After the Marathon de Montpellier: Palavas-les-Flots

The Route: Montpellier → Pérols (tram) → Palavas-les-Flots (bus) → Montpellier Logistics: Tram line 3 from central Montpellier towards Pérols Étang de l'Or, then bus line 1 (Transp'Or) through Carnon to Palavas. About 45 minutes to an hour in total. Marathon Month: April Duration: Day trip

Montpellier ──(tram 3)──> Pérols Étang de l'Or ──(bus 1)──> Palavas-les-Flots
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     └──────────────────(same route back)───────────────────────────┘

Palavas-les-Flots is the closest seaside town to Montpellier, on a strip of land between the Mediterranean and the lagoons. The day after the marathon, it offers exactly what tired legs need: flat promenades, sea air and a long lunch. In April the season has barely started, so the beaches are quiet and the water is too cold for most people to swim. Treat it as a walk by the sea.

Getting There

Take tram line 3 from central Montpellier, including from Saint-Roch station, towards Pérols Étang de l'Or. At Pérols, change to bus line 1, run by Transp'Or, which follows the coast through Carnon to Palavas. The whole journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and the bus runs roughly every half hour on weekdays. Check the Sunday timetable before you set out.

In Palavas

The town grew up around the mouth of the Lez, which runs out to the sea through a canal lined with fishing boats and restaurants. Walk along the canal to the harbour, then along the seafront, which is flat and runs for several kilometres in each direction. Fish and shellfish from the lagoons and the Mediterranean are the obvious lunch.

Getting Back

Return by bus line 1 to Pérols and tram line 3 into Montpellier. Leave enough time for the connection, particularly later in the day when the bus runs less often.