River and Sea Swimming

The nearest swimming is to be found in the local rivers that run south from the Black Mountains into the Mediterranean. In the winter months and following any storms these rapidly turn to flood and are unsafe to swin in. However, rain is a rarity in the summer months in the Midi and for most of the season they are warm and the water is crystal clear.

Suitable spots for swimming along the river Orb can be reached readiy by car. Just north on Murveil-les-Beziers are two sites. The first is just by the single track iron bridge over the river at Reals.

Coming from the North you should turn right off the road just before it turns left towards the bridge (about 20m from the bridge) and go around the back of the restaurant and along the small track. There is space to park the car along this track and you can then scramble down the cliff to the river. If you go towards the place where the road narrowns between two alrge rocks it is easier to climb down there. There is a sandy beach at the bottom on the cliff and planty of rocks to dive off of into the river. As an alternative you can turn off on a track at the South side of the bridge and climb down from there to the river.

Another swimming spot is found about 1 km north along the Orb. This is just by the Kayak station and thee is ample car parking off road along with barbeques so all you need to take is some charcoal and some meat to enjoy a quiet evening feeding the mosquitoes after your swim.

The nearest beach is at Valras Plage. It ia about 30 mins drive away. The beach is sandy, gently sloping and safe for small children but rather boring if you want to swim. The other beachs along the coast are rather similar. The coast is well developed with lots of holiday homes but that does mean that you can easily get refreshments and food nearby.

There is plenty of parking along the beach especially towards the west of the town. Just by the parking there are showers to wash the sand off your feet. The sand tends t o be a bit too dry for sandcastles except near the water's edge.