City of Palavas Les Flots

Palavas-les-Flots is the favorite resort of Montpellier, and one of the most popular Occitan. This town of 6000 inhabitants saw its population multiplied by 7 in high season, receiving nearly 40,000 visitors every summer. From the campsite 5 stars Les Mimosas in Portiragnes-Plage, you put just one hour to reach the beaches of Palavas-les-Flots.

The oldest resort near Montpellier

Unlike its neighbor La Grande Motte, Palavas-les-Flots was not created from scratch. The town is home to a charming fishing port and the historic districts that the curious visitor takes the time to discover.

coast side, Palavas has many beaches very well equipped with emergency stations, access for people with reduced mobility, landscaped walks, bars, restaurants, showers, toilets, baby areas, water sports and rentals (mattresses, parasols, pedalos). The waterfront is divided in two by the mouth of the Lez. The east side or left side includes the beaches of the town hall, Sarrail, Jockeys, St. Roch, St. Maurice, the Greek and Roquilles. On the west or right bank, are the beaches of the Shell (near the casino), St. Peter, Zenith, Albatros and Prevost.

What to see in Palavas-les-Flots?

The most unusual building Palavas-les-Flots is located between the beaches and the harbor. It is easily recognizable with its saucer shape that gives it an air control tower. This former castle now contains tourist office, the convention center and a restaurant. The panoramic views of the Mediterranean, the Gulf of Lion and the city is beautiful. surprising detail: the structure is rotating and sends a full 360 ° in 1h30. Perfect, just the time to savor a seafood platter or another Occitan specialty.

In the city center, the Saint-Pierre church is distinguished by its stretched silhouette and neo-Romanesque style. The ashes of St. Florence martyrdom are preserved there. Palavas has some interesting museums such as the Train museum that appeals to lovers of railways, the Albert Dubout Museum and the Museum Jean Aristide Rudel dedicated to the heritage of the city.

What to do in Palavas-les-Flots?

Lounging, swimming and water sports activities are queens Palavas-les-Flots. After the beach, stroll through the park the Levant, on St. Catherine Drive near the marina, along the canal and on the piers. Shoot your children at the foot of the lighthouse and to Hope, a large bronze sculpture representing Shipwrecked Palavas. Sports enthusiasts can spend lavishly on the tennis courts, the petanque, the beach volleyball and beach soccer in the skate park and mini golf. If you visit Palavas-les-Flots with children, board the train in the morning or evening for a tour of the city and waterfront.

If you like local traditions, watch a bull game in the arenas or nautical jousting tournament during the festival of the sea, which usually takes place in early July. The city hosts many other events, especially during the summertime, as Oursinade in March (display of seafood) and the Feria of the sea.

You can also rent a bike and take a few hours the old railway converted into a bike path to Lattes, or that of Montpellier (Port Marianne).

Complete your tour of the seaside resorts of the Hérault visiting La Grande-Motte and Le Grau-du-Roi.