Embark on the discovery of Gruissan.

Between culture and traditions

Cultural Exploration and Traditions: Ascend the Barberousse Tower

Whether with Elodie or Alban, your biggest challenge will be choosing your excursion. They accompany you on foot, on electric bikes, on a Segway, or even on a small train to observe, listen, and, most importantly, share their knowledge and experience. The history of the seafarers or that of the old castle, ancestral traditions, the birth of the marina, or the biodiversity of the coastline will soon have no secrets for you. Come, and you will fall in love with Gruissan—we guarantee it! Reservations can be made through the Tourist Office. The village of Gruissan dominated by the Barberousse Tower is recognizable from afar! The tower was intended to protect Gruissan from maritime invasions. Needless to say, it will offer you a unique viewpoint of the lagoon, the village, and the Clape massif.

Stroll through the Chalets District

By the lagoon, Ayrolle is a unique and timeless place. The Chapel of Notre Dame des Auzils serves as a lookout for the sailors of Gruissan. Focus on the Chalets District. Head towards the Salins. Perched at 35 meters altitude on a rocky spur surrounded by lagoons, the castle ensured coastal surveillance of passing ships to the port of Narbonne and protected the population in case of attacks by pirates and slave traders. For over a thousand years, it has watched over the village nestled at its feet. Climb to the tower and discover a 360° view of an incredible landscape and be enchanted by the magic of the view!

Selfie at Cap sur les Salins

A view from the sky would reveal an original checkerboard construction. Urban planners after the war wanted to offer a sea view to everyone and protect the buildings from the Cers, our dominant wind, through a clever arrangement at 45°. There is an air of the American West Coast, without barriers or enclosed gardens, with its lovers of water sports, families, regulars… Take out your smartphones; this site is highly Instagrammable. Head towards the Salins.

Chapel Notre Dame des Auzils, the Lookout for Gruissan’s Sailors

It is located “a little closer to the stars,” and you will access it via a small road bordered by maritime pines, in the heart of the Clape massif. You begin the ascent to the chapel along the path of the marine cemetery, also called the “Nauf ragés Alley.” The cenotaphs (tombs without bodies) that line it are erected in memory of the sailors of Gruissan who disappeared at sea. The chapel is dedicated to the Virgin, the protector of sailors, after a terrible storm engulfed three fishing boats from the village and their crew. Look at the walls; they might reveal many mysteries about the ex-votos of thanks, these paintings of ships in the midst of sinking…