What to see in France

Camping at Grau-du-Roi, a picturesque rendezvous

Port-Camargue au Grau-du-Roi
Port-Camargue au Grau-du-Roi

 

Situated at the gateway to the Camargue, in the Occitanie region of the Gard département, Le Grau du Roi boasts Europe's largest marina, Port Camargue. This lively seaside resort also owes its reputation to its pretty beaches and charming fishing port. Around the canal, the typical town centre, as well as the old lighthouse and the Villa Parry, bear witness to the town's rich built heritage. Several campsites will be happy to accommodate you so that you can get the most out of this attractive commune in the south of France.

Campsites in Grau-du-Roi

A particularly popular seaside resort, you'll have no trouble finding accommodation here. There are 10 campsites in Grau-du-Roi to welcome you. So you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to renting a luxury mobile home in Grau-du-Roi. But to help you make up your mind, here's a selection:

Camping L'Eden ***** is 800 metres from the sea and 1.5 km from the town centre. It is equipped with all the comforts you could wish for and more! A pool complex with 3 slides, paddling pool and children's play area, a whirlpool, a wellness area with balneotherapy, a fitness area with gym, sauna and fitness classes in summer. As well as entertainment for all and themed evenings. All you need for an excellent holiday in a mobile home in Le Grau du Roi.

The Domaine Elysée *** campsite is located 3 kilometres from the town centre, with direct access to the lake or the marina. 697 pitches are available here in an area of 19 hectares. The campsite has a large swimming pool and offers a range of sporting activities as well as entertainment for children and teenagers. On site you'll find a restaurant, food truck, bakery and even a breakfast service.

Camping La Marine **** is situated 2 kilometres from the beach and one kilometre from the lake, and offers a large pool area with swimming pools, paddling pool and waterslide, as well as sports activities. The little ones haven't been forgotten either, with a children's club offering games and activities where they can make all their favourite memories. A wellness area with spa, treatments and massages will help you relax. And with 293 pitches, there's sure to be plenty of room for you!

Must-sees in Grau du Roi

The village of Le Grau-du-Roi was founded in the 16th century after a major flood of the Rhône. Today, it enjoys an exceptional location on the edge of the Camargue Regional Park, an ideal site for lovers of wildlife and wild plants, where you can see free-roaming animals such as pink flamingos, white horses and bulls.

The Camargue, free-roaming horses and pink flamingos
The Camargue, free-roaming horses and pink flamingos © iStock

 

The Seaquarium, Musée de la Mer has been in Port Camargue for over 30 years. Here you can see hundreds of marine mammals and other rare fish. More than 25 species of shark can be seen, and children can learn how to protect sea turtles. It's a fun, educational place that's sure to please the whole family.

 

Monuments in the city centre

The walk can start in the town centre, the ideal place to have a drink or sit on the terrace of a restaurant, then go and see the old lighthouse and its magnificent copper lantern dating from 1828. The route continues to the church of Saint-Pierre, rebuilt 60 years ago and also known as the "white church". The interior is modern and very pleasant, with soft music. The tour continues with the Maison du Dauphin, a magnificent Art Nouveau building overlooking the Quai Victor Hugo, named after the sculpted dolphins that adorn its top and reflecting the nobility of the early 20th century, as seen in other Mediterranean cities such as Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. Then behind the lighthouse, the Villa Parry, named after the man who had it built, now houses the town's tourist office. It is built in the Belle Epoque style and has a lovely balcony above it.

Old lighthouse with copper lantern
Old lighthouse with copper lantern© iStock

The beaches

Located to the east of the town, the Espiguette beach is the most characteristic beach of Le Grau-du-Roi. But under its name of "Réserve de l'Espiguette", it is above all a listed and protected natural site stretching over 10 kilometres and bounded by dunes up to 12 metres high that shift with the wind. This 2,700-hectare natural area can be explored by bike along the voie verte. Some are also lucky enough to spot some of the 109 species of birds that live here, as the site provides a favourable habitat for them. The Espiguette lighthouse can be seen in the distance.

The Espiguette beach, a listed natural site
The Espiguette beach, a listed natural site© iStock

The beach at Le Boucanet also has lovely white sand, stretching for 3 kilometres as far as Port-Camargue and La Grande Motte.

 

Boucanet beach
Boucanet beach © iStock

The Mediterranean House

On the road leading to the Pointe de l'Espiguette, this is a shop which, as well as offering Camargue wines and salt, olive oils, honey and a host of other regional products, invites visitors to take part in tastings run by the producers themselves, as well as offering oenology courses and personalised gourmet baskets. So you can go home with a whole host of tempting souvenirs!

Activities and events not to be missed

For nature lovers, there are horse-riding, walking and cycling routes along the edge of the Camargue or at the pointe de l'Espiguette, to explore its flora and fauna, for example. Photo safaris and quad bike tours to discover the Camargue are available from the Tourist Office.

Babyland is a kind of amusement park for little ones. Children can ride down the pirate river or up the big 8, which could be renamed "little 8" for the occasion. There are electric motorbikes and boats, a merry-go-round and a waterslide. Admission is free, but tokens for one attraction cost €3 on a sliding scale.

Between Easter and All Saints Day, the Grau-du-Roi arenas offer typical Camargue races and bullfighting games, such as the toro-piscine and other shows. Ideal for learning more about the local culture.

Open every evening during the summer from 8pm until late at night, Luna Park Amigoland is a big hit with teenagers! A ghost train and other thrill rides, a Ferris wheel, merry-go-rounds and food stalls will delight all those who enjoy the adrenalin rush and the thrills.

 

 

 

Campsites connected with this article

Campsites in Occitanie Campsites in Gard
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