Port Camargue: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
France is known for its typical way of life, the "savoir-vivre." The country also has a lot to offer in terms of landscapes: Camargue in the south of France impresses with its miles of sandy beaches, the famous white horses, and picturesque fishing villages. Discover the largest leisure port in Europe, Port-Camargue, in Le Grau-du-Roi.
Table of contents
Port Camargue - Must-see attractions
Espiguette Beach
The beach is located at the vast dune massif Pointe de l'Espiguette between Le Grau-du-Roi and Port Camargue. It is surrounded by a wide dune area that boasts towering dunes, the finest sand, and the wild beauty of the Camargue. At the naturally beautiful beach with golden sand and turquoise water, you will find not only peace and seclusion but also sun loungers, kiosks, or pedal boat rentals. The beach offers a varied getaway especially for divers, kayakers, wind and kite surfers, as well as riders.
Port-Camargue Marina
The marina of Port Camargue is a true paradise for sailors in the French region of Languedoc Roussillon. Those who live in the marina have their own mooring available. This unique concept excites both land and water enthusiasts. The unique concept of the marina of Port Camargue allows residents to have their own boat right in front of their doorstep. Each water spot is a public harbor area and therefore cannot be sold, but can certainly be rented.
Seaquarium
In the Seaquarium, you can get up close to cute seals and sea lions during your vacation and watch the animals being fed. There are also small sea turtles to discover here, among other things, and much to learn about the life of the animals. A highlight is the large aquariums where rays, sharks, and impressive giant groupers live. Visitors can also watch the feeding here. An educational aspect of the exhibition focuses on the problem of ocean pollution by increasing amounts of plastic.
Ponant Lagoon
It is particularly popular to take a walk or bike ride around the Étang du Ponant. Rare water birds can be spotted and the refreshing air of the lagoon can be inhaled. On the west shore of the lake, there is even a bathing club. Most visitors are drawn to the west shore of the Étang du Ponant. There you will find a golf course, swimming opportunities, and restaurants with typical cuisine from the Camargue region. The artificial lake in southern France is about 2.8 km2 in size.
South Beach of Port Camargue
The coastal section Plage Sud in the south of France is located in the municipality of Le Grau-du-Roi, which is the only one with sea access. The South Beach delights with its fine sandy golden beach, where you can relax or be active with the whole family. The beach, monitored by lifeguards, is ideal for swimming and building sandcastles. It is also popular with wind and kite surfers due to its good wind conditions. In the Port Camargue, just under 4 kilometers away, you can enjoy the end of the day in an idyllic southern French atmosphere.
Golden Lagoon
The Camargue nature reserve is famous for its rich wetlands like the Étang de l’Or between Montpellier, La Grande-Motte, and Port Camargue. Nature enthusiasts are drawn here to observe kingfishers, coots, or herons, as well as wild boars, deer, badgers, and foxes. The Étang de l’Or is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a narrow coastal strip. This offers beautiful beaches for relaxation and sports. In the lagoon near Port Camargue, breathtaking nature discoveries can be made during sustainable excursions.
Port Camargue - Secret spots
Historical estate and Camargue horses: Mas de la Cure
By car or bicycle, you can reach Mas de la Cure (Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer), 36 km from Port Camargue. This is the right place if you want to learn more about the world-famous Camargue horses and observe the enchanting animals in their natural habitat. A reservation is required to visit the historic estate.
Le Ponant Peninsula
North of Port Camargue, the water-rich area of the Le Ponant peninsula adjoins. You reach the peninsula via a small bridge, where bicycles and cars are prohibited. A circular path takes you through the almost untouched nature. Around the Étang du Ponant lake, you can observe numerous birds.
Flamingo observation at the Étang du Grec
With the Étang du Grec, you discover a paradise for water birds like the graceful little egret 25 km west of Port Camargue. Particularly impressive are the countless flamingos, whose pink plumage stands out against the blue water of the shallow lagoon. On a hike around the biotope, you experience the unique nature of the Camargue.
Wine enjoyment at the Domaine du Petit Chaumont
For a wine tasting around Port Camargue, drive just 10 km north. There, at the Domaine du Petit Chaumont, you will discover an idyllic winery. At the vineyard, enjoy a tasting of the local sand wines (Vin de Sable). Sea salt and marine aromas give the grapes their typical flavor.
Port Camargue - In 3 days
Day 1
Port Camargue, a district of Grau-du-Roi, is located directly on the French Mediterranean coast. The elegant coastal town is known for its large marina, where several thousand sailboats are anchored. A stroll along the harbor is therefore a must on the first day of vacation and immediately evokes a Mediterranean holiday atmosphere. From the harbor, it is only a few steps to the sea. Port Camargue delights with a spacious and wide sandy beach that has its charm in every season. Take the first summer swim in the sea or let the stress of everyday life fall away during an autumn beach walk with the whole family. The beach is also the perfect place to watch the elegant sailboats entering the marina or heading out to sea. In the evening, the beach is the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the west-facing Mediterranean.
Day 2
Plan a trip to the diverse Camargue on day 2. It is a vast alluvial plain that extends far inland in the Rhône delta in the coastal area near Port Camargue. Its wild and romantic character makes it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and an oasis of tranquility away from the bustling coastal town. The Parc naturel régional de Camargue is a central starting point for relaxed walks along saltwater lagoons and reed areas. Thanks to the great variety of water birds, it is a fantastic destination for bird watching, not only for experienced ornithologists. With a bit of luck, you may encounter the cute pink flamingos on your way, which have long become the animal symbol of the park. The Camargue is also known for its horses of the same name. A horseback ride through this special natural landscape with the white horses is an unforgettable experience.
Day 3
The third day in Port Camargue is all about lots of family fun. Things get exciting with a visit to the Seaquarium du Grau-du-Roi. In huge aquariums, you can observe fascinating marine life from the Mediterranean and the world's oceans up close. The numerous sharks, in particular, are a highlight and are sure to impress not only young guests. In the warm season, a sporty break at the beach follows. Try your hand at exciting water sports like stand-up paddling, snorkeling, or kitesurfing. For those who prefer it quieter, build one of the most beautiful and largest sandcastles in all of Port Camargue with the whole family. In the evening, the fun continues at Amigoland. This is a summer amusement park with various rides, which has the special feature of opening only later in the evening. It is a fantastic destination to end the Mediterranean summer evening with the whole family and lots of good cheer.