Le Grau-du-Roi, Mediterranean coastal commune in Gard, France
Le Grau-du-Roi is a harbor town on the Mediterranean coast, shaped by canals and boat basins where fishing vessels and leisure boats sit side by side. The town unfolds along waterways with buildings, shops, and restaurants arranged around water as the central organizing element.
The settlement began after a storm surge in 1570 created a new channel, establishing a natural harbor for boats. The town became an independent commune in 1879, recognizing the fishing and maritime economy that had developed there over centuries.
Fishing shapes daily life here, and local fish markets remain a gathering place where residents and visitors meet. The harbor-centered way of living shows up in restaurants and cafes throughout town, where fresh seafood is simply part of what you eat.
The town is reachable by direct train from Nimes, with the station within easy walking distance of the beach and center. The best way to explore is on foot or by bicycle, following the canals and paths that connect the different neighborhoods.
This is the only commune in the Gard department with direct sea access, a fact that often surprises visitors from the inland region. The location means it serves as the maritime gateway for a much larger territory that lacks coastline.
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