Water sports around Marseillan: enjoy the water with the whole family
Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Etang de Thau, Marseillan is an ideal destination for an active holiday by the water. During your stay you can make the most of the sea and the lagoon. Whether you are looking for a relaxing activity to enjoy with the children or something a little more adventurous, there is something for everyone.
The three campsites belonging to Les Méditerranées – Camping Charlemagne, Camping Nouvelle Floride and Camping Beach Garden – are ideally located to explore the coast of the Hérault and enjoy the many water sports on offer. With a range of local operators nearby, you can easily enjoy water sports with your children, without having to travel far from your campsite.
From a relaxing swim to paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing or even kitesurfing, here are some of the best water sports to enjoy around Marseillan in the South of France, along with a few ideas to help you choose the activities that will suit your family best.
Swimming in the Mediterranean: the sea right on your doorstep
The most obvious water-based activity is, of course, swimming. With its long sandy beaches, Marseillan-Plage is a wonderful place for families. You can play in the waves, build sandcastles or simply relax on the beach.
For guests staying at Les Méditerranées the beach is particularly easy to reach. From Camping Nouvelle Floride and Camping Beach Garden, you can walk straight onto the beach through a secure gate with a personal access code. If you are staying at Camping Charlemagne, you only have a few extra metres to walk to get to the beach.
You can enjoy a refreshing swim in the morning, have lunch at one of the campsite restaurants and then spend a relaxing afternoon at your accommodation. Or, of course, simply head back to the beach!
For younger children, the shallow water is ideal for discovering the sea in a safe way. Always make sure children are supervised by an adult while they are playing in the water. Older children who are confident swimmers can have fun playing with a ball or, when conditions allow, try their hand at bodyboarding.
Paddleboarding: discover the coastline at your own pace
Paddleboarding, or stand-up paddleboarding, is a fun way to explore the landscape from the water. After a few basic tips, beginners can give it a go too. It is also a great way to improve your balance and coordination without even realising it.
For your first outing, it is best to start on your knees. Once you feel stable enough, you can gradually stand up.
The Étang de Thau is a beautiful place to go paddleboarding. This vast lagoon lies between Marseillan, Mèze and Sète and has a very different character from the Mediterranean coastline. As you paddle, you can enjoy views of the lagoon, its shores and the area's various shellfish farms.
If you are heading out on the water as a family, it is best to opt for a guided trip or an area suitable for beginners. Take into account your children's ages and swimming ability, as well as the weather conditions. The lagoon is not always calm, and wind, currents and boat traffic can all affect your outing.
Kayaking and canoeing: get out on the water together
Kayaking is another great way to discover the area from a different perspective. Paddle along the shoreline, get close to nature and enjoy some exercise at the same time. Kayaks are also relatively easy to use, even if you have never tried one before.
Depending on the type of kayak, you can paddle on your own or share one with other people.
The Étang de Thau is also an excellent setting for a kayaking trip. You can explore the lagoon from the water and take in its distinctive surroundings. Depending on the conditions and the activities offered by local operators, there are also opportunities to paddle on the Hérault river or around Cap d’Agde.
Paddle Escap'Agde, for example, organises guided kayaking trips and outings in Hawaiian canoes. These wide, shared canoes are paddled by several people at once, making them a fun activity to enjoy together as a family or group.
With children, a guided trip is a good choice. Your guide will select a suitable route, explain how to paddle safely and tell you more about the local environment and wildlife along the way.
Take plenty of water, sun cream and suitable clothing with you. Shoes that can get wet are also a good idea. On hot summer days, setting off early in the morning can be particularly pleasant, when it is cooler and conditions are often more favourable.
Sailing, catamaran sailing and windsurfing: learn to harness the wind
The Étang de Thau is also an interesting destination for sailing enthusiasts. The lagoon offers a very different sailing experience from the open sea, making it a great place to discover a range of water sports.
A variety of activities are available in and around Marseillan. Les Glénans sailing school, for example, has a base in Marseillan where you can take courses in catamaran sailing, dinghy sailing, windsurfing and cruising. Courses are available for both beginners and more experienced sailors.
A catamaran gives you the chance to learn how to sail a stable boat with two hulls. A dinghy is lighter and offers a good introduction to the basic principles of sailing. Windsurfing requires a little more balance and coordination, but that is precisely what makes it such an enjoyable challenge for teenagers and adults.
The Cercle de Voile de Marseillan also offers activities for both beginners and experienced sailors. You can take part in catamaran sailing, Optimist sailing, Laser sailing and windsurfing. Depending on the activity, children can take part from the age of six.
A course or sailing week is a great way to stay active during your holiday. Before booking, check the available dates, age requirements, lesson duration and what is included in the course. Bear in mind that the programme may depend on the weather. Without wind, you will not get very far, while too much wind can also make conditions more challenging.
Kitesurfing and other board sports: for true adventurers
The wind along the Hérault coast makes the area popular with fans of more thrilling water sports. When kitesurfing, you use a kite to pull you across the water while standing on a board. It is a challenging sport that takes time and practice to master, so beginners are strongly advised to take lessons with a specialist kitesurfing school.
In Marseillan, local water sports providers include Kite Family and KITHAU. Contact them directly for the latest information about where you can practise, introductory lessons and options for beginners.
Kitesurfing is particularly suitable for teenagers and adults. The exact minimum age depends on the provider and the weather conditions.
Jet skiing, banana boats and flyboarding: for those who love speed
Looking for an extra dose of adrenaline during your holiday? You will find a range of motorised water sports in the harbour at Marseillan-Plage.
Marseillan Jet, near the harbour master's office, offers guided jet-ski trips and introductory sessions. You can also enjoy a range of towed activities, including inflatable rides, banana boats and flyfish.
Flyboarding is also available. Using a device connected to a jet ski, you are propelled above the water for an exhilarating experience.
Not every activity is suitable for every age group. A banana boat or inflatable ride can be great fun for families with older children, depending on the operator's requirements. Flyboarding requires a good sense of balance and coordination, while jet skiing is subject to specific age and safety requirements.
Before booking, check the rules for under-18s, what safety equipment is provided and what happens if an activity is cancelled due to bad weather. It is also worth checking the total duration of the activity and how much time is spent on the safety briefing. That way, you know exactly what you are paying for and can choose an activity that suits both your family and your budget.
Diving and snorkelling: discover the underwater world
Snorkelling is an easy and enjoyable way to discover the underwater world. With a mask, snorkel and fins, you can explore shallow waters and spot fish and other marine life. Choose a suitable location and take the water conditions into account.
If you would like to explore further beneath the surface, M Plongée offers introductory dives and dives for experienced sea divers. Diving trips are also available in the Étang de Thau. In the lagoon, you can discover seagrass beds, fish and a variety of invertebrates.
An introductory dive can be a memorable experience for teenagers and adults who are curious to see what lies beneath the surface. Check the minimum age, any medical requirements and other participation conditions in advance.
With young children, it is best to keep things simple. Choose a suitable shallow area and go in the water with your child. You do not need to go deep to discover something special: spotting a few fish or interesting shapes beneath the surface can be enough to turn an ordinary swim into a little adventure.
How to prepare for your water sports activities
Want to make the most of the water sports around Marseillan during your holiday? These practical tips will help you start your day well prepared:
- Book popular activities in advance, particularly sailing courses, diving and motorised water sports.
- Check the minimum age and supervision requirements before booking an activity.
- Check the weather forecast and sea conditions. Even on the lagoon, the wind can have a significant impact on conditions.
- Bring plenty of sun cream, water, a change of clothes and suitable footwear.
- Respect the natural environment and stay away from areas where access is restricted. This includes certain shellfish farming areas in the Étang de Thau.
The available activities, prices and opening times may vary depending on the season and the provider. Feel free to ask at the reception of your Les Méditerranées campsite – Camping Charlemagne, Camping Nouvelle Floride or Camping Beach Garden – about the options available. This is the easiest way to find out which facilities and any special offers you may be able to enjoy with the various water sports providers.
