming. What’s more, the beach is a sanctuary for many species of birds, including flamingos, cormorants and egrets.
For a hands-on and rewarding experience, don’t forget to take the stone steps that rise from the beach to the top of the cliff. Up there, a breathtaking view awaits you, offering a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding area.
Saint-Cyprien Plage
Further south, this time approaching the Spanish border in the Pyrénées-Orientales region, Saint-Cyprien-Plage boasts a 6-kilometre stretch of fine sand that delights summer visitors in search of sea and sun. Equipped with facilities for people with reduced mobility and offering a multitude of water-based activities such as kitesurfing, stand-up paddling and volleyball, Saint-Cyprien’s beaches offer a wide range of options to entertain families and friends in search of seaside pleasures.
Plage des chalets in Gruissan-Plage
In Gruissan, just 15 minutes from Narbonne in the Aude department, lies the Plage des Chalets, offering 1.8 kilometers of fine sand. As its name suggests, this beach is characterized by its 1,330 houses built on stilts by the sea. These buildings give the area a unique atmosphere that immediately makes you feel like you’re on vacation. A magical effect to experience!
This emblematic beach became famous thanks to the film “37°2 le matin”. Even today, it remains very popular, thanks to its vast expanse, its fine sand, its breathtaking view of the Massif de la Clape, its restaurants and its many activities.
On the practical side, children can walk dozens of meters, giving families the chance to enjoy a seaside vacation with complete peace of mind.
Plage du petit et du grand travers at La Grande-Motte
La Grande-Motte, a renowned seaside resort in the Hérault region, is famous for its singular architecture, designed by Jean Balladur, sometimes intriguing but always captivating, as well as for its vast sandy beaches stretching over more than 7 kilometers. Of these, the Grand and Petit Travers beaches stand out as the most popular with summer visitors. La Grande-Motte is the perfect family destination, offering the ideal setting for a sunny vacation!
Located just twenty kilometers from Montpellier, the dynamic capital of the Hérault region, La Grande-Motte retains its appeal all year round, unlike other seaside resorts that empty out during the winter months. It offers a wide range of infrastructures and services to meet the needs and expectations of all holidaymakers, guaranteeing a pleasant and memorable stay.
Moreover, with the creation of the www.cottageparks.fr platform and the future development of the Cottage Parks network of eco-chic campsites, the aim is to promote the influence and commercial success of all campsites committed to an eco-responsible approach on a daily basis. But also to create a synergy between the various players, to encourage the exchange of best practices, and then their deployment and sustainability. The eco-chic experience is just beginning…
