Plage Les Coussoules

Plage Les Coussoules is a stunningly preserved beach located near Leucate, in the Aude department of Occitanie, France. It is nestled between the sea and the lagoons, with the Palme lagoon on one side and the distant cliffs of Leucate and Port la Nouvelle on the other. The beach stretches over 8 kilometers, providing ample space for visitors to explore and enjoy.

This beach stands out for maintaining its wild, untouched nature, in contrast to many other popular Mediterranean beaches. Despite its popularity, it does not typically become overcrowded, especially in areas further away from the lifeguard station. Even in the summer, when the supervised area can become busy, visitors can still find more secluded and wild sections of the beach towards Port la Nouvelle.

Notable natural features of the beach include tamarisk hedges, a narrow strip of sand known as the "grau de La Franqui," and salt marshes. The beach is also known for its coarse sand and calm sea, making it suitable for swimming. Visitors can take in the sculptural shapes of driftwood deposited by the sea over time, and enjoy the beautiful view of Cap Leucate from the beach.

Reaching Plage Les Coussoules involves passing through the tamarisk hedges and crossing the "grau de La Franqui," a shallow saltwater area that can be traversed on foot. Signs for Les Coussoules from La Franqui direct visitors across the ponds to a parking area next to a campsite.

The beach offers a range of amenities including a toilet facility and a place to wash feet, located near the parking lot. However, there are no showers or places to seek shade from the sun. The beach is pet-friendly, with dogs allowed after the kitesurfing area. Furthermore, there is a section of the beach designated for nudists.

Parking options at Plage Les Coussoules include a free parking lot, a paid parking area for camping cars, and the unique feature of being allowed to park directly on the beach. However, the walk from the parking lot to the water is relatively long, and there may be a private, possibly monitored parking option available.

Finally, Plage Les Coussoules is a popular spot for activities such as land sailing and kiteboarding. The beach is regularly exposed to the effects of the sea breeze, making the summer heat more bearable and providing excellent conditions for these activities. The beach's affiliation with the Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Regional Natural Park and its classification as Natura 2000, along with its designated swimming area with a blue flag, all speak to the exceptional quality of its natural areas.