Private beaches Carnon

Water Sports and Thrills

A seaside resort obliges, Carnon is an ideal playground for water sports enthusiasts. The spot is renowned for kitesurfing: this is where the very first kite school in Europe was created, and glide fans enjoy a regular sea breeze in the Petit Travers area. Whether novice or experienced, you can learn or improve your kitesurfing and now wingfoil during events organized each summer (such as the Carnon Wingfoil Event). Want fun accessible to all? Try a session of towed buoy or wakeboarding! Sensations guaranteed as you are towed at high speed behind a boat, clinging to your buoy or firmly planted on your board. Laughter and adrenaline rush guaranteed – an excellent way to spice up a beach afternoon. Carnon's calm waters are also well-suited for stand-up paddle and sea kayaking: enjoy peaceful rides along the coasts, standing on your paddle at sunrise, in clear and calm water. Several leisure bases and clubs (some directly on private beaches like Tiky Beach) offer water sports equipment rental and supervised lessons. Finally, speed enthusiasts can rent a jet ski at the port or try parasailing nearby. In Carnon, each day can bring its share of challenges and nautical joys, all in a safe and enchanting setting.

Stroll at the Port and Gourmet Outings

The marina of Carnon is the vibrant heart of the resort. With its 800 boats moored throughout the year, it offers a picturesque setting for an end-of-day walk. Stroll along the quays lined with sailboats and colorful fishing boats, breathe in the salty air, and let yourself be lulled by the lapping of water against the hulls. In summer, the port is particularly lively in the late afternoon: it's the perfect time to sit on a terrace at one of the many restaurants or beach huts on the quay. Taste local specialties – grilled fish, baked mussels, oysters from the Étang de l'Or – accompanied by a well-chilled glass of Picpoul. Among the popular addresses are Le Lamparo, a local institution where you can enjoy excellent seafood platters facing the moored boats, or Le Trident for refined Mediterranean cuisine. As night falls, the port promenade takes on a romantic allure under the fairy lights. You can sometimes hear a music band playing in a lounge bar, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the place while savoring an artisanal ice cream. The port also occasionally hosts night markets in summer: artisan stalls, local creators, regional products – a nice way to discover regional craftsmanship in a festive atmosphere. Whether for a morning jog at sunrise or a gourmet outing in the evening, a tour of Carnon's port is a must-do to soak up the local life and maritime charm of the resort.

Nature and Discovery of the Petite Camargue

At the gates of Carnon stretches a natural environment of unsuspected richness, ideal for a nature escape. Built on a thin dune cordon, the resort separates the sea from the Étang de l'Or, a vast lagoon part of the Petite Camargue of Hérault. This proximity offers great opportunities for walks and wildlife observation. At the end of the day, why not walk along the Grau de Carnon canal to the banks of the lagoon? You might see flamingos, gray herons, or avocets peacefully moving in the shallow waters – the lagoon is home to thousands of migratory and sedentary birds all year round. Pedestrian and cycling paths allow you to explore these natural spaces in peace. From Carnon, a roughly 1-hour walk takes you to discover the old fishermen's huts camouflaged in the reeds, remnants of a time when Carnon was just a modest fishing hamlet. For the more adventurous, equestrian centers in the area offer horseback rides at sunset, crossing dunes and salt marshes like a little Camargue safari – a magical experience to commune with the surrounding nature. In summer, the Tourist Office also organizes guided outings (on foot or by mountain bike) to discover the Petite Camargue: you'll learn more about the lagoon ecosystem, the atypical flora of saline environments, or the life of Camargue bulls raised in nearby meadows. Finally, don't miss the fête de la Mer in August, a local tradition where a procession of decorated boats pays tribute to the people of the sea – an opportunity for beautiful photos and an authentic moment of sharing with the Carnonais. Between sea and lagoons, Carnon offers you a wilder and more exotic face, perfect for alternating with seaside pleasures and leaving with memories full of your head.

Need More Ideas for Activities in Carnon?

To delve deeper into the discovery of Carnon and its surroundings, here are two useful resources:

• Office de Tourisme de Mauguio Carnon: the official site is full of practical information and good deals. The office team welcome you all year round and offers discovery circuits in the Petite Camargue and beyond. You'll find the agenda of local events (festivals, votive festivals, craft markets...) as well as activity ideas for all tastes.
• SoTourism: this online guide dedicates a full article to Carnon, listing beaches, water activities, marina, markets, and local festivals. An inspiring resource for finding original excursions in the surroundings (walks in Montpellier, exploration of salt flats, etc.) and preparing your stay on the Mediterranean coast in the best way.

Iconic Places of Carnon

Despite its human-scale size, Carnon presents some iconic places that make up its identity and are worth a visit.

The Marina

A true lung of the resort, the port of Carnon is an essential site both for its central role and its charm. Developed in the 1970s as part of the tourist development of the coast, it features a modern checkerboard plan but has managed to retain a soul thanks to some heritage touches. With its 800 floating berths spread along well-equipped quays, the port welcomes pleasure boats, small yachts, and old fishing boats. It is lively all year round, with Sunday strollers mingling with departing sailors. It is around the port that the tourist life of Carnon revolves: you will find the harbor master's office, the tourist office, and many restaurants and ice cream shops. At the entrance to the port, the pier accessible to the public allows you to move forward facing the sea – guaranteed panorama over the Bay of Aiguelongue and the Gulf of Lion. In the evening, the place takes on a postcard look when the streetlights reflect in the calm water of the dock. The port of Carnon is somewhat the beating heart of the resort, where you stroll, dine, and embark on a sea trip (boat trips offer coastal walks or offshore fishing trips in summer). Between modernity and tradition, this human-sized marina exudes a warm atmosphere that instantly charms visitors.

The Cabins of Carnon

A symbol of a bygone past, the cabins of Carnon tell the original story of this place before the tourist boom. Well-hidden from the eyes of vacationers, these old fishermen's cabins are located a little back, on the side of Pérols and the inner ponds. In days gone by, long before the creation of the port and seafront buildings, Carnon was just a modest "cabaniers village" living off fishing and bird hunting in the marshes. Some of these wooden and reed constructions still exist, testifying to a traditional lifestyle oriented towards the lagoon. They are not easy to find for the uninitiated, as they are scattered along the grau or camouflaged behind vegetation, but the tourist office can indicate their location if the subject interests you. By venturing there (on foot or by mountain bike), you will feel like taking a step back in time: boats half pulled onto the bank, fishing nets drying in the sun, and this silence barely disturbed by the song of birds. The cabins of Carnon offer a striking contrast with the modern seaside resort that Carnon-Plage has become. This discreet heritage, outside the usual tourist circuits, is dear to the hearts of the locals. Every year in September, a festival even celebrates the memory of these cabins and their former inhabitants. For travelers seeking authenticity, discovering these cabins is a highlight that reminds us that Carnon, before being a vacation spot, was a humble and laborious lagoon port. A more secret facet of the resort, but just as emblematic of its identity between sea and ponds.

The Best Municipal Beaches of Carnon

In addition to its refined private clubs, Carnon offers several municipal beaches to freely enjoy the joys of the Mediterranean. Suitable for sunbathing and family swimming, they each stand out for their setting and amenities.

Plage du Petit Travers

This is the wild beach par excellence of the region. At the border between Carnon (municipality of Mauguio) and La Grande-Motte, the beach of Petit Travers reveals a landscape of golden dunes undulating in the wind and a stretch of fine sand that stretches as far as the eye can see. Here, no seafront construction: nature reigns supreme, giving the place an almost exotic atmosphere, far from any urbanization. You access the beach via various marked paths through the protected dune cordon – please respect these paths to preserve the fragile dune flora. Once on the shore, you are struck by the purity of the scenery: azure blue sea, lush dunes, vast sky... a sense of freedom takes over you. Swimming is supervised in summer on part of Petit Travers (towards access 80), and Tiralo amphibious chairs are available for people with reduced mobility. Despite its large size, this beach can be very crowded in high season – understandably, it's one of the most beautiful on the coast! Parking is limited in the immediate vicinity, so it's not uncommon to see motorists circling for a spot in July-August. A smart solution is to take the beach shuttle or bike to get there without stress. But once settled on your towel, you will fully enjoy this little coastal paradise where time seems suspended. Petit Travers in the early morning or evening even offers magical moments of absolute calm. Undoubtedly, this beach is among the must-sees of Carnon and the surroundings for lovers of nature and vast maritime spaces.

Plage du Centre

Located between the port of Carnon and the beach of Avranche, the Plage du Centre (also known as Carnon-Centre) is the meeting place for families and fans of convivial swimming. More developed, it offers a wide range of services that make life easier for swimmers: nearby parking (towards Grassion-Cibrand Avenue), central lifeguard station, public showers and toilets at the main entrances. Its stretch of sand is punctuated by small rocky breakwaters that break up the shoreline and reduce the swell, creating calmer swimming areas ideal for children. At the western end, towards the port, a beach volleyball court and a playground have been installed, adding a touch of sports animation to the whole. You can see groups of friends challenging each other with the ball while others practice fishing from the shore on the adjacent breakwater. Just opposite, on the esplanade, free access fitness equipment even allows for some exercises with a sea view. The Plage du Centre also has the advantage of being accessible to all: access ramps for strollers, amphibious chairs available at the lifeguard station, etc. In summer, it is supervised by lifeguards who ensure the safety of swimmers. Bordered by a few residences and shops, this beach benefits from a lively atmosphere but remains clean and pleasant – the municipality ensures it. After swimming, don't hesitate to cross the road to enjoy a crepe or waffle in one of the beach huts/snacks near the beach. Friendly and welcoming, the Plage du Centre is the perfect place for a successful family beach day in Carnon.

Plage des Roquilles (Carnon Ouest)

At the edge of Palavas-les-Flots, on the west side of Carnon, stretches the vast Plage des Roquilles. This is the first beach area encountered when arriving from Montpellier, just after the municipal boundary, and it offers an interesting compromise between nature and amenities. Long and wide, this golden sandy beach is bordered on its right by the Carnon port breakwater and on its left by the Palavas nautical base. It owes its name to the rocky groynes (roquilles) that partially protect it from erosion and form a cove. The atmosphere is relaxed and rather local. Families come to plant their parasol for the day, or friends come to play beach volleyball on the upper wide part of the beach. Surfcasting enthusiasts particularly appreciate this place: the rock breakwater allows sea-side fishing, offering good catches in the evening. Swimming, on the other hand, is supervised in summer by a nearby lifeguard station, ensuring safety and peace of mind for swimmers. Logistically, this beach has the advantage of having free parking right in front (along Samuel Bassaget Street) – a real plus for easy access to the sand without much walking. Nearby, a few beach huts and restaurants (mostly in Palavas) allow for refreshments or lunch with feet in the water. The Plage des Roquilles is thus a choice option for those who want a spacious, easily accessible, and pleasant spot while staying close to the activities of Carnon and Palavas. Special mention for the view from this beach: you can see in the distance the Phare de Palavas and the amusement park rides in summer, adding to the family atmosphere.

How to Get Around Carnon

Carnon is an easily accessible and human-scale resort. Whether by car, public transport, or even bike, discover the different ways to get there and move around easily.

By Car

Carnon-Plage is located about 10 km east of Montpellier only, making it a very close destination to the metropolis. Coming from the A9 motorway, take the Montpellier-East exit (n°29) and then follow the direction Carnon/Mauguio: a four-lane road leads you directly to the resort in about ten minutes. The resort being midway between Palavas and La Grande-Motte, it can also be accessed by the coastal D62 road (known as Route des Plages) either from Palavas-les-Flots to the west or from La Grande-Motte to the east. In both cases, the coastal journey offers lovely views of the étangs and the sea. In high season, expect heavy traffic during peak hours (especially on weekends) on these roads. Once in Carnon, several free or paid parking lots are available: near the port, along Grassion-Cibrand Avenue, or towards Petit Travers (often full early in the morning in summer). Traffic in Carnon itself is smooth and all amenities are accessible within a few minutes. If you are staying on-site, the car may quickly become unnecessary: the resort can be easily explored on foot or by bicycle, as it is compact. Note that Carnon does not have electric car charging stations on the seafront, but they are found nearby (Mauguio or shopping center on the road to Carnon).

By Public Transport

>It is entirely possible to come to Carnon by public transport from Montpellier, without a car. The most direct solution in summer is the beach shuttle: from June to early September, the line 633 Hérault Transport connects the Montpellier tramway terminus "Pérols – Étang de l'Or" (line 3) to the Grand Travers beach via Carnon. Concretely, take tram 3 to its southern terminus (Pérols) then hop on the dedicated bus shuttle – in 10 minutes you are in Carnon (Mairie Annexe or Carnon Centre stop) and it continues to the Grand Travers beaches. Outside the summer season, or for more flexibility, you can take the bus line 606 (formerly line 106) of the liO Hérault network which connects the Tramway station "Place de France" (line 1 in Montpellier) to Carnon, La Grande-Motte, and Aigues-Mortes. This regular line runs all year and serves Carnon in ~30 minutes from Montpellier. Moreover, the local Transp'Or network offers line 4 from Pérols station (Tram 3) to the center of Carnon, also convenient outside summer. Once arrived in Carnon by bus, you will be able to move around easily on foot. In Montpellier, during the summer, parking being difficult in the city, it may be wise to choose this tram+bus option to go to the beach. The cost of a combined ticket remains modest (a few euros) and saves you the troubles of traffic. Finally, note that the nearest SNCF station is Montpellier Sud de France (at ~8 km) or Montpellier-Saint-Roch (~15 km), from which you will need to take a tram and then a bus as described above. In short, even without a car, Carnon is accessible and well connected to neighboring municipalities thanks to these public transport solutions.

By Bike

Soft mobility enthusiasts will be delighted to know that you can also reach Carnon by bike thanks to cycle facilities. A continuous bike path exists along the lido between La Grande-Motte and Carnon-Plage, using the old causeway: it is a secure and flat route, offering a very pleasant coastal ride of about 9 km. This section is part of the ViaRhôna (a great cycling route from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean) – needless to say, the scenery is worth seeing, between glittering sea and ponds populated with flamingos. Departing from Palavas-les-Flots as well, there are cycle lanes that follow the beaches' road and allow joining Carnon by following the Rhône à Sète canal and then the seafront. The Montpellier-Carnon bike ride (about 15 km) is doable for the more athletic, via Lattes then Pérols, although partly on shared roads. Once on site, getting around by bicycle in Carnon is ideal: the resort is flat and relatively small. You can easily cycle from one beach to another or to the town center's shops. Bicycle parking racks are placed near the port and main beach accesses. And if the round trip tires you, know that it is allowed to board your bike on the tram (during off-peak hours) or on some coastal buses to return. In short, biking is both a practical, ecological, and pleasant way to discover Carnon and its surroundings, especially in good weather when the coastline reveals all its colors.