For all nature lovers! The Gruissan lakes have plenty of surprises in store. With the "Natura 2000" label, these huge coastal lagoons are a vital part of the Aude natural heritage and home to rich and original flora and fauna. Come and see it!
Étang de Gruissan
The Etang de Gruissan is a lake at the edge of the Mediterranean. It covers a surface area of 145 hectares and is linked to the sea by a channel. Gruissan fishermen still use their nets to catch eels, sea bream and mullets. You can walk around the marine lake along a signposted trail (6 km), with a great view of the Barberousse Tower and the ruins of the old Gruissan Castle (10th century).
Étang de Campignol
Etang de Campignol lies south of Roc de Conilhac and west of Gruissan. It is a unique spot for watching migrating birds hidden in the reeds, on the water or in the sky. For almost 30 years now, the Bird Protection League (LPO) has been welcoming thousands of visitors here between July and November each year.
Étang de l'Ayrolle
Between Gruissan and Peyriac-de-Mer, a short distance from a small fishing village, Etang de l'Ayrolle is a lake outside time with unspoilt landscapes and small cabins called "Cabanotes". Sale of freshly caught fish every day. You can enjoy a walk between Île Saint Martin de Gruissan and the salt marsh beaches in Port-la-Nouvelle.
Étang du Grazel
Etang du Grazel is close by the cycle paths and the Gruissan marina. All the year round it is home to sea gulls, terns, black-winged stilts and cormorants, among others. Here you can take a walk, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and take photos of the beautiful landscape opposite the Bird Island. There are also some bars and restaurants to enjoy. It's worth noting that Etang du Grazel is also a much appreciated kitesurfing spot in Gruissan.
Étang de Mateille
Etang de Mateille is between Gruissan and Narbonne-Plage. This is a large marine lake that is popular with nature lovers, budding botanists and bird watchers. It also attracts fans of windsurfing and standup paddleboarding. A trail (9 km) takes you round the lake to the Ayguades district. As a bonus, you can enjoy a great view over Mount Canigou!
Étang de Pissevaches
Etang de Pissevaches is between Saint-Pierre-la-Mer and Les Cabanes-de-Fleury. It is about 100 metres from the sea and one of the smallest lakes in the nature park (900 hectares). It has one of the last natural channels on the Mediterranean coast. There is a nature trail where you can observe a large number of birds (flamingoes, little egrets, terns, plovers, etc.).
Étang des Exals
Exals is the name of a peaceful little lake at the foot of the Clape mountains, near Saint-Pierre-la-Mer and just a few minutes from your holiday residence. A floral and geological trail provides visitors with an original walk and a chance to see the sea fossils in the rock: ammonites, sea urchins, rudists and other shellfish that are 110 million years old.
