Do you dream of beautiful beaches, naps in the sun and swimming in the Mediterranean? You're lucky: the Destination Pays d'Uzès Pont du Gard is only an hour's drive from the sea! Le Grau-du-Roi – Port-Camargue, La Grande-Motte and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer are among the seaside resorts that are quickly accessible from our destination.
Le Grau-du-Roi
Just over an hour from Uzès, Grau-du-Roi constitutes the only access to the Mediterranean in the Gard department. Here, let yourself relax on the soft, fine sand beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see.
The legendary Plage de l'Espiguette is undoubtedly the best known. 10 km long, its natural dunes are often used as a backdrop for films or photo shoots. What’s special about this beach? It is entirely wild and natural, untouched by any human construction! You are here in the heart of a sensitive and protected natural environment, which is home to typical fauna and flora. Would you be tempted by a horseback ride on the beach?
Many other activities are possible at Grau-du-Roi: water sports, sea trips, bike rides, discovery of the Port-Camargue marina which is the largest marina in Europe, visit to the Seaquarium... And many more 'others !
Do you know the meaning of the term “grau”? In Occitan, this means a “passage”: in fact, the Grau-du-Roi was formed from the 13th century on an opening between the sea and a pond of marine origin.
Did you know?
According to legend, the canton of Aigues-Mortes (to which Grau-du-Roi belonged) was ceded in 1790 to Gard by Hérault in order to guarantee it access to the sea. In return, Gard ceded to 'Hérault the canton of Ganges, gateway to the Cévennes. This would explain the very pointed and particular shape of the Gard!
La Grande-Motte
A Hérault neighbor of Grau-du-Roi, La Grande-Motte is known for its avant-garde architecture, designed by Jean Balladur. You will inevitably be impressed by its tall pyramid-shaped buildings, considered true works of art! The city has also joined the Grands Sites Occitanie label and is the only city in France to be labeled “Heritage of the 20th century”.
And when it comes to beaches, you're served: you have the choice between the beaches of Couchant, Point Zéro or the city center... Or even the wilder beach of Grand Travers! In addition to swimming, water activities are possible. Also enjoy a nice stroll along the seafront and discover the city's many shops: boutiques, restaurants, ice cream parlors... Markets also take place regularly.
La Grande-Motte is also an eco-responsible destination focused on sustainable development! The city was built to limit car travel as much as possible thanks to the development of cycle paths and entirely pedestrian areas. Much emphasis is placed on preserving the marine environment with the establishment of a reacclimatization center for injured turtles (which can be visited). And the city doesn't stop at protecting marine fauna and flora: an apiary has also been created on the Ponant peninsula to accommodate bees!
Les saintes-maries-de-la-mer
Not far from the town of Arles, the picturesque village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer gives you access to superb beaches.
And the appeal of the capital of the Camargue does not stop at its access to the sea: Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is full of history! According to legend, they welcomed the saints Marie-Jacobé, Marie-Salomé and Marie-Madeleine, Christians fleeing Palestine accompanied by their servant Sara.
The relics of these saints are preserved in the Church of Notre-Dame de la Mer. The particularity of this church lies in its appearance as a medieval fortress: in fact, it was built in the 12th century to protect the inhabitants from invasions of pirates. It is also in this church that the Gypsies come to celebrate Black Sara, a saint venerated by their community, every year in May.
