Gruissan Plage is probably the best beach close to Narbonne on the Mediterranean coast, South France. Although,  is a close run thing with the nearby beach at Narbonne Plage. Gruissan Plage is a marvellous wide open stretch of flat sand that guarantees you and your family plenty of space, even in the height of summer. This is one of our favourite Languedoc beaches.

All the beaches around Narbonne on the Mediterranean coast are quite similar. They are characterised by wide open, flat expanses of golden sand. The large beach at Gruissan ensures that you have plenty of space, even in the height of summer. 

Gruissan Plage gets my vote ahead of Narbonne Plage because the town behind it is a far nicer place to walk around when you're looking for a break from the sun. Also, Gruissan Plage has the extra kudos of being the setting for the French film, Betty Blue, a film about two passionate lovers living in a beach hut.

If you get bored of the beach (as I often do after 30 mins), then it is quite nice to wander around all the beach houses at the back of Gruissan Plage. The beach houses are all built up on stilts to protect them from the tides. Apparently, they sell for small fortunes.

The other good thing about Gruissan Plage, is that there is an excellent beach bar called Le Paparazzo. The restaurant has a good menu and you get a lovely elevated view over the beach. It is perfect for lunch or sundowners. I have eaten here a couple of times and I have to say that all the bar staff have been really well trained. I was virtually left open-mouthed when a waitress interrupted our meal to ask us if we wanted another drink. I know that this is fairly standard bar practice in every other country in the World, but this is France! 

You can reserve a table at Le Paparazzo by calling +33 07 88 45 10 00. You can view the menu at: Ppaparazzo Gruissan

Best Languedoc beaches: Gruissan Plage, France

Gruissan Plage, France is located just east of Narbonne. Come off the A9 at the Narbonne exit (junction 37). Take the D168 and D32 all the way to Gruissan. This is a pleasant 10 minute drive. On the outskirts of Gruissan you come to a round about. Go straight over and follow the signs to Gruisssan plage. As an alternative, Narbonne plage is just up the coast. Gruissan Plage is featured in our list of the Top 10 Beaches in Languedoc. See this article for more great Languedoc beaches or visit Discover Gruissan for information on what to do and see in the area.

Gruissan - coastal town South France

The town of Gruissan, France, is situated slightly away from the Mediterranean coast, between the hills of the Clape and the lakes frequented by the pink flamingos. Gruissan was originally a fishing village on a small island surrounded by marshland. The narrow streets of Gruissan village are built around the 13th century castle tower and form a circular pattern (called a Circulade).

In recent years Gruissan, France, has expanded considerably with the development of holiday homes close at Gruissan Plage, a modern yachting marina and holiday apartments built along the palm-lined quays

Gruissan, France, is a small resort with a Casino and the four nightclubs. There is always plenty of night life in the bars and restaurants around the marina, where you can dine while overlooking the yachts and listen to live musicians playing all types of music.

The miles of clean uncrowded beaches at Gruissan Plage, with fine sand, warm seas and safe bathing for children, provides everything you need for a great holiday in the South of France. There is a wide range of water sport activities for all the family and you will also find a range of other activities including horse riding, cycling and an amusement park.

Accommodation near Gruissan Plage, France

If you would like to rent a house close to Gruissan Plage please see the Go Languedoc selection of Narbonne villas.

Domaine de Pradines, holiday home France with private pool Ref: 339

This 120 year old traditional stone farmhouse with private pool is just 30 minutes from the Mediterranean beaches at Gruissan Plage.

The house is set in a peaceful valley, surrounded by vineyards. The farmhouse is close to the bustling Southern French town of Narbonne which has an excellent range of shops and attractions.

This 5 bedroom holiday home in France can sleep 12-13 people and is ideal for 2-3 families on holiday together or a smaller family group.

The holiday home has been lovingly restored in a typical French style (with exposed stone walls and oak beams) but it also features a modern with open living space (over 2,500 square feet).

The house is also well equipped for family entertainment with Wi-Fi, TV, table tennis table, mountain bikes, table football, magnetic darts board and many other games. The large private pool and garden is perfect for sunbathing and also features a BBQ and kids play area.

 More info

Where to next . . . ?

• Read our review on the Best places to visit in South France.
• See our reviews on the Best beach restaurants in South France to visit.
• Planning a trip to the South of France? Check out our Beach houses in South France to rent.

Contact Iain by Email if you have any particular questions you would like to ask about visiting the South of France. If you liked the article then please share it with others using the Twitter and Facebook buttons below. I wish you a wonderful stay in the South of France.