Private beaches Leucate

In the heart of the south of France, between the Mediterranean and lagoons, Leucate offers an idyllic setting for unforgettable holidays. This seaside resort in Occitania charms with its sandy beaches bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, its preserved nature, and its authenticity. Between the typical village with its sunny streets, the lively port, and the white cliff dominating the coast, Leucate exudes a friendly and refreshing atmosphere. Whether you're seeking relaxation on a deckchair facing crystal-clear water or thrills in the sea breeze, Leucate caters to all desires under the Mediterranean sun.

Discover the Best Private Beaches of Leucate

The commune of Leucate boasts several quality beach clubs where relaxed luxury and festive ambiance await you. On these private beaches, equipped with soft sun loungers and parasols, you enjoy high-end services by the sea. Each establishment has its unique atmosphere – from the trendiest to the most intimate – and allows you to savor the beach in comfort. Here is our selection of the best private beaches in Leucate, from the most iconic to the most convivial private beach, for all tastes and budgets.

Biquet Plage

Biquet Plage is a true institution at Leucate-Plage. This atypical beach club seduces with its bohemian chic decor made of vintage furniture, art objects, and a unique relaxed atmosphere. You can enjoy local products – fresh fish, oysters from the nearby basin, grilled lobsters – creatively prepared in a friendly atmosphere. During the day, soak up the sun on the mattresses arranged on the sand facing the sea. In the evening, the place transforms and regularly hosts lively and festive evenings (theme dinners, DJ sets) that extend the magic after the sunset. Between a gourmet beach restaurant and a trendy lounge bar, Biquet Plage offers an unmissable experience for those who want to mix relaxation and trendy atmosphere.

Club de plage Le Dix Vins

Located in Port-Leucate facing the famous pier, the club de plage Le Dix Vins combines seaside relaxation and family spirit. This large beach hut offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine, with excellent tapas and fish specialties that will delight your taste buds. At lunchtime or dinner, sit down to enjoy refined dishes (grilled octopus is a favorite) while admiring the sea view. Le Dix Vins also stands out for its activities: paddle rentals, swimming lessons for the youngest, and even a kids' club with trampolines and games during the day. Comfortably settled on a sun lounger or a deckchair on the sand, enjoy attentive service and a warm atmosphere. Ideal for a day with family or friends, this beach club combines beach pleasure, good food, and water sports in an idyllic setting.

Henri à la plage

For a more intimate break, Henri à la plage is the perfect romantic address in Port-Leucate. Nestled in a still wild natural setting, this private beach with a friendly name offers a peaceful and elegant atmosphere. Couples particularly appreciate its cozy ambiance: sun loungers arranged with feet in the water, dim lighting in the evening, and attentive service. On the restaurant side, Henri à la plage offers refined cuisine with local flavors – enjoy delicious tapas and a renowned grilled octopus – all at affordable prices for the quality offered. With a cocktail in hand, comfortably nestled on the sand facing the sea, let yourself be enchanted by the marine panorama. The charm works instantly in this small coastal paradise, perfect for a timeless moment or a romantic dinner on the beach.

Other Iconic Beaches of Leucate

• - Le Poulpe: this beach club in Leucate-Plage, nicknamed "a love of beach," charms with its relaxing atmosphere. Lounge on large Fatboy cushions and shaded sun loungers, facing an azure blue sea. Ideal for a nap or a lunch with feet in the sand, Le Poulpe offers a relaxed and family-friendly setting.
• - Baobab: located in Port-Leucate, Baobab exudes a tropical ambiance conducive to relaxation. Hammocks hung between sky and sand, colorful poufs, and comfortable mattresses set the tone. Sip a refreshing mojito or share exotic tapas in an exotic decor reminiscent of the islands, with the gentle sound of the waves in the background.
• - Maïvy’s: this beach restaurant in Port-Leucate offers a gourmet and relaxing experience. Open for lunch and dinner, Maïvy’s allows you to rent a sun lounger for the day and enjoy a friendly lounge area. On the menu: tapas, cocktails, and Mediterranean dishes to savor with feet in the sand, all in a modern setting with background music in summer.

So, ready to book your sun lounger on one of Leucate's private beaches? It's simple, choose your favorite private beach on MySunbed and make your reservation in just a few clicks!

Discover the Best Private Beaches Near Leucate

The surroundings of Leucate also abound with beautiful private beaches where you can extend your sunny getaway. A few kilometers away, other seaside resorts along the Catalan and Aude coast offer their paradise beaches equipped and their friendly beach clubs. To vary the pleasures, here are two beaches to discover near Leucate, each with its character and unique attractions, which will delight sea bathers and sunbathers.

Plage du Lydia (Le Barcarès)

At Barcarès, just south of Leucate, the plage du Lydia is an iconic place dominated by the silhouette of a shipwrecked liner in the sand. The Lydia, a former 1930s ship, sits on the beach and now houses a museum and cultural events, giving the site an unusual allure. Around this unique setting stretch vast blond sandy beaches where several private beaches welcome visitors. For example, enjoy the Sky Club or the Baobab Beach Barcarès version, offering sun loungers, parasols, and dining with breathtaking views of the Lydia and the Mediterranean. In the evening, the ship's deck sometimes transforms into a rooftop for memorable themed evenings. Between retro ambiance and modern comfort of the beach clubs, the plage du Lydia at Barcarès promises an atypical seaside getaway just a stone's throw from Leucate.

Plage des Chalets (Gruissan)

Northeast of Leucate, the plage des Chalets in Gruissan is another mythical place on the coast. Made famous by the film 37°2 le matin, this long sandy beach is distinguished by its charming wooden stilt chalets aligned facing the sea. Here, the atmosphere is both retro and bohemian: stroll on the walkways between the colorful cabins before reaching the seafront. Several beach huts and restaurants have settled here, offering typical Mediterranean cuisine and sun lounger rentals for the day. You can sit at Papas Beach or Camping Les Chalets to enjoy seafood with a glass of local wine, then bask in the sun. At the end of the day, plage des Chalets is renowned for its magnificent sunsets blazing the sky behind the cabins – a spectacle not to be missed. More than just a beach, it is a friendly and picturesque place worth a visit during your stay near Leucate.

What to Do in Leucate

Beyond seaside pleasure, Leucate offers a multitude of activities and leisure to enhance your stay. Whether you're sporty, epicurean, or a nature lover, the resort offers something to satisfy all curiosities. Here are some activity ideas to do in Leucate to discover all the facets of this destination between the sea and ponds.

Learn Water Sports

Leucate is a real paradise for lovers of water sports. Cradled by the Tramontane more than 300 days a year, the resort offers ideal conditions for learning or improving in kitesurfing, windsurfing, or sailing. The plage des Coussoules, in La Franqui, is notably renowned as one of the best spots in Europe for windsurfing and kite thanks to its regular wind and vast shallow water area. Each year at the end of April, Leucate hosts the famous Mondial du Vent, an international competition that brings together the world's elite of kitesurfing and speed sailing – a breathtaking spectacle for spectators. Numerous gliding schools and clubs (such as Windsurf Park or F-One Kite School) offer courses and initiation classes for all ages. Whether it's riding the waves in windsurfing at La Franqui or flying in kitesurfing on the Leucate pond, thrills are guaranteed in this world-renowned gliding spot.

Taste Local Oysters

It's impossible to stay in Leucate without tasting the oysters that are the pride of the region. Leucate is indeed home to an important oyster village on the banks of the Leucate pond, where about thirty huts operated by oyster farmers offer authentic tastings. At the Etang de Leucate, head to the oyster center (also called Leucate Village des Ostréiculteurs) to taste freshly harvested oysters, plump and iodized to perfection. In a convivial atmosphere, sit facing the lagoon and savor these sea treasures accompanied by a glass of local white wine (Leucate and Fitou wines pair perfectly). Establishments like Chez Cul d’Oursin or Aux Huîtres n°3 offer trays of oysters, mussels, and other shellfish, often at very affordable prices. It's an opportunity for a gourmet and authentic break, for example at sunset, with a view of the pond and the flamingos that populate the area. An unmissable experience for epicureans wishing to discover the local gastronomic richness.

Hike on the Leucate Cliff

Nature lovers will be delighted by the panoramic walks offered by the Leucate Cliff. Overlooking the Mediterranean, this limestone plateau dominates Leucate-Plage and La Franqui and is an ideal playground for hiking and mountain biking. Four marked hiking trails cross the site, among them the sentier du Guetteur or the sentier du Berger, offering breathtaking views. By taking these paths, you'll cross a Mediterranean scrubland rich in scents of thyme and rosemary, pass through vineyards, and discover natural belvederes on the coast. The sentier du Gouffre de l’Œil-Doux, for example, leads to an impressive marine sinkhole with emerald waters hidden in the cliff. Another route leads to the remains of the old Leucate Castle and the orientation table that reveals a grand panorama stretching from the Corbières massif to Mount Canigou on a clear day. Whether at dawn to enjoy the calm, or in the late afternoon when the rock takes on golden hues, a hike on the Leucate Cliff is a refreshing activity that allows you to discover the wild beauty of the peninsula.

Have Fun at the Casino

For your evenings, Leucate also offers lively leisure, notably its gaming establishment. The Circus Casino de Port-Leucate opens its doors facing the harbor quays to try your luck or simply have a good time. In a modern setting, this casino offers a wide range of slot machines, roulette, and blackjack or poker tables for players. Regularly organized themed evenings, as well as animations and shows, especially in summer. Even without being a big player, the place is worth a visit for its cozy atmosphere and its bar-restaurant with a terrace, ideal for having a drink while enjoying the nightlife of the marina. Nearby, the resort offers other entertainments such as the summer funfair, the Myster Park amusement park (for children and teens, with escape game and rides), or open-air concerts. Whether at the casino or in the seaside bars, your nights in Leucate can be just as enjoyable as your days on the beach.

Need More Ideas for Activities in Leucate

Want even more discoveries around Leucate? To explore all the nooks and crannies of the resort and its surroundings, don't hesitate to consult the resources below:

• - Leucate Tourist Office: the official site is full of practical information, outing ideas, events, and good tips for organizing your stay in Leucate (accommodations, restaurants, water activities, etc.).
• - Les Pépites de France: this travel blog offers a comprehensive guide to Leucate's must-sees. You'll find a detailed description of the best spots (beaches, village, pond, etc.) and tips to fully enjoy each experience the region offers.

Iconic Places of Leucate

Leucate is not just its beaches: the commune also boasts a rich natural and historical heritage. Some places tell the history of Leucate or offer exceptional panoramas of the surroundings. Here is a selection of iconic sites not to be missed during your visit to Leucate.

Phare du Cap Leucate

Perched 35 meters atop the cliff, the Phare du Cap Leucate is a strong symbol of the town. Built in 1950, this white lighthouse watches over sailors and offers a spectacular view of the coast. It can be reached by a small road or a pleasant hiking trail through the plateau. Once you reach the lighthouse, your gaze stretches far: on one side the Mediterranean extends as far as the eye can see with deep blue waters, on the other you can see the Leucate pond and the Corbières. On a clear day, you can even spot the Pyrenees and Mount Canigou to the south. A viewpoint near the lighthouse allows you to contemplate this grand panorama, especially at sunrise or sunset for unforgettable photographic moments. The site is conducive to meditation as the scenery is grand and peaceful. Nearby, there is also the Dagnaux pilot's stele and an orientation table recounting the geography of the area. A detour to Cap Leucate and its lighthouse is a breath of fresh air and a 360° panorama of the wonders of Leucate.

Château de Leucate

Perched on the heights of the village, the remains of the Château de Leucate recall the rich historical past of the city. Built in the 16th century, this fortified castle was a strategic point during the Wars of Religion. Today only a few ruins of the enclosure and towers remain, but the developed site allows you to delve into local history. An educational path on-site explains the sieges the fortress experienced, notably the one in 1590 where Françoise de Cezelli, a Leucate heroine, took command of the castle's defense in her husband's absence and repelled the attackers. Moreover, below the ruins, a statue honors this courageous female figure who is the pride of the inhabitants. Beyond the historical aspect, the Château de Leucate offers a beautiful view of the village below, the red-tiled roofs, and the sea on the horizon. It's a pleasant walk at the end of the day when the old stones take on a pink hue under the setting sun. Between legend, history, and panorama, the castle site is an emblematic place to understand the soul of Leucate.

The Leucate Pond and the Oyster Village

A vast 5,400-hectare lagoon shared with the neighboring commune of Salses, the Etang de Leucate is another key site in the region. Classified as a Natura 2000 site, this shallow water lagoon is home to remarkable biodiversity: flamingos, grey herons, and many migratory birds find refuge there, while its banks host typical brackish flora. For the locals, the pond is mainly synonymous with traditions and gastronomy thanks to oyster farming. On the northern shore of the pond lies the oyster village of Leucate: about forty colorful huts lined up along the water where oyster farmers raise, harvest, and market the famous Leucate oysters. The place, authentic and lively, has become an attraction in itself. You can stroll there to observe the producers' work, buy oysters retail, or settle on a terrace for a convivial tasting. Besides oysters, the Etang de Leucate offers nature activities: kayaking or paddleboarding along the shores to observe the fauna up close, or simply walking and biking on the paths bordering the water. At sunset, the golden reflections on the pond and the view of the distant Corbières create a postcard landscape. Combining gourmet discovery and preserved nature, that's the charm of the Etang de Leucate, an emblematic place to explore at leisure.

The Best Municipal Beaches of Leucate

In addition to its equipped private beaches, Leucate boasts magnificent municipal beaches accessible to everyone for free. Wild stretches of sand or supervised family beaches, these public shores have nothing to envy to managed beaches and delight swimmers seeking authenticity. Here's an overview of the most beautiful municipal beaches of Leucate where to lay your towel.

Plage des Coussoules (La Franqui)

It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches on the Aude coast. Stretching 8 km between Leucate and La Franqui, the plage des Coussoules is a ribbon of blond sand bordered by dunes and pines. Particularly preserved, it offers an exceptional natural setting: on one side the Mediterranean with often turquoise waters, on the other the Leucate cliff as a backdrop and, further, the ponds. Very wide, this beach breathes freedom – there is always room even in summer. Families appreciate its supervised areas in season on the La Franqui side, and sports enthusiasts love its regular wind perfect for kitesurfing and sand yachting (a zone is dedicated to towed gliding activities further north). Coussoules is also the stage of the Mondial du Vent each year. If you're looking for a piece of paradise beach to sunbathe in peace, walk a few hundred meters to isolate yourself and enjoy: here, no concrete construction on the horizon, just nature and the sound of the wind. Note that free parking is available at the entrance to La Franqui and that you can also access the beach via the chemin du Goulet. Wild and grand, the plage des Coussoules is an absolute must in Leucate.

La Plagette (Leucate-Plage)

Nestled at the foot of the Leucate cliff, La Plagette lives up to its name: it is a small cove of fine sand, intimate and full of charm. Nestled between two rocky outcrops, this beach is a true haven of peace with clear water. Its fish-rich seabed makes it a popular spot for snorkeling – with just a mask and snorkel, you can observe wrasses, breams, and other rock dwellers. Access to La Plagette is a bit deserved: you have to take a steep path and stairs to descend from the corniche (plan for suitable shoes). But once at the bottom, the setting is worth the effort. Sheltered from the Tramontane by the cliff, the cove offers generally calm sea, ideal for swimming. It is not supervised or equipped, which contributes to its wild side. Remember to bring your parasol and water. Very popular in high season, La Plagette sees its small space quickly occupied in the middle of the day – it's best to come early in the morning to enjoy its almost tropical ambiance. Between its crystal-clear waters and the panorama of the white cliffs from the sea, La Plagette is a hidden gem of Leucate to discover absolutely if you love intimate coves.

Plage de Port Leucate

In the heart of the resort, the large beach of Port Leucate stretches for several kilometers south of the marina. It is the main and most lively beach of the commune, much appreciated by families and comfort seekers. Bordered by a pedestrian seafront promenade and numerous holiday residences, it offers all the necessary amenities: lifeguard posts and surveillance in summer, showers and toilets, access for people with reduced mobility, and a multitude of shops and snacks in the immediate vicinity. Its sand is fine, and the gentle slope ensures safe swimming for the youngest. In summer, the beach of Port Leucate lives to the rhythm of beach volleyball tournaments, outdoor aquagym classes, and children's games. Several beach clubs and nautical bases offer sun lounger rentals, jet-ski initiation, or towed buoy rides. Along this beach, you will also find some nice beach huts like Le Ponton Beach or Le Kyklades where you can sip a drink facing the sea. At the end of the day, the walk along the seafront to the wooden pontoon extending into the water is a must to admire the view of the entire bay. Easily accessible and dynamic, the beach of Port Leucate is the ideal place to combine relaxation and seaside animation.

How to Get Around Leucate

A human-sized seaside resort, Leucate is easily accessible and offers several modes of transport to get there or move around effortlessly. Whether by car, train, or bike, you will have no difficulty reaching the different areas (village, port, beaches) and exploring the surroundings.

By Car

The car is a convenient way to come and get around Leucate, especially if you want to explore the surroundings. The commune is served by the A9 motorway (La Catalane): take exit n°40 “Leucate – Le Barcarès” which is about 5 km from the center. From Paris, it takes about 7h30 of driving, 1h30 from Montpellier, and less than an hour from Perpignan. Once there, several free parking lots are available for visitors, notably near the beaches (La Franqui parking, parking along Port-Leucate, etc.). In high season, there may be crowds on weekends, but overall parking in Leucate remains easy and free in most areas. The car will also allow you to discover nearby sites (Sigean African Reserve, Fontfroide Abbey, etc.) in complete freedom.

By Train

Leucate has its own SNCF station: the Leucate-La Franqui station. Located on the Narbonne–Port-Bou line, it is served by frequent TER Occitanie trains. There are about ten round trips per day between Leucate-La Franqui and Narbonne (north) or Perpignan (south), with connections for TGV trains. The journey from Narbonne takes about 20 minutes, and only 15 minutes from Perpignan, making Leucate very accessible by rail. From Paris, there are direct TGVs to Narbonne in about 4h30, then a TER connection. Once you arrive at Leucate station, located near La Franqui, you can reach Leucate-Village or Port-Leucate by bus shuttles (see below) or taxi. Note that the station is about 5 km from the village, so it might be useful to plan for transport for the last kilometers if your accommodation is on the other side of the commune.

By Plane

If you are coming from afar, the plane can be a solution to approach Leucate quickly. The nearest airport is Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport (located 25 km away, about 30 minutes by road). It offers regular flights from Paris, Brussels, London, and other European cities, especially in summer. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to Perpignan then the train to Leucate. Alternatively, the airports of Béziers (1h drive) and Montpellier (1h30) also offer connections, as well as Carcassonne Airport (1h20). Once in Occitania, the car or the train will be necessary to complete your journey to Leucate. Despite the absence of an immediate airport, the destination remains well connected by air via these regional platforms.

By Bus

The Grand Narbonne bus network facilitates car-free travel around Leucate. The regular Citibus 15 line connects Narbonne to Leucate via Sigean and serves the various Leucate districts: La Franqui, Leucate-Village, Leucate-Plage, naturist villages, and Port-Leucate. The fare is modest (about €1.20 per trip), and the buses run several times a day. In summer, additional shuttles – sometimes called “Beach Bus” – are set up to facilitate access to the beaches from campsites and neighboring villages. Inquire at the Tourist Office for updated schedules. Traveling by bus in Leucate allows for economical and ecological travel while avoiding parking hassles.

By Bike

Leucate is also suitable for cycling. The commune has developed numerous bike paths and greenways connecting its main points of interest. It is quite possible, for example, to travel between the 5 entities of Leucate (La Franqui, Leucate-Village, Leucate-Plage, naturist villages, Port-Leucate) by bicycle while enjoying beautiful views along the way. A cycling route runs along the coast and the pond, allowing for beautiful car-free rides. Additionally, several bike and rosalie (four-wheeled bike) rental shops are located in Port-Leucate and La Franqui if you don't have your own bicycle. Biking in Leucate is a real pleasure: the terrain is relatively flat, and the landscape is varied between beaches, ports, and ponds. It's an excellent way to discover the resort from another angle while combining gentle mobility and sporting leisure.