Map › Camargue - Grau-du-Roi › L'Espiguette
Spot · tier 2 · France
L'Espiguette
L'Espiguette is an 18km dune-backed beach east of Le Grau-du-Roi, part of a 525-hectare natural site progressively acquired by the Conservatoire du littoral since 1978 and included in the Natura 2000 network. Its open, less-regulated stretch of sand works in more wind directions than the crowded resort beaches nearby, and its exposure to sea winds produces more pronounced swell and larger waves than most of the Camargue coast.
wavesfreerideintermediate
Wind
| best months |
|
|---|---|
| season notes | Catches both the NW Mistral and SE onshore Marin wind, giving more workable days than more sheltered spots in the area. |
| wind name | Mistral and Marin |
| direction to shore | workable in more directions than neighbouring spots thanks to the open dune coastline |
| quality | steady to gusty depending on direction |
Water
| type | waves |
|---|---|
| temp summer c | 24 |
| temp winter c | 13 |
| wetsuit | boardshorts in summer, 3/2mm shoulder season |
| tides | minimal Mediterranean tidal range |
| currents | none significant reported |
| standing depth | not confirmed |
Levels
| beginner | no |
|---|---|
| intermediate | yes |
| advanced | yes |
| notes | The exposure that gives L'Espiguette its bigger swell also makes it less forgiving for total beginners; the huge open beach does give plenty of space to progress. |
Launch & crowd
| description | Very wide open beach with ample rigging space away from the swimming areas near the lighthouse car park. |
|---|---|
| rescue | not confirmed |
| busy months |
|
| vibe | less regulated and generally less kite-crowded than La Grande Motte beaches just to the west |
Hazards
- shorebreak/wind swell on onshore days
- remote sections of beach are less patrolled
- protected dune vegetation - stay on marked paths
Rules
- parking fee at the main lot (around EUR7 as of 2023)
- protected natural site - respect dune conservation zones
- naturist beach at the eastern end
Tips
- park at the RD255 lot near the Espiguette lighthouse and walk the open dune beach downwind for space
Travel basics
| airport | MPL - Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport |
|---|---|
| getting there | via the RD255 from Le Grau-du-Roi, renovated 2011-2013 with a parallel cycle path |
| accommodation | Le Grau-du-Roi or La Grande Motte |
| cost level | mid |
| no wind | Le Grau-du-Roi harbour town, La Grande Motte's pyramid architecture |
Nearby: Beauduc, Pointe de la Gracieuse
Sources: fr.wikipedia.org