Day Trip to the Mediterranean: Plage du Grand Travers
Our vacation home isn’t located right on the Mediterranean. But that doesn’t mean a day trip to the beach isn’t worth it. In addition to all the activities right around the house—whether it’s hiking in the area or just taking a dip in the pool—a trip to the beach is a great option any time of year. In about 90 minutes by car, you can reach the Grand Travers beach between Carnon and La Grande-Motte, one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches on the entire coast. For us, with our dog, it’s our top choice anyway, since it’s home to one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the region.
Not a hotel bunker, but untamed nature
While many coastal towns in this area grew with dense development in the 1960s and 1970s, the Grand Travers has remained different to this day. Instead of concrete facades, you’ll find protected dunes, wild vegetation, and a beach that stretches for several hundred meters without a single high-rise building blocking the view. It is precisely this unspoiled character that makes this stretch so special to us.
The dog beach at Entrance 60
The dog beach is located on the western edge of the beach section, near what’s known as Accès 60. A fenced-in path leads from the parking lot through the dunes directly to the water; dogs are allowed to swim here year-round. If your dog cannot be reliably recalled, a leash is required, and you must use poop bags; in return, the area is regularly inspected and properly maintained. Parking is available directly across the street, but it fills up quickly during peak season, so it’s worth getting there early.
Perfect for swimming, even with children
The water at Grand Travers is clear and slopes very gently, making the beach ideal for families with children. Those who’d rather just relax on the sand will find several beach bars in the summer, as well as options to rent lounge chairs and wind down the day in a relaxed manner.
For many of our guests, a day at the beach is an essential part of their vacation in the Gard. If you're planning your next trip and the Grand Travers is on your list, you can book our vacation home right here:
Worth a visit even in the off-season
In the fall and winter, the Grand Travers shows a completely different—but just as beautiful—side. Without the summer crowds, it’s a wonderful place to go for a walk, with views of the dunes and the sea, and often almost deserted. For us and our dog, it’s one of the most beautiful outings outside of the swimming season.
Practical Tips for Your Day at the Beach
Leave early, especially in the summer, to be sure to get a parking spot near the beach.
Be sure to bring enough water for yourselves and, if applicable, your dog; there's hardly any shade.
If you don't want to rent a lounge chair with a beach umbrella, be sure to bring your own beach umbrella.
Especially in the summer, it makes sense to visit the beach on a weekday, since it’s usually less crowded then than on the weekend, when many local residents also want to spend their free time at the beach.
Whether it's a day at the beach with the whole family or a long walk with the dog in winter: The Grand Travers proves that a vacation home inland is just as good as one by the Mediterranean. Feel free to check for available dates for L'Ancienne Tuilerie—we look forward to seeing you.
