Where the Languedoc meets the Mediterranean Sea you will find a paradise for lovers of beach holidays.  From just south of Montpellier all the way down to Cerbière on the Côte Vermeille you will find kilometre after kilometre of sandy beaches.  And in this region you are spoilt by the range of inland attractions to add variety to your holiday (see elsewhere in this website).

It’s tough to pick the best resorts, it depends on what you are looking for.  We recommend three here:

Argèles-sur-Mer

Description: Argelès has one of the best beaches on the Languedoc coast stretching for more than 7km. There is a recently constructed marina at Port-Argelès with a wide choice of restaurants. We love the pretty views of the mountains due south as you’re relaxing on the beach; it’s a lovely area.

Location: On the N114 20km south of Perpignan heading for the Spanish border.

General Info: Tourist office web: www.argeles-sur-mer.com.

Our recommendations: The Chateau Royal is an imposing fortress overlooking the harbour and is well worth a visit.  For a change of scenery you could head to the mountains along the D115 where you will find many picturesque villages. It’s possible to swim in the rock pools at Amélie-les-Bains.

For the children:  As well as the beach, there are a number of theme parks in the area including the Luna Park fairground where you will find go karts, mini golf as well as a range of other child oriented entertainment.  Or try the Petit Train Jaune, or Aqualand.

Cap d’Agde

Description: Everything you could want for a seaside holiday on the Mediterranean, including 14 km of undeveloped sandy beaches, stretching east of the Cap past Marseillan Plage to Sète.

Location: On the N112 around 20km east of Béziers.

General Info: www.capdagde.com.

Our recommendations:  There is a pleasant boat trip from the harbour up the estuary to the older and more refined town of Agde.  The best beaches are on the west of the harbour entrance whilst on the east side there is a huge naturist resort (don’t wander that way if you’re not inclined to go for the full monty – you will be stopped!).  If you’re in the area on August the 25th, take a trip up the coast to Sète for the annual water jousting tournament.

For the children:  The aquarium is worth a visit, also there are a number of theme parks in the area including the Luna Park fairground where you will find go karts, mini golf as well as a range of other child oriented entertainment.  Or try the Petit Train Jaune, or Aqualand.

Collioure

Description: The Catalan fishing village of Collioure is arguably the prettiest resort on the Côte Vermeille with a delightful little harbour and a superb old town with a maze of streets to investigate. There are four small pebble beaches in lovely coves which tend to get crowded in high season. The fabulous lighting and picturesque setting drew many artists to the village (including Picasso and Matisse) and still does so to this very day.

Location:  On the N114 25km south of Perpignan heading for the Spanish border.

General Info: Office du tourisme official site, official town site.

Our recommendations: The town has many restaurants overlooking the harbour, so lunch here is a real treat!

For the children: You may prefer to go to Argèles-sur-Mer as here there are mile after mile of sandy beaches.

External websites offering information on the Languedoc:

  • Languedoc – this is an absolutely brilliant website offering loads of information on this region of France.
  • Corbieres Country – useful tourist information on the region in the extreme south east of France.
  • Cathar Country  – website on the Pays Cathar.