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Carnon-Plage is a seaside gem of the Occitan coast, blending Mediterranean charm with a relaxed chic atmosphere. Historically favored by the Montpellier elite in the 19th century, this resort has since opened to everyone without losing its charm. Between golden dunes and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, Carnon stretches 7 km of fine sandy beach halfway between Palavas-les-Flots and La Grande-Motte. Its lively marina, nestled between the Étang de l'Or and the sea, is filled with sailboats and yachts reflecting the southern sun. Here, seaside relaxation rhymes with discreet luxury and comfort – soft sunbeds, white parasols, and lounge terraces invite you to the dolce vita style of the French Riviera. By day, enjoy lounging and water sports; by night, savor a cocktail with your feet in the sand, admiring the pink sunset on the horizon. A friendly atmosphere, glamorous touches, and exceptional marine panorama make Carnon an elegant and exotic destination for an unforgettable getaway.
Intimate or festive, family-friendly or trendy – Carnon offers a selection of exceptional private beaches to enjoy the sea in peace, with attentive service, comfortable mattresses, and a paradise-like ambiance.
Tiky Beach is the trendy new beach club in Carnon, focused on sports, relaxation, and family friendliness. On its fine sand, this private beach offers a unique mix of entertainment and comfort: on one side, a relaxation area with sunbed and Balinese bed rentals, outdoor massages, and parasols; on the other, a large playground for children (Club Mickey) with sandcastle contests and supervised activities. Water sports enthusiasts also find their happiness here – pedal boats, paddles, kayaks, and water bikes are available for rent to enhance the day. The atmosphere is joyful and dynamic while remaining chic: you can practice yoga at sunrise or sip a fresh smoothie in the shade of a beach hut. Ideal for families seeking entertainment and relaxation, Tiky Beach charms with its "new generation" spirit where well-being and leisure combine by the sea.
Also known as La Paillote Sauvage, this eco-friendly private beach is a little preserved paradise. Set in the heart of a wild site classified as Natura 2000, La Plage Sauvage welcomes you into a natural setting of dunes and coastal vegetation. Here, everything is designed with respect for the environment: the sunbeds are made from recycled fabrics and the artisanal wooden furniture blends into the landscape. The atmosphere is meant to be family-friendly and authentic – you are welcomed with a smile for a day dedicated to chic simplicity. In terms of flavors, the beach restaurant offers light cuisine that highlights local and seasonal products. Enjoy a fresh salad or tapas with local flavors, comfortably seated on your lounge chair facing the sea. The absence of loud music gives the place an appreciable serenity: you listen to the gentle roll of the waves and the cry of the seagulls. This "new wave" beach hut – formerly known as Le Mistral – has managed to maintain a bohemian soul while offering the quality service expected from a private beach. Between ecological commitment, warm hospitality, and postcard decor, La Plage Sauvage is a favorite address for recharging close to nature.
La Plagette lives up to its name: intimate and peaceful, this bohemian-spirited private beach is a haven of peace favored by locals seeking authenticity. Located on the sand of Petit Travers (access n°70), it offers an exceptional natural setting and an almost family-like friendly atmosphere. You can relax on soft mattresses placed a good distance from each other, ensuring a sense of space and tranquility. A beautiful shaded terrace allows for lunch facing the sea, sheltered from the midday sun. Eco-friendly, La Plagette is entirely energy-independent thanks to its solar panels; it has dry toilets and only uses recyclable packaging – an exemplary commitment to preserving this coastal corner. The attentive team contributes to the warm atmosphere of the place. In terms of leisure, the beach even offers paddle rentals to learn the joys of gliding on the Great Blue. Lying on a sunbed at La Plagette is like tasting a moment of paradise out of time, between sky and sea. A pleasant plus: the rates are reasonable for the region, with, for example, a day sunbed around €16, making it an unbeatable value for a private beach without compromising on setting and comfort.
Set on the beach of Grand Travers (access n°76), La Petite Pampa is an unusual and elegant address, perfect for sunbathing purists in peace. The peculiarity of this private beach: it has chosen simplicity by not offering a restaurant on site – a unique concept in the region. Here, everything revolves around the pleasure of the beach and the sun. You come to rent a mattress or a bed for the day and relax in complete serenity, lulled by the sound of the waves. Still, a beach bar is present to sip creative cocktails and enjoy light snacks (fresh salads, sliced fruit, ice cream) between sea baths. La Petite Pampa focuses on a lounge and uncluttered atmosphere: driftwood sunbeds, white canvas parasols, and bohemian chic-style vegetation decor. Open from 10 am to 6 pm in season, this unpretentious beach hut is the meeting place for high-end relaxation enthusiasts. The absence of full catering is compensated by the proximity of other establishments in Grand Travers if a gourmet craving arises – but many choose to chic picnic on their towel, to extend the slow life atmosphere. If you are looking for the luxury of simplicity – a sandy beach, clear water, a comfortable sunbed – La Petite Pampa will fulfill your escape desires discreetly.
Besides its private beaches, Carnon also has magnificent public beaches that are must-visits:
Around Carnon, other renowned private beaches in the Montpellier region await you, each offering a unique atmosphere while extending the Côte d'Azur experience in the Occitan version.
Located on the Grand Travers beach in La Grande-Motte, a few minutes from Carnon, La Voile Bleue is an iconic beach hut on the Hérault coast. Run by the same family for over 25 years, it is the summer meeting place for the region's golden youth in a chic and festive atmosphere. The immaculate decor – despite its name – blends Balinese beds, teak sunbeds, and elegant parasols over 800 m² of fine sand. You can chill under the beneficial shade of white canvases and palm trees, lulled by lounge music during the day. At noon, the seaside restaurant serves refined Mediterranean cuisine highlighting fresh and seasonal products: fish tartares, gourmet salads, creative dishes with southern accents, artistically presented. But it's in the evening that La Voile Bleue reveals its full splendor. As soon as night falls, the lounge bar comes alive with wild DJ sets and acrobatic bartenders concocting prestigious cocktails before the amazed guests. Gourmet tapas to share, sparkling champagne, and an improvised dance floor on the sand... The atmosphere rises a notch while remaining elegant. Frequented by vacationers and locals looking for glamorous "feet in the water" evenings, La Voile Bleue offers a clever mix of high-end relaxation by day and trendy partying by night – all with the impeccable service of a luxury private beach.
On the west side of Carnon, on the long wild beach of Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone, shines Carré Mer – the famous beach hut of the Pourcel brothers, well-known starred chefs among gastronomes. This beach establishment brilliantly combines a family atmosphere with a contemporary spirit. Set in a large driftwood hut placed feet in the water, Carré Mer features a sleek style all in white and wood, enhanced with colorful and plant touches for a tropical feel. During the day, the place invites tranquility: enjoy serene mornings lounging on comfortable beds or paddle in azure water. In the evening, the beach hut reveals its festive side with a "crazy nights" atmosphere to live music or DJ, without ever losing its chic and authentic character. Carré Mer's DNA is, of course, its refined seaside gastronomy. At lunch or dinner, enjoy summer recipes concocted by Jacques & Laurent Pourcel and executed by chef Francis Navarre: light and sunny cuisine, combining ultra-fresh seafood, market vegetables, and southern flavors. Grilled fish, tangy ceviches, marinated meats, and fruity desserts are on the menu, all served in chic tableware on immaculate tablecloths despite the relaxed spirit. The welcome is attentive, the atmosphere joyful and "wildly authentic" – it really feels like being received by friends to share a privileged moment facing the sea. Whether for an afternoon of relaxation on a sunbed or a gourmet dinner under the stars, Carré Mer promises an unforgettable experience in an exceptional natural setting (between pond, vineyards, and sea). A true beach lifestyle, high-end and relaxed version.
On the right bank of Palavas-les-Flots, about ten kilometers west of Carnon, Les Pieds dans l’O offers a seaside experience combining simplicity and efficiency, highly prized by Montpelliérains. This private beach restaurant lives up to its name: here, everything happens with your feet in the water, or rather in the sand, with the sea as a panorama. The establishment has a large free parking lot right in front, a rare asset that greatly facilitates access for its customers. In terms of atmosphere, Les Pieds dans l’O focuses on conviviality and a mix of pleasures: during the day, the atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxed – sunbathe on lounge chairs, take a dip in the big blue, kids enjoy ice cream between two sandcastles. In the late afternoon, the bar prepares excellent mojitos and other tropical cocktails to enjoy facing the setting sun. In the evening, the seaside restaurant attracts a clientele coming as much for the breathtaking view as for its original fusion cuisine: the menu takes your taste buds on a journey, from Peruvian ceviche to Asian tapas, while celebrating Mediterranean products. Moreover, the chef likes to define her cuisine as a blend of southern, Latin, and Asian flavors – enough to pleasantly surprise in a seaside resort. Open 7 days a week from mid-April to late September, from 9 am to midnight, Les Pieds dans l’O sometimes transforms into a festive place after dinner, with Latin music and themed evenings, while maintaining its accessible spirit. With its complete service (sunbeds, parasol, catering, glacier) and its friendly atmosphere, this beach hut embodies the perfect spot for an escape to Palavas: relaxed but neat, lively without being frantic. An excellent option to vary pleasures while staying close to Carnon.
Much more than just a "sunbathing" destination, Carnon offers a range of activities to pace your days between swims.
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.
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.
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.
To delve deeper into the discovery of Carnon and its surroundings, here are two useful resources:
Despite its human-scale size, Carnon presents some iconic places that make up its identity and are worth a visit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
>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.
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.
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