Main attractions along the Mediterranean coast

The Mediterranean coast extends from the eastern Pyrenees to the Italian border.With its sunny climate and rich cultural heritage bequeathed by the Greeks and Romans, the Mediterranean has a varied appeal. The region boasts a whole host of magnificent sites which have made it so famous – wild creeks, shady calanques with turquoise water, fine sandy beaches and pebble coves. The way of life and beautiful landscapes have made this coast one of the most popular regions in France!

A short tour of our Mediterranean resorts!

Leucate, the capital of kite-surfing

Nestling at the foot of Mont Canigou, the resort of Leucate is full of character. Whether you’re a kite-surfing enthusiast, nature-lover or fan of good food and wine, there’s something here for everyone! With more than 15 sites and 10 kite-surfing schools, Leucate is recognised as one of the 10 best sites in the world to learn and practise kite-surfing.

Welcome to the Camargue in Le Grau du Roi!

Le Grau du Roiis both an strong>authentic fishing village and a modern resort which is home to the largest marina in Europe with around 5,000 moorings. On the unspoilt Espiguette beach, you can go horse riding, try your hand at kite-surfing or enjoy jet-skiing, windsurfing and sailing – just a few of the many leisure activities available here. And don’t miss the Seaquarium where you’ll be able to admire 25 different species of shark! With 300 days of sunshine a year, the Camargue is renowned for its bulls which graze under the watchful eye of cowboys on white horses, as well as for its pink flamingos and numerous migratory birds which live in the marshland here. Just a few miles away, visit the historic city of Aigues-Mortes, once the departure point for Crusaders from all over Europe en route to Jerusalem.

Cap d'Agde – a crossroads of freshwater and seawater on the Mediterranean coast

Just a few miles from Béziers Cap d’Agde airport, Cap d’Agde lies in a verdant setting where the Canal du Midi and Hérault river meet the Mediterranean sea. Bird enthusiasts will be in their element at the Réserve Naturelle du Bagnas and families will enjoy exploring the underwater trail and numerous leisure activities on offer at the 11 beaches of this “Famille Plus” resort. And if you’re a history buff, then you’ve come to the right place – the town of Agde boasts 2,600 years of history! Take a guided tour through its narrow streets and learn all about the fascinating past of its museums and monuments. In the surrounding region, Pézenas, a “Town of Art and History”, and its vineyards, plus the fortified medieval town of Carcassonne are well worth a visit.

La Grande-Motte – the gateway to the Camargue

Situated near Montpellier and Nîmes, the seaside town of La Grande-Motte built 40 years ago on deserted sand dunes is now considered to be a major work of architecture. Today the town comprises 70% of green spaces which make it ideal for cycling and walking, while its fine sandy beaches provide a safe playground for children and also offer a wide choice of activities and things to do. Jet-setters will also appreciate the relaxed, trendy ambience of the private beaches. Come and enjoy a round of golf at the course designed by the American architect Robert Trent or spoil yourself with a well-being treatment at the thalassotherapy centre.Just a few miles east, in the Rhône delta, the Camargue awaits – a veritable paradise of pink flamingos, bulls and wild horses!

A trip to Six Fours les Plages in southern Provence...

Six Fours les Plages is a Provençal village situated between the sea and the forest. At Cap Sicié, explore the unspoilt forest by following paths especially designed for cyclists, walkers and horse-riders and admire typical Mediterranean trees such as Aleppo pines and cork oaks. A nautical resort, Six Fours les Plages offers a whole range of activities throughout the year, such as scuba diving, sea kayaking, fun-boarding, kite-surfing and Stand-Up paddling. Head to the Embiez archipelago, where you’ll be bowled over by the breathtaking scenery. Nearby, wine-lovers can enjoy a visit to Bandol and its wine estates which produce this red wine which is full of character, as well as to the small fishing village of Sanary-sur-Mer, whose small narrow streets are lined with charming shops.

...and to Hyères-Les-Palmiers

Hyères is renowned for its varied landscapes, seascapes and underwater scenery, as well as for its mild climate. The Iles d’Or (Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Le Levant), a huge lake, 100km of coastline where fine sandy beaches alternate with cliffs and unspoilt creeks, 4 “Jardins Remarquables” (remarkable gardens)and numerous historic monuments offer a whole host of sporting and cultural activities, as well as the perfect setting in which to rest and relax.

Legendary Saint-Tropez

Renowned across the globe,Saint-Tropezhas legendary status thanks to its popularity with stars and celebrities. But you’d be wrong to think of Saint-Tropez as nothing more than a VIP destination, as it’s also a lively village inhabited by colourful and authentic characters which give it a unique ambience at any time of year. Head to the Provençal market which takes place every Tuesday and Saturday and enjoy a chat with the locals. Find out how Saint-Tropez inspired great painters such as Signac and Matisse by visiting the Musée de l’Annonciade, which traces the development of painting from Neo-Impressionism to Fauvism. Of course Saint-Tropez is renowned for its parties and boutiques but you’ll see that the resort has plenty of other attractions too! And in the surrounding area, don’t miss the lake town of Port-Grimaud,sometimes referred to as the “little Venice of France” thanks to its construction on former marshland in 1967.

The gentle Provençal way of life in Sainte-Maxime

Overlooking the Bay of Saint-Tropez, Sainte-Maxime is an elegant family resort which offers its visitors a wide range of leisure activities and entertainment. For those looking for sun and sea, the resort’s fine sandy beaches have been awarded a quality label and have a whole host of water sports on offer. And what could be more pleasant than a walk around the charming port or a gentle stroll through the narrow streets of the old town? Pop into the covered market to discover the many colourful Provençal specialities on sale here, including olive oil, wine from Provence and magnificent Provençal fabrics. Head out to the Massif des Maures hills, either on foot or by bike, and listen to the evocative sound of the cicadas, or take a 15min boat ride to Saint-Tropez for a glamorous shopping trip!

Menton on the Italian border

A town of gardens and citrus orchards, Mentonoffers spectacular views from the sea. These stunning landscapes where the mountains meet the Mediterranean have a real feeling of tranquil beauty and are ideal for hiking, mountain biking, river hiking, canyoning and white-water rafting, all of which can be enjoyed by all the family. And if you’re looking for cultural sights, don’t miss the Musée Jean Cocteau!