This active Mediterranean fishing port has a wide sandy beach, a 19th-century lighthouse, and traditional seafood restaurants along its canal-lined streets.
Le Grau-du-Roi sits along France's Mediterranean coast, where fishing boats navigate the town's central canal and families spread out across 18 kilometers of sandy beaches. You'll spot pink flamingos wading in the salt marshes, sharks swimming above you in the Seaquarium's glass tunnels, and sailors preparing their vessels in Port Camargue's 5,000-boat marina.
Exploring the Canal and Port
A maritime canal splits Le Grau-du-Roi, with fishing boats passing through the swing bridge at 6 AM, noon, and 4 PM daily. Local restaurants and cafes fill Quai Colbert and Quai Charles de Gaulle. Each morning from 7 AM to noon, fishermen sell their fresh catch at the canal-side markets. The port ranks as France's second-busiest Mediterranean fishing hub, with 30 trawlers bringing in fish and seafood daily.
Beaches and Coastal Areas
Espiguette Beach stretches for 10 kilometers, with natural sand dunes rising up to 12 meters high. A 5-kilometer cycling path connects the town center to the beach. Strong northerly winds blow 200 days per year, creating ideal conditions for kitesurfing. The 1869 lighthouse stands as a landmark, having moved 700 meters inland due to sand accumulation over the centuries.
Wildlife and Natural Areas
Pink flamingos feed in the étangs between Le Grau-du-Roi and Aigues-Mortes year-round, with peak numbers from March to October. These salt marshes maintain a 27% salt concentration, attracting birds like herons and egrets. Eight viewing platforms along the marshes give you clear views of the wildlife, especially from 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM when birds are feeding.
The Seaquarium
Inside the 2,400-square-meter Seaquarium, 30 tanks house more than 2,000 Mediterranean and tropical fish. You'll walk through glass tunnels beneath swimming sharks and rays, and watch seals and sea lions during their 11 AM and 3 PM feeding sessions. Interactive displays explain Mediterranean marine ecosystems and current conservation projects.
Local Events
Water jousting matches take place on the canal every Sunday from April through September at 3 PM. The September festival (September 15-20) includes Camargue bull games in the arena and regional music performances. From June to August, street musicians perform in Place de la République on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings from 8 PM.
Getting Around and Day Trips
Trains depart from Nîmes station to Le Grau-du-Roi every two hours between 6 AM and 8 PM. A 7-kilometer bicycle path connects to the medieval town of Aigues-Mortes. Port Camargue's Wednesday market runs from 8 AM to 1 PM during June-September. P1 parking lot (300 spaces) and Parking Arènes (500 spaces) sit within 5 minutes' walk from the town center.
