The long beaches and string of small lakes are the hallmarks of the Côte du Midi landscape. Marshlands, salt marshes, dunes, lagoons... they are home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, especially birds, with nearly 350 species present either all year round or "passing through". Many of the natural sites are owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral (Coastal Conservatory) and placed under the protection of the Parc naturel régional de la Narbonnaise en Méditerranée (Narbonne Regional Natural Park). From April to October, the nature park organises the so-called "Rendez-vous du Parc", i.e. free walks with a guide.
There's nothing better than setting off on foot, by bike or on horseback to explore the coastline and the paths of the Narbonne Regional Natural Park... The key to it all is to take your time, observe, smell and touch (but NOT to pick!).
Christophe Baudot Balade en vélo avec Languedoc VTT Evasion
Christophe Baudot observation des oiseaux avec le Parc naturel de la Narbonnaise
Trott up
L'Oeil dEos
There to guide you
The Park's guides
Our guides form a network of guides for nature or sporting/cultural activities coordinated by the Regional Natural Park. They are trained to tell you nature's stories, big and small. Follow them!
The Côte du Midi boasts a remarkable diversity of birds. Follow the events organised by the French League for the Protection of Birds (Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux - LPO) or those of the Narbonne Regional Natural Park (Parc Naturel Régional de la Narbonnaise) to find out all about migrating birds. Here are some great sites for observing hawks, storks, cinereous finches, and many more...
The Roc de Conilhac in Gruissan
The Grand Castelou in Narbonne
The cliff of Leucate
PNRNM
PNRNM
Flora
The region's plants, trees and flowers change depending on where you are situated: dunes, lakes, salt marshes, massifs...
Here are some names to remember and observe:
La Clape’s Centaurea corymbosa (or knapweed) is an endemic species that grows exclusively in the massif of La Clape, clinging to the rocky walls of the cliffs.
Aphyllanthes monspeliensis (or Montpellier Aphyllanthes) colours the edges of paths, while the salicornia (or saltwort) helps to maintain the dunes.
