Occitanie's 10 Most Beautiful Beaches

Espiguette beach (Plage de l'Espiguette) owes its uniqueness to its dunes, some of the biggest and longest in the Mediterranean basin. More than 10 kilometres of beautiful sand stretches as far as you can see. Only 10 minutes from the centre of town, the unusual plant and wildlife, as well as the beach itself, are protected by the Coastline Conservation Body (le conservatoire du littoral).

Swimmers of all ages can enjoy the clean water, knowing they are watched over by life guards in the high season. You can also ride through this wonderful scenery on horseback and perhaps try to identify one of the many places used in films over the years.

Aresquiers beach (Plage des Aresquiers), between Vic-La-Gardiole and Frontignan, is a beautiful shell and pebble strewn patch making a beautiful contrast with the clear blue Mediterranean. Still fairly untouched, you can lie in the sun and admire its peaceful beauty from one of its little sandbanks. It only takes 10 minutes to get to this peaceful spot, and because it has no facilities at all, it is one of the most beautiful and quiet on the Hérault coast.

The perfect place if you're looking for natural calm, far away from the big seaside towns. You can also admire the wild countryside around Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone on the east of the beach and the pretty fishing cottages of Frontignan.

Corniche beach (Plage de la Corniche) stretches from the Corniche Promenade over 2 bays, protected by a dam. Sheltered from the wind, it's a great place for families to enjoy the seaside. It has a free car park and a children's playground. And there are lots of restaurants around too.

On the right of the beach there's also a windsurfing and kitesurfing zone. As well as showers and toilet you can also hire sunbeds and pedaloes, so this pretty beach near to the town centre has pretty much everything you could want.

Petit Travers beach (Plage du Petit Travers) is 10 kilometres long and stretches from Carnon to La Grande-Motte. It's easy to get to by car, making it popular with families. Still fairly untouched and well looked after, the dunes make it feel quite wild but there are life guards from June to August.

More trendy, the 3-kilometre, sandy Grand Travers beach (Plage du Grand Travers) is the biggest in La Grande-Motte. It's separated from the Gold Pond (l'étang d'Or) by a strip of dunes, meaning that the surrounding countryside is also truly beautiful. What's more, it's very close to the area's numerous restaurants, clubs and discos.

Orpellières beach (Plage des Orpellières) lies on the far side of immense sand dunes on the edge of the Opellières nature reserve (la réserve naturelle Orpellières). If you're looking for quiet relaxation this is the place. Although untamed and unspoiled this beach has lifeguards in the summer and several small car parks.

Little paths lead you over the sand dunes, some of which are 8 metres high. Once you've enjoyed your time on the beach you can climb to the top of one and look out over the salt meadows of the reserve behind the 2.5-kilometre dunes. And if you feel like going for a stroll there are paths marked to help protect the ecosystem.

Grande Conque beach (Plage de la Grande Conque) is the only one at Cap d’Agde with grey sand but it also has beautiful clear green water filled with unusual plants and marine life. This crescent shaped beach by the Mediterranean is protected from the wind by the cliffs behind it, and access to the beach is down a staircase carved through the cliffs.

It is still fairly wild with no amenities (except for a small car park nearby) and there are no lifeguards. But the grey volcanic sand and crystal clear waters are a real pleasure if you like nature, photography or just a bit of peace.

Couchant beach (Plage du Couchant) is to the west of the town centre and the marina and is a great place to relax after an afternoon's shopping. This is because this fine sandy beach is very close to the boutiques of a pedestrianised shopping area. It has a first-aid post as well as areas for beach volleyball and football. Families will also like the nearby carousel.

There is plenty of nearby parking, making the beach easy to access and there are also access points for disabled people. And if you're feeling in need of exercise you can walk or cycle along the Promenade des Dames to get to the beach from the coast from as far away as the Grand Travers Beach.