Private beaches Le Grau-du-Roi

With its authentic charm, the seaside resort of Le Grau-du-Roi nestled in the Camargue invites you to escape to the Mediterranean. Stroll along the canal lined with colorful trawlers and soak up the languid atmosphere of this fishing village turned into a popular destination. Here, 18 km of fine sandy beaches stretch out under the setting sun, between wild dunes and lively beach bars. The salty scent of the sea, the cries of seagulls, and the silhouette of flamingos in the distance create a paradisiacal setting. Welcome to Le Grau-du-Roi, where relaxation, nature, and the art of living come together perfectly.

Discover the best private beaches in Le Grau-du-Roi

Looking for luxury and relaxation? Le Grau-du-Roi is home to several exceptional private beaches.

Playa Miramar

Located on the seafront on the left bank, Playa Miramar welcomes you to a chic and relaxed atmosphere. This family-friendly private beach charms with its convivial bar offering creative cocktails and refreshments with your feet in the sand facing the Big Blue. On the restaurant side, the menu combines gourmet finger food and Mediterranean dishes made from fresh local produce to delight even the most demanding palates. After lunch, comfortably settle on a sunbed or a Balinese bed provided on the golden sand. Children can enjoy a dedicated space with activities and group games, allowing parents to relax in complete serenity. Playa Miramar thus offers the ideal combo: gastronomy, relaxation on private beach mattresses, and leisure for young and old alike.

Bamboo Beach

On the right bank, Bamboo Beach transports you to an exotic setting inspired by Bali. This beach hut with a change of scenery spreads its Indonesian decoration on the beach, made of woodwork, palm umbrellas, and comfortable private beds. Here, relaxation and lounging are the watchwords: you laze to the soothing sound of the waves under the Mediterranean sun. The service is attentive, whether on the sun loungers by the sea or on the shaded terrace of the restaurant. On the menu, generous Mediterranean cuisine highlighting fresh products and colorful flavors. And when evening falls, Bamboo Beach comes alive with theme nights, live concerts, and wild clubbing sessions – an opportunity to prolong the pleasure with a cocktail at sunset and create memorable memories.

La Baie du Roi

A true royal beach club, La Baie du Roi stands out among the most refined addresses in Le Grau-du-Roi. Located on the right bank beach, this high-end beach hut combines a warm atmosphere with Mediterranean elegance. Its gourmet restaurant offers a culinary discovery around fresh seafood and local products – a refined delight to savor by the sea. Generous and authentic, the service reflects the local spirit while offering luxury services. On the adjoining private beach, you can rent a soft double sunbed for two, ideal for a relaxing time as a couple. La Baie du Roi also stands out with its large tapas bar area, perfect for enjoying convivial appetizers inspired by Spain around fruity cocktails. Here, everything is designed to satisfy lovers of sun, good food, and refined festive atmospheres.

• Other iconic beaches: L’Estuaire (an artistic beach hut near the Seaquarium, renowned for its seafood cuisine and fine wine cellar), La Réserve (calm and authentic atmosphere a stone’s throw from the promenade, ideal for a cocktail at sunset), Côté Mer (intimate experience with Balinese decor, comfortable sunbeds, and pedal boats for fun), Le M’ Plage (chic private beach of the 4★ hotel Les Bains de Camargue, combining relaxation on the sand and gourmet dining).

So, ready to book your sunbed on one of Le Grau-du-Roi's private beaches? To do so, it’s easy, choose your favorite private beach on MySunbed and make your reservation in just a few clicks!

Discover the best private beaches near Le Grau-du-Roi

The surroundings of Le Grau-du-Roi are also full of idyllic private beaches to vary the pleasures.

La Voile Bleue – La Grande-Motte

A few minutes from Le Grau-du-Roi, the neighboring resort of La Grande-Motte is home to the legendary Voile Bleue. Located on the Grand Travers beach, this trendy beach club is renowned along the entire coast for its chic and festive atmosphere worthy of the French Riviera. Design sunbeds, king-size beds on the sand, and immaculate parasols make up its elegant setting. The beachfront restaurant serves fusion cuisine mixing local specialties and exotic inspirations, perfect for a refined lunch with your feet in the water. In the afternoon, relax facing the translucent waters of the Mediterranean, a cocktail in hand. In the evening, La Voile Bleue transforms and hosts DJs and lounge parties, making this place a must for those who want to enjoy the magic of summer nights by the beach.

Farniente Plage – Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

In the heart of the wild Camargue, about 40 km east, the mythical Farniente Plage in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is worth a visit. This private beach lives up to its name: here, the art of doing nothing is celebrated in a bohemian chic setting. Sunbeds and comfortable mattresses are arranged facing the sea in a preserved setting, surrounded by dunes and reeds. The beach restaurant offers delicious regional cuisine and freshly caught seafood, to be enjoyed in the shade of a driftwood pergola. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with attentive service typical of the Camargue. Whether for a day of absolute relaxation under the Camargue sun or to admire a blazing sunset over the sea, Farniente Plage offers a paradisiacal seaside experience near Le Grau-du-Roi.

What to do in Le Grau-du-Roi?

Beyond the beaches, Le Grau-du-Roi offers many activities and leisure for all tastes.

Visit the Seaquarium

A must for families, the Seaquarium in Le Grau-du-Roi is a vast marine aquarium home to more than 200 Mediterranean and tropical species. On 2,500 m² of educational spaces, discover spectacular tanks inhabited by sharks, sea turtles, rays, and a multitude of colorful fish. The adjacent Sea Museum offers fun exhibitions, while the Sharkarium impresses young and old with its glazed tunnels surrounded by sharks. Interactive animations and commented feedings punctuate the visit to learn all about marine fauna. An ideal outing to amaze children and raise awareness about ocean protection.

Explore Espiguette Beach

A true natural gem, Espiguette Beach is an excursion in itself. Located at the southern tip of Le Grau-du-Roi, this wild beach classified as a Grand Site of France unfolds 10 km of white and fine sand dunes, evoking Saharan landscapes by the sea. You can walk for hours, observe the living dunes shaped by the wind, and enjoy a sea bath away from the crowd. The more adventurous can climb to the Espiguette lighthouse, a historical sentinel planted in the middle of the dunes for over 150 years, recently opened to visitors. At sunset, Espiguette offers a magical show with golden colors on the sand and the infinite horizon of the Mediterranean – a timeless moment to capture.

Stroll around Port Camargue

Just next to the center of Le Grau-du-Roi stretches Port Camargue, the largest marina in Europe. A walk along its quays is a must to admire hundreds of moored sailboats and yachts in this “garden port” designed in the 1970s. Stroll along the basins surrounded by green spaces and marina residences, each with its private quay – a unique spectacle for sailing enthusiasts. The harbor master's office and its surroundings house fish restaurants, ice cream parlors, and shops, perfect for a gourmet break with a view of the boats. In summer, the port comes alive in the evening with craft markets and water illuminations. Whether you are a sailor at heart or just curious, Port Camargue offers an immersion in the Mediterranean way of life, between nautical elegance and relaxed ambiance.

Go on a Camargue safari

The hinterland of Le Grau-du-Roi is the Petite Camargue with its preserved nature. Go on a 4x4 safari or a guided excursion through marshes and sansouïres to discover exceptional biodiversity. Just a few minutes from the resort, providers offer wildlife observation tours: white horses galloping freely, iconic black bulls, and of course, flamingos, often visible in the lagoons at sunrise and sunset. The guide will share anecdotes about Camargue traditions, rice cultivation, and the life of manadiers (bull breeders). These exotic getaways, usually in small groups, will plunge you into the heart of unique wild landscapes in France. An authentic adventure for nature and photography lovers.

Indulge in water sports

Le Grau-du-Roi is an ideal playground for water sports enthusiasts. Thanks to the Mediterranean and the surrounding ponds, you can practice a multitude of water sports. Windy days are perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing, especially on the Espiguette side where large spaces are dedicated to towed glides. Several schools offer initiations and courses, for a safe start. If you prefer a milder activity, opt for paddleboarding or sea kayaking along the coast, to paddle at your own pace while admiring the coast from the open sea. Speed enthusiasts can rent a jet ski at the port to ride the waves. Finally, sea fishing enthusiasts will also find happiness with boat trips organized from the fishing port. At Le Grau-du-Roi, every desire for nautical escape finds its happiness, from sunrise to sunset.

Need more ideas for activities in Le Grau-du-Roi?

To complete your program, here are two useful resources full of information and good plans about Le Grau-du-Roi:

• Le Grau-du-Roi Tourist Office: The official site to organize your stay (festivities agenda, good addresses, practical advice).
• Generation Voyage – Le Grau-du-Roi Guide: A comprehensive online guide listing places of interest, must-do activities, and tips for visiting the region.

Iconic places in Le Grau-du-Roi

Several key places in Le Grau-du-Roi testify to its history and maritime identity.

The Espiguette Lighthouse

An emblematic symbol of Le Grau-du-Roi, the Espiguette lighthouse stands in the middle of the dunes, away from the city. Commissioned in 1869, this isolated lighthouse has guided generations of sailors with its powerful light watching over the Camargue coast. Standing 27 meters high, it now offers an unusual visit: you can explore the former keepers' quarters, then climb (when open to the public) to the top to enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the sea, the surrounding sand desert, and even, in good weather, as far as the Pyrenees. Lost in the vastness of wild landscapes, the Espiguette lighthouse tells the local maritime history and provides a true journey through time for heritage lovers.

The Old Lighthouse of Le Grau-du-Roi

In the heart of the city center, at the mouth of the canal, stands the old lighthouse of Le Grau-du-Roi. Built in 1828, this small 19 m high lighthouse once guided boats entering the Grau before being supplanted by its big brother from Espiguette. Classified as a historical monument, it has recently been restored and enhanced. Today, it houses the Maison du Tourisme in the Villa Parry just at its foot, while retaining its proud white and ochre appearance. Easily accessible during a walk on the quays, the old lighthouse is the historic guardian of the fishing port. It is a place full of sailors' stories, offering undeniable charm to the urban panorama. In summer, its surroundings often host cultural events or guided tours retracing the history of Le Grau-du-Roi and its “sea sentinels.”

The Fishing Port and the Canal

The true living heart of Le Grau-du-Roi, the fishing port, and the canal connecting the sea to the inner ponds are a must-see. Every morning, the ballet of trawlers returning from fishing animates the channel: you can witness the arrival of boats overflowing with fish and the improvised auction on the quays. Along the canal, the South and North quays invite you to stroll, lined with old colorful boats, nets drying in the sun, and café terraces. The swing bridge of Le Grau-du-Roi, which opens to let masts pass, is a little show in itself for visitors. In the evening, the port lights up with a warm atmosphere: seafood restaurants and ice cream parlors bring the quays to life, while the coming and going of pleasure boats continues. Between authenticity and animation, the old port of Le Grau-du-Roi embodies the maritime soul of the city and offers a picturesque postcard setting.

The best municipal beaches of Le Grau-du-Roi

In addition to private establishments, Le Grau-du-Roi offers beautiful public and free beaches where you can enjoy the Mediterranean sun.

Espiguette Beach

Inseparable from Le Grau-du-Roi, Espiguette Beach is undoubtedly the most emblematic of the municipal beaches. Its endless expanse of blond sand and high dunes make it a unique place in France. Here, no buildings on the horizon: nature reigns supreme, offering a total change of scenery. Although a bit far from the center (accessible by car or bike), Espiguette attracts lovers of wide-open spaces, kitesurfers enjoying the wind, and families looking for tranquility. Equipped parking lots and some rescue stations are present, but remember to bring water and an umbrella for a comfortable day. Lying on this paradisiacal beach facing the Mediterranean feels like absolute freedom in the middle of a postcard landscape.

Boucanet Beach

At the western end of the resort, Boucanet Beach stretches over about 3 km along a pleasant pine forest. Family-friendly and large, it is appreciated for its natural environment and its calmer atmosphere in high season. The sand is fine, bordered by a few low dunes and protected vegetated areas. The sea is shallow in the first meters, which delights children who can paddle safely. Behind the beach, a pedestrian and bike path allows you to follow the coastline and reach neighboring beaches. From Boucanet, you can see the pyramids of La Grande-Motte in the distance, and in the evening, admire a beautiful sunset behind the coast. With its parking lots and nearby picnic areas, it is the ideal municipal beach for a relaxing family day close to the center of Le Grau-du-Roi.

Left Bank Beach (City Center)

Left Bank Beach is the main beach in the city center, located immediately west of the canal. About 500 meters long, it is easily accessible and very popular with families and vacationers staying in the village. This urban beach is well equipped: you will find showers, rescue stations in summer, and the possibility to rent umbrellas and sunbeds from beach operators. The sand is soft, and the gentle slope of the bathing area ensures calm and shallow water, perfect for children. Just behind, the pedestrian promenade is lined with shops, ice cream parlors, and restaurants with a sea view. You can alternate between swimming, sunbathing, and a gourmet break in just a few steps. Very friendly and lively in summer, Left Bank Beach offers all the comfort of a city beach, with the added charm of the old Le Grau-du-Roi nearby.

Right Bank Beach

On the east side of the canal, Right Bank Beach stretches from the port entrance to the outskirts of Port Camargue. Locally also known as “la plagette,” it constitutes a beautiful expanse of fine sand of about 500 meters, in the extension of Boucanet on the other side of the channel. More sheltered and a bit away from the commercial heart, the Right Bank has a slightly calmer atmosphere. A promenade runs along the beach, punctuated by a few residences and private beach huts, but large areas remain public. Its playground for children and beach volleyball court add fun activities in addition to swimming. The view from Right Bank Beach embraces the open sea and the jetty of Le Grau-du-Roi, with the lighthouse in the background. Easily accessible (nearby parking lots, shuttle stop in summer), clean, and monitored in season, this municipal beach will satisfy those looking for an equally pleasant alternative to the central beach, with a touch more calmness.

How to get around in Le Grau-du-Roi

Several means of transport are available to you to come to Le Grau-du-Roi and get around easily.

By car

Getting to Le Grau-du-Roi by car is very easy thanks to the region's road network. The resort is about twenty minutes from the Gallargues exit of the A9 motorway (La Languedocienne). Upon arrival, you will find several public parking lots on the outskirts of the city center and near the beaches (paid in summer). It is advisable to park and then walk around the village, especially in high season when the small streets of Le Grau-du-Roi can be lively and sometimes crowded. Having a car is convenient for exploring the surroundings (Aigues-Mortes, the inner Camargue, or neighboring resorts), but once there, everything is within reach. Be sure to respect the regulated parking areas and anticipate traffic during the big summer crossovers.

By train

Le Grau-du-Roi is one of the few coastal resorts in the Gard served directly by train. A TER line connects Nîmes to Le Grau-du-Roi several times a day, with a stop at Aigues-Mortes station. This small regional train nicknamed the “little train of Grau” allows you to arrive in the center, without parking worries. The journey from Nîmes takes about 50 minutes and offers beautiful panoramas of the ponds and the Petite Camargue. Once you get off at the Le Grau-du-Roi terminus station, you are just a stone's throw from the canal and pedestrian streets. The train is therefore a practical and exotic option to come and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea. Be sure to check schedules (more frequent in summer) and book your SNCF tickets in advance during busy weekends.

By bus

The regional bus network also allows you to travel to or from Le Grau-du-Roi. Road connections link the resort to neighboring towns: for example, a bus line serves La Grande-Motte and Montpellier, while another connects Aigues-Mortes and Saint-Laurent-d’Aigouze. In the summer season, special shuttles may be set up to tourist sites (shuttle to Espiguette Beach from the city center, for example). Buses are an economical and air-conditioned solution for getting around, especially since some routes offer a beautiful view of Camargue landscapes. Inquire at the Tourist Office or with companies (Edgard or liO for Occitania) about lines, stops, and frequencies. On site, Le Grau-du-Roi being a small town, there is no dedicated urban bus, but distances are short.

By bike

Biking is undoubtedly the most pleasant and ecological way to get around Le Grau-du-Roi and its surroundings. The town offers numerous bike paths and greenways, making bicycle travel safe and enjoyable. You can easily follow the coastline on two wheels: a bike path connects Le Grau-du-Roi to La Grande-Motte via Boucanet Beach, offering a panoramic ride between dunes and sea. To the east, you can pedal to Espiguette for an unforgettable nature excursion. Along the canal and towards Aigues-Mortes, a greenway allows you to reach the medieval city in just a half-hour bike ride. In town, many bike and pedal car (fun quadricycles) rentals are available for tourists. Enjoying Le Grau-du-Roi by bike means appreciating the resort at your own pace while combining gentle sports and discovering the surrounding nature.

On foot

Le Grau-du-Roi, being a human-sized locality, is entirely feasible and even recommended to explore on foot to savor the ambiance. The city center, with its maze of alleys around the fishing port, is easily walked. You can go from the fish market to souvenir shops, then reach the beach in a few minutes. On either side of the canal, the promenades run along the Left and Right Bank beaches, ideal for a morning or digestive walk by the water. In addition, several marked hiking trails allow exploring the natural surroundings: for example, the coastal path towards Espiguette or the trails around the Marette ponds. Do not hesitate to wear comfortable sandals and explore Le Grau-du-Roi on foot – it is the best way not to miss its hidden treasures and unique atmosphere.