Port-la-Nouvelle is a coastal town and resort in the south of France, in the Aude department of Languedoc-Roussillon to the south of Narbonne.
There are two apects to Port-la-Nouvelle - the first is the ten kilometre long beach facing on to the Mediterranean that attracts thousands of tourists each year, and the second is one of the largest industrial ports to be found in France.
Beach and harbour of Port-la-Nouvelle
The beach at Port-la-Nouvelle is sandy, gently sloping, supervised and lots of activities to amuse the family. The beach has also been awarded the 'Blue Flag' for cleanliness and facilities. Behind the beach at Port-la-Nouvelle there are numerous cafes, hotels and restaurants.
There are also three port areas: the first is one of the largest industrial ports in France (of no interest to visitors), the second is the bustling fishing port, and the third is dedicated to pleasure boats. The best time to visit the fishing port is between 8.30 and 9.30 each morning when the harbour side fish market leaps into action.
Away from the beach you can take one of the marked trails alongside the Canal de la Robine through the protected 'Ile de Sainte-Lucie' region for a chance to appreciate the natural environment around Port-la-Nouvelle - the region is an extensive area of waterways, woods and a lovely place to relax and enjoy the countryside.
One unusual sight is 'La Baleine' - the skeleton of a whale washed up in the port here 25 years ago has been preserved for visitors to see. The skeleton is about 20 metres long and situated at the Domaine de Jugnes on the route to Lapalme.
France This Way review: the proximity of the cement factory and industrial port would stop us from choosing Port-la-Nouvelle as a destination to spend very long, but if you are passing through the area both the beach and the walk through Ile de Sainte-Lucie are pleasant detours.
Attractions close to Port-la-Nouvelle
Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to the Sigean Nature Reserve just a few kilometres inland from Port-la-Nouvelle, or see more of the popular resorts and beaches in Languedoc.
You can find more travel ideas in the Aude guide and the Languedoc-Roussillon guide.
Arrange a visit to Port-la-Nouvelle
Hotels in Port-la-Nouvelle
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Map of Port-la-Nouvelle and places nearby
Visit near Port-la-Nouvelle with France This Way reviews
La Palme
La Palme is a small traditional village in Languedoc-Roussillon with a beach, lagoon and vineyards to explore
La Palme guide
Sigean Nature Reserve
Sigean is a very popular wildlife park where thousands of animals such as lions, zebras nd rhinoceroslive in semi-freedom
Sigean Nature Reserve guide
Gruissan
As well as the pleasure port and old village centre, Gruissan is also well known for its windsurfing
Gruissan guide
Leucate
The resort at Leucate is one of the liveliest and most interesting along the Languedoc coast
Leucate guide
Fontfroide Abbey
The Abbey at Fontfroide dates from the 12th century, and is one of the most interesting abbeys in the region
Fontfroide Abbey guide
Narbonne
Among other highlights, the parts of Narbonne along the canal and around the cathedral are especially worth exploring
Narbonne guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Aude
Address: Port-la-Nouvelle, Sigean, Narbonne, Languedoc-Roussillon, 11210, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 43.013333, longitude 3.08
Plan your visit to Port-la-Nouvelle, Aude
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- African reserve of Sigean: zoo or wildlife park (12 km)
- Narbonnaise en Méditerranée: regional natural parc (15 km)
- Forêt de Fontfroide: site of natural beauty (19 km)
- Étang de Leucate: site of natural beauty (20 km)
- Abbaye de Fontfroide (Narbonne): religious monument (20 km)
- Narbonne: secteur sauvegarde (20 km)
- Gouffre de l'Œil Doux: site of natural beauty (22 km)
- Enserune: national monument (33 km)
- Beziers: secteur sauvegarde (38 km)
- Perpignan: town of art and history (38 km)
- Lagrasse: most beautiful village (38 km)
- Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges (Cabestany): religious monument (39 km)
Market days in Port-la-Nouvelle, France
A seasonal market is held in Port-la-Nouvelle on Saturday.
Regular market(s) are held in Port-la-Nouvelle each Wednesday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Port-la-Nouvelle (Francais)