It’s impossible to pass through the south and the beautiful city of Montpellier without discovering its coastline. To help you perfect your tan, we’ve selected the 6 best beaches in Montpellier!
Montpellier, also known as « la surdouée », is regularly ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities. This is hardly surprising, given the city’s sunny climate and exceptional quality of life. Indeed, with its Mediterranean climate and beaches just a few minutes from the city center, it’s the ideal place to live or spend a superb summer vacation.
So if you’re looking to enjoy the beach, swim in the Mediterranean Sea or compete in sandcastle contests, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve selected the 6 best beaches near Montpellier.
1. Pilou beach
Photo credit: Official website –
Town of Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone
Plage du Pilou is definitely one of our favorite beaches! It’s just a twenty-minute drive from Montpellier, in Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it offers a peaceful and splendid setting that’s sure to please. In fact, the beach is untouched by construction, which is quite rare on the coast.
Stretching for several kilometers around Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone, it’s the perfect place for those who want to enjoy wild, natural landscapes. The quality of the water here is superb, so make the most of it and go for a swim!
Editor’s tip: go there at sunset, the scenery is magnificent, and don’t be surprised if you see some bare-assed people, as part of the beach is reserved for naturists!
2. Grand Travers Beach
Photo credit: Shutterstock – goumi
Head for La Grande Motte and its charming Grand Travers beach, just a few kilometers from the center of Montpellier. Stretching over some 3 kilometers of fine sand, it’s one of the most popular beaches for locals and tourists alike.
It’s also the longest of the Grande Motte beaches. Easily accessible from Montpellier, its untamed character lends it a lovely charm. What’s more, it’s one of the only beaches in Montpellier with free parking. If you like to party the night away, this is the place for you!
Indeed, there’s no shortage of atmosphere in the surrounding area. Between restaurants, discos, clubs and straw huts, you’ll never be bored.
3. Petit Travers beach
Photo credit: shutterstock – Picturereflex
Less than a quarter of an hour by car is Montpellier’s nearest beach: Plage du Petit Travers. Located in Mauguio, this ten-kilometer-long beach links Carnon to La Grande Motte. It’s a classic of the Montpellier coastline, thanks to its wild character and unspoilt nature.
With family or friends, you’ll love the small sand dunes, ideal for a great time with the kids! You’ll also love how easy it is to park, because like its big sister Grand Travers, the beach has free parking.
If you fancy a drink or a bite to eat after your stroll along the beach, there are a number of charming straw huts just a few metres away!
4. Palavas-les-Flots
Photo credit: Shutterstock – SanRan
A former fishing village that has become a tourist destination for many families, Palavas immediately conjures up images of vacations. It’s undoubtedly the first thing that comes to mind when you want to swim near Montpellier.
On almost 7 kilometers of beach, you’ll find numerous facilities that will delight families and sports enthusiasts alike. It’s an excellent spot for beach volleyball, windsurfing and kite-surfing!
To the west, you’ll find quieter beaches far from the center of town. For children, the Hôtel de Ville beach is the best equipped, with its many games, beach volleyball, beach soccer and beach tennis courts. To the east, you’ll find beaches close to the city’s main campsites.
5. Espiguette beach
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Picturereflex
The Espiguette beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Montpellier! Classified as a Grand Site de France since 2014, it stretches for several kilometers beyond the town of Le Grau-du-Roi.
With its high dunes stretching as far as the eye can see, it offers a sumptuous backdrop for visitors who come to linger on the beach. After a few kilometers walking along the water’s edge, you’ll find a quiet corner where nature becomes totally wild. Don’t hesitate to visit it – it’s also one of our editors’ favorite beaches!
Ask the locals before you go, as it’s possible to access this beach without paying for parking. Please note that part of this long beach is reserved for naturists – you’ve been warned!
6. Aresquiers beach
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Picturereflex
Located between Vic-La-Gardiole and Frontignan, the Aresquiers beach is about 30 km from the city center. It’s one of Montpellier’s best-known beaches. Indeed, with its bed of shells and pebbles covering part of the sand, this beach is much appreciated by those seeking tranquillity and authenticity.
Isolated, wild and rather quiet, it’s the ideal beach for families! It’s a ten-minute walk from the beach. After your day at the beach, you can take advantage of the nearby restaurants and guinguettes. They’re perfect for enjoying a nice piece of fresh fish!
Please note that part of this beach is also reserved for naturists.
So, which beach have you chosen to enjoy the Montpellier coastline?