Leucate is a popular seaside resort town on the Languedoc coast of southern france between Perpignan and Narbonne.
This is a guest article contributed by a visitor to France This Way.
Explore Leucate
France This Way review: for visitors Leucate falls into three distinct attractions: the beach, the village of Leucate, and the headland known as Cap Leucate.
Leucate is a lovely old village full of colour. As soon as we discovered it I fell in love with the place and wanted to stay forever. That was not possible for us because of the expensive house prices, but this didn’t stop us driving down to this gorgeous spot whenever we had the time.
Lovely outdoor cafes, a ruined castle on a hill, a micro-climate in which the sun always seems to shine, the best croissants we have ever tasted - you know, all the good stuff. The village is lively and colourful and a very friendly place to visit in summer.
During the summer months the lagoon fills with windsurfers and the place is abuzz, especially with free-campers. For the more adventurous windsurfer, the sea offers a good sail at La Franqui and beyond the campsite at Leucate plage - where there are a couple of very trendy beach bars during high season.
From the lighthouse on Cap Leucate, on a clear day, you have a view over the Mediterranean sea to the Spanish border, and a panoramic view of the snow capped Pyrenees during winter. It really is breathtaking.
If you are here for the beach you will find the beach front is totally uncommercial: with just a couple of discreet hotels and restaurants, it’s perfect.
Now I can’t help but be all British and say that one of the things I like most about Leucate is the parking situation. I know, how very boring. But doesn’t it make such a difference when you can just arrive, park and get straight on that beach? No hassle at all and it’s all free!
If you are in a camper, like us, you can pitch up for the night for €6 right on the beach, or pay a little more to be further away and nearer the toilets!
If you are visiting Leucate because of the windsurfing be sure to visit the shop called ‘Chinnock’ by the supermarket car park for all your windsurf gear and tips. With an abundance of stock, they will definitely have what you need.
Attractions nearby
You can visit the Fort de Leucate high on the hill above the village: although it is in ruins it is still interesting to visit and there are very extensive views across the sea from here.
Before leaving Leucate be sure to visit the pretty villages of Peyriac-de-Mer and Bages, both of which are situated next to a huge lagoon inhabited by flamingoes. There are also some lovely coastal walks to be had from here and I am told that there is a supremely good restaurant in Bages itself.
See more of the popular Languedoc resorts and beaches
You can find more travel ideas in the Aude guide and the Languedoc-Roussillon guide.
Arrange a visit to Leucate
Hotels in Leucate
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Map of Leucate and places nearby
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Address: Leucate, Sigean, Narbonne, Languedoc-Roussillon, 11370, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 42.9106, longitude 3.02944
Plan your visit to Leucate, Aude
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Étang de Leucate: site of natural beauty (7 km)
- African reserve of Sigean: zoo or wildlife park (19 km)
- Forêt de Fontfroide: site of natural beauty (26 km)
- Abbaye de Fontfroide (Narbonne): religious monument (26 km)
- Perpignan: town of art and history (26 km)
- Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges (Cabestany): religious monument (26 km)
- Narbonnaise en Méditerranée: regional natural parc (27 km)
- Étang de Canet-Saint-Nazaire: site of natural beauty (27 km)
- Narbonne: secteur sauvegarde (31 km)
- Gouffre de l'Œil Doux: site of natural beauty (34 km)
- Lagrasse: most beautiful village (39 km)
- Eglise de Saint Michel (Saint-Genis-des-fontaines): religious monument (42 km)
Market days in Leucate, France
A seasonal market is held in Leucate on Saturday & Monday & Wednesday & Thursday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Leucate (Francais)