Between the Rhône and the Mediterranean, the Camargue hides one of the wildest coastlines in France. From our campsite in the Camargue, in the heart of the Regional Nature Park, halfway between Arles and the sea, you can reach the beach at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in 27 minutes. Supervised family beaches, protected dunes, wide open spaces swept by the wind: here are our favourite beaches and our tips for enjoying them.
Our view
For a family day with no hassle, we head to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer: the beach is 27 minutes away and the village right behind it. To feel like you are at the end of the world, we keep Piémanson and Beauduc for a full day, with a picnic in the cool box.
The Camping Le Crin Blanc team
Key points
- The nearest beach to the campsite is at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, 27 minutes by car.
- Six beaches to discover, from the resorts of Le Grau-du-Roi to the wild expanses of Beauduc and Piémanson.
- Several beaches are supervised in summer, ideal with children; the wild beaches require a little organisation.
A wild, unspoilt coastline
The Camargue coastline stretches from Le Grau-du-Roi in the west to Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône in the east. In between, dozens of kilometres of fine sand line the lagoons, salt marshes and dunes. In the municipality of Arles alone, there are 28 km of undeveloped beaches.
There is no concrete seafront here: the landscape is that of the Regional Nature Park, where you will come across flamingos, kitesurfers and Camargue horses. A few resorts complete the picture for families who want everything close at hand.
Beaches for every mood
Each beach has its own character. The resorts offer comfort and lifeguards, the wild beaches space and peace. Here are our six favourites.
- Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer : the closest to the campsite (27 minutes). Developed beaches with lifeguards in summer at the foot of the village, and a wilder stretch to the east. Perfect for half a day of swimming and strolling. Discover Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
- Le Grau-du-Roi and Port-Camargue : the big resort in the area, with wide beaches, shops and restaurants. Combine it with the ramparts ofAigues-Mortes.
- L’Espiguette : a protected natural site of nearly 10 km, with dunes and a lighthouse listed as a historic monument. Supervised in July and August, paid parking in season, dogs not allowed.
- Piémanson : the beach of Arles, south of Salin-de-Giraud. A wild setting between salt marshes and sea, with parking, a first-aid post and a supervised swimming area.
- Beauduc : one of the last completely wild beaches in France, at the end of a long track. A renowned kitesurfing spot, with no lifeguards or facilities.
- Napoléon beach : 10 km of fine sand at Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, supervised in July and August, with snack bars and a playground. It is also where the ViaRhôna ends.
Getting to the beaches
- Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer : 27 minutes by car from the campsite, along the small Vaccarès road.
- The other beaches : allow a little more driving time for Le Grau-du-Roi (41 minutes) and L’Espiguette (48 minutes), to the west, as for Piémanson (53 minutes), Beauduc and Napoléon beach (58 minutes), beyond Salin-de-Giraud. Beauduc is reached by an unpaved track, closed to vehicles wider than 2.10 m.
Access and transport : the car remains the easiest option. Experienced cyclists can ride to the sea through rice fields and marshes: allow about 1 hour 25 minutes to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer along the Draille de Méjanes (a dirt track).
Our tips for a great day
The Camargue coastline is very exposed to the wind: a joy for kitesurfers, something to plan for with young children. On the wild beaches, there is no shade or food: bring a well-weighted parasol, water and a picnic.
Set off early in July and August to find a parking space, think about mosquitoes at the end of the day and check the rules for your dog: several beaches do not allow them.
Extend the day at the campsite
That is the whole point of our location: the sea within reach, without the bustle of a seaside resort. After a day of sand and wind, come back to the peace of the campsite and our three-pool aquatic area.
In the evening, settle in at the restaurant to taste gardiane de taureau (bull stew), the local speciality. Discover our accommodation in the Camargue to plan your stay.
Frequently asked questions
Which beach is closest to the campsite?
The beach at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, 27 minutes by car. The village beaches are developed and supervised in summer.
Which Camargue beaches are supervised?
In summer: Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Le Grau-du-Roi, L’Espiguette, the supervised area of Piémanson and Napoléon beach. Beauduc is not.
Which beach should I choose with children?
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and Le Grau-du-Roi, for their nearby services, or Napoléon beach, which is supervised and has a playground.
Can you drive to Beauduc?
Yes, along a long unpaved track from Salin-de-Giraud. Vehicles wider than 2.10 m are not allowed.
Are dogs allowed on the beaches?
It depends: not allowed at L’Espiguette or Napoléon, allowed on a lead outside the supervised area at Piémanson, allowed at Beauduc.
Want to discover the beaches of the Camargue?
Book your stay in the heart of the Regional Nature Park, 27 minutes from the sea.
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