Plage de Beauduc

Plage de Beauduc is a wild sand beach on the southern edge of the Camargue, the Rhône delta, in the commune of Arles, about 11 km from Salin-de-Giraud. The Arles tourist office calls it one of the last wild beaches in France. It suits kitesurfers, walkers and birdwatchers who are ready for a rough track and no services.

Kilometres of sand, lagoons and flamingos

Several kilometres of sand run along the sea, with lagoons such as the Étang de Beauduc, about 1 km away, and salt flats behind. There are no resort buildings. Flamingos are a common sight in the surrounding wetlands.

Salt works village for last supplies

The nearest village, Salin-de-Giraud, grew up in the late 19th century around the salt and chemical works of Péchiney and Solvay. Its salt flats are still worked, and the company housing gives the village an unusual, orderly layout. Buy supplies there; Piémanson beach lies about 12 km away by road.

A top kitesurf spot on sea and lagoon

Regular winds and broad, shallow water have made Beauduc one of the best-known kitesurfing spots in the south of France, on the sea and on the lagoons. Beginners should take lessons with a qualified school and follow local rules on launch areas.

A potholed track with a 2.10 m width limit

The beach is reached by a long, unpaved track, full of potholes and narrow in places, where posts limit vehicles to 2.10 m wide. Drivers of vans have reported being unable to pass, and the track can flood and turn to mud after rain, so check its state after wet weather. The public car park opens from 6:00 to 22:00. There is no public transport beyond Salin-de-Giraud, and the beach is not suited to wheelchairs.