Discover Port-La-Nouvelle from many different angles: the kilometre-long Front de Mer town beach, the natural landscapes of the Sainte-Lucie Regional Nature Reserve, and a cultural programme spanning film to literature. When planning your trip, consider what you want your days to focus on: the beach, walks through pine forests and garrigue, or events and local history. The places and activities below offer some practical ideas.

Compare beaches by length and character

The urban Front de Mer beach stretches for 1 kilometre. Tiralos (beach wheelchairs) and several access points designed to be easier to use for people with reduced mobility are available there. If these facilities are important for your visit, please check the current arrangements before travelling.

Les Montilles is located in the south of the municipality of Port-La-Nouvelle and stretches for 3.5 kilometres. This makes the beach section described here longer than Front de Mer. The different lengths offer a simple way to compare the beaches when planning your time by the sea.

La Vieille Nouvelle is a pedestrian area. There is a car park at the beach with 150 spaces, including longer spaces for cars with trailers used for kitesurfing. Kitesurfing conditions may vary by season; check seasonal information before your trip.

Nature trails, lagoon views and cycling routes

The Sainte-Lucie Regional Nature Reserve, located within the municipality of Port-La-Nouvelle, is protected by the Conservatoire du littoral. On Sainte-Lucie Island, a walking trail leads through pine forests and garrigue to viewpoints overlooking the Canal de la Robine and the Bages-Sigean and Ayrolle lagoons. The trail connects different landscapes with specific viewpoints along the way.

The wild Vieille-Nouvelle beach is suitable for swimming, water sports and walking. It offers a different experience from the urban Front de Mer. If you prefer to get around on two wheels, there is another option: the towpath along the Canal de la Robine between Port-La-Nouvelle and Narbonne has been converted into a cycle path.

Guided nature outings by bike or mountain bike are also offered around Port-La-Nouvelle, for example along the Canal de la Robine. They last half a day or a full day. Availability of individual guided tours may vary. The rail connection between Narbonne station and Port-la-Nouvelle station makes it possible to travel by train; check the timetable for your travel date.

Cultural programme and traces of history

The Pôle Culturel presents exhibitions throughout the year. Mardis Cinéma offers a monthly programme of films in their original language at the Théâtre de la Mer; the programme may change. At the Cafés littéraires, library staff and invited guests host discussions about books. The La Nouvelle Photographie festival focuses on contemporary photography. Every summer, Partir en Livre offers readings, workshops and events centred on children’s and young adult literature. Film, photography and literature each bring their own distinctive element to the cultural programme.

The area’s history also spans a range of themes. The former Tramway des Corbières once connected villages in the Aude and transported both passengers and goods. Some surviving railway stations and commemorative plaques still bear witness to this shared memory. The former salt works of Sainte-Lucie comprised basins, dykes and canals used for salt production; a small community of salt workers once lived there. Together, these traces offer a glimpse into former transport routes and salt production.

Plan around local traditions and excursions

During the recurring pêche à la traîne, the catch is raffled among the participants, followed by a sardinade (sardine feast). On the beach, a fisherman explains how this fishing method works using a replica of the net. Check seasonal details and dates before your trip.

For an excursion with a clear time and distance range, a family hike is another option: it covers approximately 8 to 10 kilometres and takes around three hours. These details can help you estimate how much of your day to set aside for the trip.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Labastide-En-Val, Saint-Michel-De-Lanès, Carcassonne, Malves-En-Minervois, Lastours, Sallèles-Cabardès, Rivel, Saint-Martin-De-Villereglan.

Go to the main travel overview: Aude.