Between Port Saint-Louis du Rhône, to the east, and Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, to the west, stretches the all sandy and 73 kilometers long coastline of the Camargue . Constantly remodeled by the swell, the wind and the tides, the beaches of the Camargue are a living and fragile environment.
For the visitor, the Camargue coastline is synonymous with vast expanses, swimming, watersports, long outings on foot, by bike or on horseback. These areas are also fragile environments. Dunes, wetland vegetation and seabeds are at the center of attention of nature protection stakeholders.
Salin-de-Giraud – legendary beaches
The Beauduc beach
The Beauduc beach is something to be earned. Part of Arles, but situated 40 kilometers outside the town, you have to drive all the way to the entry of Salin-de-Giraud, follow the Chemin de la Bélugue and enter the stony road on the sea dike. Your reward is at the end of the road: sand and water as far as the eye can see; some kitesurfers flying in the wind. Beauduc is said to be one of the last wild beaches of France. The site belongs to the Conservatoire du littoral.
All vehicles exceeding 2,10 meters have to stop at the natural parking area at the entry of Beauduc. Wooden walkways lead through the dune to the seafront.
The site is protected and fragile. Thank you for respecting it!
The Piémanson beach
West of the embouchure of the Grand Rhône, this 6 kilometers long beach is sometimes up to 500 meters wide. It is rare to see such a large and long sand spot on the French coast. It is bordered by small dunes and ponds. Camping has been forbidden since 2016 in order to allow the site to regain its natural appearance. It now even seems totally wild. On the left towards the Rhône, the beach becomes naturist. You can access it by passing through Salin-de-Giraud and driving 11 kilometers from the city center. Coming from Port Saint-Louis, take the ferry to Salin-de-Giraud and follow the same way.
Looking for nature after a swim?
The Domaine de la Palissade
Close to the embouchure of the Rhône, the Regional Natural Park manages this site of the Conservatoire du littoral. It is open to the public.
Unlike the rest of the Camargue, the site of the Palissade has not been confined and evolves freely to the liking of the river and the sea. An exception that offers a real mosaic of landscapes.
On foot on observation trails, on horseback or by kayak, the Park and its partners offer visitors an immersive experience in these natural habitats.
Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer : best swimming spots
With 38 kilometers of sand beaches, the most difficult choice will be where to put one’s towel.
Looking for coldness ?
The beach close to the arena and the amphora beach are close to the city center and the marina. Access and swimming is easy. The ideal spot for families.
Looking for space?
Try the Crin Blanc beach west of the harbor. The name of the beach is inspired by a movie which first showed the landscapes of Camargue at the cinema. Generations remember this great story of an incredible friendship between a boy and a wild horse. An ode to freedom, so dear to the people of Camargue.
Looking for nature?
Choose the beach of Clos du Rhône on the westside. It is divided into several coves protected by dikes. On the eastside, in the heart of the nature reserve, explore the wildest areas of the Camargue coast.
Port Saint-Louis du Rhône : best swimming spots
Looking for coldness?
Close to the town center, Olga beach is about 350 meters long. Perfect for families, it also has a small harbor for sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and funboard lovers.
Looking for nature?
Surrounded by dunes, the Napoleon beach is one of the largest beaches of the Camargue : ten kilometers of fine sand to fully enjoy the Méditerranean sea. Leave the town center, pass the lock and follow the route Napoléon. Flamingos, wild ducks, wetlands and reeds will lead the way. In summer, a bus serves the beach and lifeguards watch over the safety of swimmers.
Looking for space?
Carteau beach is a well-known kitesurfing spot with shallow water. Located in the cove of Carteau, a Natura 2000 site, you can practice angling on the banks of the dike that leads to the lighthouse. You can also go sailing with the nautical center or choose other activities proposed.
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The Faraman lighthouse
