My wife and I will be spending 10 days in Nimes from mid to late September. We'll use it as a base to explore Western Provence and the Gard.

Does anyone know of any beaches on the Med with facilities (sun loungers and an umbrella)? As far as where, exactly, I'm thinking of the swath of the coast between Le Grau-du-Roi and Stes.-Maries-de-la-Mer (or points nearby). What about the beaches in those 2 towns? I know l'Espiguette is completely wild. Anything else in between?

Also, what is the best time of day to visit the Pont du Gard? I'm thinking of combining it with Uzes on a Wednesday (market day) for a day trip. The PdG is obviously beautiful -- at what time of day is it at peak beauty? Thanks in advance.

I'm (partially) based way down the coast but since no one else chimed in, I thought I'd add. I would double check to ensure that your target club is open; some start to close down in mid-September (at least near me). I would not shy away from L'Espiguette, I believe there are a couple of beach clubs, although all services may not be open in September. If you haven't found it already, the cremedelaguedoc site has excellent, refreshingly honest reviews of beaches, their towns and beach bars/clubs in the Languedoc. I've found them spot on.

We took a public bus from Nîmes to the Pont du Gard, which was quite convenient. It sounds as though you'll have a car, which would be even more convenient. We were sorry we hadn't allowed more time for the outing, as the spot was lovely.

I'm no help with the beaches.

As for the Pont du Gard, I prefer the light near-ish sunset, certainly not the middle of the day. I was there from mid-afternoon until closing (at 7 p.m.) in late June, when sunset was a bit before 9 p.m. IIRC. My favorite pictures are those later in my stay, when there were still some canoes and the softening light glinted off the river and turned the stone of the bridge itself into a glorious golden hue -- and those pictures were taken from a place on the rocks to the west of the bridge (the entrances are to the east). That doesn't tell you much about the light when YOU will be there, but maybe you can find some benefit from these observations.

Enjoy!

Nimes is a pretty weird place to park yourselves if beaches are a priority. The beach scene is over in September. You're dreaming about umbrellas and loungers. Plus, Nimes is interesting for maybe a day, not a week. You will have a great visit to the Pont du Gard, and I hope you tour around the area, including Usèz.

I didn't say beaches are a priority, and I said quite clearly that Nimes is a base town. I plan on maybe giving it 2 days of my time, and with the European Heritage Days coming up, there'll be plenty to see.

Hi,

We also did a wonderful day trip to the PdG and Uzes (including the market). We had one of the best lunches of the trip at a cool restaurant/art gallery called Le Tracteur in Argilliers (6 min drive from the PdG). It's only open for lunch I believe:

https://www.facebook.com/Le-Tracteur-277378209808

We really enjoyed the market in Uzes as well (we like to do the markets in the morning). We have children so we also made a stop at the Haribo factory just out of town for them!

I think we also arrived at the PdG in the afternoon (@330) but that's because we had done a kayak trip along the Gardon starting in Collias. It was a bit too strenuous for me but my kids loved jumping out of the kayak to swim under the marvellous structure! It was sufficient time to tour the museum and walk around outside, etc. I dont know if it would be warm enough to swim in the river at that time of year.

Enjoy!

I think you can rent sun loungers at Maguelone beach near Montpellier.
here's one place that does that
https://www.montpellier-france.com/o...SLAR034FS002J8

here's a place at the resort area La Grande Motte but you have to reserve
https://www.lapaillotebambou.com/

I don't know what you mean about when is the Pont du Gard most beautiful. If you have opinions about what time of day you like the light best, go with what you like. I'd say obviously it's less arduous and easier to view anything outdoors at times other than when the sun is at the peak in mid-day.

Hi Herr,
Christina is correct. We made the error of going to the Pont mid-day, a gaffe for us as photographers (actually we had little choice, it was during a transfer). Your best bet for 'postcard lighting' with the bridge's stone appearing at its most picturesque, would surely be early-ish morn plus the late afternoon 'golden hour'.
Bon chance.
I am done. The end.

Great information, everyone. Thank you

Le Grau du Roi will have the beaches closest to Nîmes. Those from Avignon and surroundings areas also go to the beaches at le Grau du Roi (and l´Espiquette). However, after the summer rush ends, at the end of August or early September, the crowds subside and beach activity slows dramatically.

You can always throw a towel down on a sandy beach there, but I am not sure which of the resort facilities will still be operating.

Just for the record, Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer has a big beach but not particularly attractive (at least when I have been there). Basically, the attraction of going there is the drive through the Camargue. It is also worth going to the roof of the church for something like 2 euros. It has a great view over the town.