The 17 things to do in Gruissan

Visit Gruissan: what are the best things to do and to see in this pretty little seaside resort in South France?

Gruissan is a small village of sinners, filled with tradition, where he makes a good stroll in all seasons. Just a few kilometers from Narbonne, in the heart of the Narbonnaise Regional Natural Park in the Mediterranean, the Grissan coastline is one of the least urbanized in France, which is very appreciable.

But Gruissan is much more dynamic in the summer, as it is also a charming resort, labeled “Blue Flag”. This charming village, between sea and ponds, far from the large tourist resorts of the Mediterranean, is only waiting for you.

Are you wondering what to do in Gruissan? They tell you everything here!

1. The village and the port

Are you visiting Gruissan? Know that it is the only port village in the city of Occitania. That’s what makes it all charming! In fact, its typical alleys form circles around the Tower that proudly sits at the top of its rock and dominates the ponds. Fold in its typical alleys with Mediterranean colors, then head to the port to taste an ice by observing the ships of the captainry. In the evening, a small tower at the Casino le Pheobus guarantees you a pleasant moment.

2. The Barberousse Tower

The tower was erected in the 13th century to protect Gruissan from sea invasions. Perched at 35 m above sea level, she watches over the village she overlooks, with the pond and the Clape massif as a backdrop. A magnificent 360° viewpoint!

3. Pirat’Parc

If you are travelling with your family and looking for what to do in Gruissan with children, you can opt for an afternoon in Pirat’Parc. Sensation rides, big wheel, ghost train, 6D cinema, but also show and catering service... Here everything is done to spend a pleasant moment with all your tribe!

4. Notre-Dame-des-Auzils Chapel and its marine cemetery

Top place of pilgrimage of the sinners of Gruissan, the Notre Dame des Auzils chapel is not to be missed if you come to visit Gruissan. It is located on the heights in the Massif de la Clape. Inside you will find a pretty collection composed of boat models, ex-voto sailors and modern stained glass windows.

You can access it by a sacred path called "Allée des Naufragés". Indeed, all along, cenotaphs (bodyless tombes) are erected in memory of the sailors of Gruissan who disappeared at sea.

5. The chalet district

If there’s something unique to be missed if you’re visiting Gruissan, it’s this neighborhood, which brings together 1300 chalets on pilotis, built in a damier. These little huts were made famous by Jean-Jacques Beineix's film 37.2° in the morning . It is truly a unique place in France, offering a friendly atmosphere to you.

6. The salin of Saint-Martin Island and its ecomusée

What are you asking about Gruissan? On the edge of the village of Gruissan and on 400 hectares, the salins extend. This is where the white gold of the region is extracted: the sea salt of Gruissan. The beauty of the places not only conquers tourists or inhabitants. Thousands of migratory birds find refuge throughout the seasons.

The visit, paid, promises a magical moment. During this unique moment, you can attend the harvest of the salt flower. This ancestral know-how will be explained in detail to the salin ecomusée, through an exhibition of old tools, accessories and other stories and pictures of sauniers.

7. The church of Gruissan

You can’t visit Gruissan without passing through the church. It is located in the centre of the village, just at the foot of the Barberousse Tower. Dating from the 13th century, it is one of the oldest buildings in the town. Return without a noise in the middle of its stone walls, and enjoy the atmosphere of the place.

8. A boat ride

If you are on the Audoise coast, it is a step that you must not miss under any pretext: boat rental in Gruissan. Enjoy the blue waters of the Mediterranean to offer you an idyllic ride.

Plus, rent a boat in Gruissan offers several routes. For example, you can set the course on the Wild Coast, towards Port-La-Nouvelle, discover the Greek city of Agde, or simply admire the sunset in the middle of the water, away from the hustle.

Confirmed browsers can even leave several days, to reach the sublime Côte Vermeille or Provence and the beautiful village Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer .

9. Eco-Gare

To move along the coastline and visit Gruissan in the respect of the most total environment, visit the Eco-gare de Gruissan. A pioneer in the field, this ecological train station was created in 2014 and offers a global service around a zero-emission park of CO2: electric cars, electric bikes, bicycles, gyropodes, shuttles, make your choice! Enjoy your passage to test these ways of locomotion!

10. Slip sports

If there is a spot for sports enthusiasts to glide and feel, it’s here! Each year, competitions attracting the greatest names take place in Gruissan. But even without being a champion, if you look for what to do in Gruissan, you can enjoy the ideal conditions to initiate you to the surf kite or windsurfing. Otherwise, kayaking on the pond, catamaran or paddle are offered to you by many renters during the high season.

11. The Little Red Train

In July and August, board the small red train to visit Gruissan. For 5€ , enjoy a one-hour guided tour through the village, salins and chalets. A playful activity in the midst of beautiful landscapes, which will appeal to young and old.

12. Balneoludic Park

Ideal for a family day, everyone will find their happiness there: the children will have fun in the middle of the lagoons, water geysers and other slides in the aquatic space, while the adults will relax in the well-being area, the time for a care or a massage.

13. The beaches

Are you still wondering what to do in Gruissan? Why not sunbath on one of the 5 beaches in the town? The beach Mateille is flat and very wide and in its continuity you will find the beach of Ayguades, ideal for families because of its shallow waters.

The beach of Chalets is well on a must-see, where you will find beach volleyball and sailing school. As for the beach of Grazel, is closest to the city centre and the marina. Finally, if you are looking for tranquility, opt for the Old New Beach, also known as the "sillin beach". This is undoubtedly the wildest beach in Gruissan.

14. The ponds

An exceptional natural heritage, Gruissan ponds are to be discovered absolutely, but also to protect and preserve. Ranked "Natura 2000", their fauna and flora are absolutely amazing. The commune has five:

• The pond of Campignol,
• The pond of Gruissan,
• But also the pond of Mateille,
• The pond of the Grazel,
• And the pond of the Ayrolle.

15. The Clape massif

A few minutes from the village, the Clape massif is a true haven of preserved peace. Here you will find beautiful hiking trails and mountain bike circuits, in the heart of an exceptional nature.

Organised mountain biking tours and guided walks with electric scooters on the edge of the pond are also available to visit Gruissan in an original way.

16. Summer events

When spring arrives, Gruissan animates and offers animations that will delight young and old. Among the most famous, the Kite Challenge followed by the Wind Challenge in May, sliding sport competitions bringing together world champions and amatists in an incredible atmosphere.

A must to live absolutely if you come to visit Gruissan at the end of May, it is the festejades . This is 3 days of celebrations in the city, rhymed with bandas. A festive and warm atmosphere, filled with tradition and conviviality.

You can also attend the meetings of the BD in April, the feast of the Saint Peter (Traditional Fishermen's Day) at the end of June or the Pilgrimage at Notre Dame des Auzils, Easter and Pentecost Mondays and August 15.

17. Culinary specialties

You can't visit Gruissan without tasting local specialties. You will not resist a good seafood tray, to the brasucade mussels, sardinade, Bourride eels or the spoon pie! And of course, a hint of Gruissan’s salt flower to embellish, all accompanied by a glass of wine from the Coteaux countries of the Audois coastline.

How do I get to Gruissan?

You want to go to Gruissan and ask yourself how to get there?

• The easiest stays by the road, especially to be able to move then as you like. For this, you just have to take the highway to Narbonne. At the level of the "Narbonne Est" exchanger, take the direction "Les beaches".
• If you decide to come by train, you will arrive at the TGV train station in Narbonne, located about 15 kilometres away. To reach Gruissan, you can use Line 8 of the Citibus network linking Gruissan and Narbonne.
• Finally, if you fly, the nearest airport is that of Béziers, located 50 km away. Do not hesitate to visit a comparison of flights such Skyscanner, to help you find the best prices.

Where to stay in Gruissan?

If you choose to visit Gruissan, and especially during the summer period, you will surely not be the only ones. So don’t forget to book your accommodation in advance, especially using this Compare hotels , which lists the cheapest rates according to your departure dates.

Summer in the south of France often laughs with camping, for amateurs. The municipality of Gruissan counts 5, from the simplest to campsite 4*. Tent or small room in mobile home, you will only have to make your choice .

In high season you will also find many small lodgings, some holiday villages, or even standard hotels, from 40€ at night.

Finally, one of the best solutions to stay in Gruissan is the Airbnb . Some even offer nights aboard a sailboat! Or maybe you will have the chance to find a room for rent in one of the famous chalets on pilotis?