Pay my balance
North of Argelès-sur-Mer, Marende Beach (Marenda on official signage) has everything a family could want: fine sand, supervised swimming from early June to mid-September, a large car park and facilities for people with reduced mobility. Awarded the Blue Flag label, it stretches along the dunes beside the Mas Larrieu nature reserve.
From our campsite in Argelès-sur-Mer, Camping Le Méditerranée, here’s the complete guide: how to get there, where to park, services and handy tips for this beach 3 kilometres.
Key things to know about Marende Beach
| Criteria | Marende Beach |
|---|---|
| Location | The northernmost beach in Argelès-sur-Mer, towards Saint-Cyprien |
| Sand | Fine sand, backed by a dune ridge |
| Supervision | Lifeguard station no. 1, from early June to mid-September |
| Labels | Blue Flag and smoke-free beach |
| Parking | Large unpaved car park, including 4 PRM spaces |
| Accessibility | Tiralo, wheelchairs, accessible WC and waterline access |
| Activities | Windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding and beach clubs |
Marende, the natural beach north of Argelès-sur-Mer
Marende Beach sits at the northern tip of the Argelès-sur-Mer coastline, extending on from Tamariguer Beach towards Saint-Cyprien. Here, the built-up seafront gives way to a wilder landscape of fine sand and dunes.
What’s more, the beach borders the Mas Larrieu nature reserve, near the mouth of the Tech river. That’s why the town protects the dunes with dedicated signage as part of the Blue Flag label. Marende also has smoke-free beach status, a real comfort for families.
Among the beaches of Argelès-sur-Mer, Marende therefore appeals to holidaymakers looking for space and a more natural feel than in the town centre.
Getting to Marende Beach and parking
Marende Beach is easy to reach by car, with one major advantage: parking is just a few minutes from the sand.
Parking right by the beach
A large unpaved car park runs alongside Marende Beach. It sets aside 4 spaces for people with reduced mobility. In July and August, try to arrive before 10am to park closest to the lifeguard station.
Access designed for people with reduced mobility
At lifeguard station no. 1, the town of Argelès-sur-Mer has installed a full set of facilities for swimming for people with reduced mobility. On site, visitors have access to the following:
- A compacted-earth path leads to within 20 metres of the water, with the help of a companion.
- The Tiralo, a chair that rolls on sand and floats on water, makes it possible to enter the sea.
- Manual and electric wheelchairs complete the equipment.
- Finally, on the facilities side, an accessible WC with a ramp is available for visitors.
Why is Marende so popular with families?
Marende Beach reassures parents thanks to supervised swimming by municipal lifeguards, from early June to mid-September. During this period, lifeguard station no. 1 watches over the bathing area, while water sports are kept to clearly marked zones.
What’s more, the services cover everything you need for a full day out: showers, toilets, beach food and clubs set up on the sand. These clubs rent out sun loungers, parasols, kayaks, paddleboards and windsurf boards, plenty to keep both kids and adults busy until evening.
For families staying at Camping Le Méditerranée, Marende is the perfect complement to our water park: the sea in the morning, the slides in the afternoon!
A little extra: at the end of the day, walk along the beach northwards towards the edge of the Mas Larrieu nature reserve. Dunes, coastal vegetation and the mouth of the Tech river create a still-wild seaside backdrop. Stay on the marked paths: these fragile habitats are home to protected wildlife and plants, best observed quietly with binoculars in hand.
What if Marende became your holiday beach? Rated 5-star, our campsite, Camping Le Méditerranée, welcomes families to a 100% pedestrian, tree-filled 5.5-hectare estate, 1.5 km from the sea and reachable by bike or shuttle. Between the beach, our 480 m² outdoor pool, the lagoon and the kids’ clubs, everyone finds their own pace. Book your mobile home or chalet now.