Plage Sainte Marie
Occitania, France
Plage Sainte Marie is a beach in Occitania, France, just 0.44 km from Blaye-les-Mines. It holds Blue Flag status, verified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open from June 15 through September 15. Drinking water is available on-site. June offers a…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Plage Sainte Marie
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Plage Sainte Marie?
Plage Sainte Marie is a beach in Occitania, France, just 0.44 km from Blaye-les-Mines. It holds Blue Flag status, verified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open from June 15 through September 15. Drinking water is available on-site. June offers a good time to visit with fewer crowds than July and August, when the beach reaches peak capacity. Swimmers should take appropriate precautions in the water.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Occitania, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in France certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Plage Sainte Marie faces unknown toward Mediterranean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in June. The beach's orientation determines when it catches direct sun — plan your visit around this to make the most of your time there.
Planning
When to Go — Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5°C | 2°C | Low |
| Feb | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
| Mar | 9°C | 6°C | Low |
| Apr | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| May | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
| Jun | 20°C | 17°C | Med |
| Jul | 22°C | 19°C | High |
| Aug | 22°C | 19°C | High |
| Sep | 18°C | 15°C | Med |
| Oct | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Nov | 9°C | 6°C | Low |
| Dec | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
The best time to visit Plage Sainte Marie is June. Air temperatures peak around 22.3°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 19.3°C in July.
How crowded does Plage Sainte Marie get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in France, Plage Sainte Marie sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Plage Sainte Marie open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (15-06 – 15-09). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Plage Sainte Marie
Is Plage Sainte Marie safe to swim?Plage Sainte Marie is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach — swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Plage Sainte Marie?Peak water temperature at Plage Sainte Marie reaches around <span class="inline-stat">19.3°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 4.5°C.
What is the beach like at Plage Sainte Marie?Plage Sainte Marie on the Occitania coast of France. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Plage Sainte Marie have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Plage Sainte Marie meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Plage Sainte Marie sits on the Mediterranean Sea — explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Mediterranean.
Planning a trip to France? Blue Flag Beaches France — our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Plage Sainte Marie
How do I get to Plage Sainte Marie by car?Plage Sainte Marie is approximately 0.44 km from Blaye-les-Mines. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Plage Sainte Marie?The nearest airport is Base Hydro-ULM de Rivières, approximately 18.95 km away.
Can I get to Plage Sainte Marie by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Blaye-les-Mines.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 15-06 – 15-09 |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 44.0307°N, 2.1269°E |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — France |
Frequently Asked Questions
Plage Sainte Marie FAQ
Is Plage Sainte Marie suitable for children?
Plage Sainte Marie is a Blue Flag certified beach in Occitania, France. Blue Flag certification itself requires meeting strict environmental and safety standards that benefit all beach users.
Is Plage Sainte Marie free to access?
Yes, access to Plage Sainte Marie is free — there are no entry fees or charges to use the beach. Parking is available nearby; check local signs for any parking charges. Facilities including beach amenities are typically available during the official season at no charge. The beach is managed by local authorities under the Blue Flag programme.
When is the best time to visit Plage Sainte Marie?
The best time to visit Plage Sainte Marie is June. Water temperature peaks at around 19.3°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 22.3°C in summer. If you prefer quieter conditions, visiting in June or September gives you warm weather with fewer crowds than the July–August peak. The Blue Flag is displayed during the certified season, confirming the beach meets all water quality and safety standards.
What is the water quality at Plage Sainte Marie?
Plage Sainte Marie is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict annual water quality standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Blue Flag certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and requires independent water quality monitoring throughout the season. The results are publicly available from the European Environment Agency.
How do I get to Plage Sainte Marie?
Plage Sainte Marie is located in Occitania, France. It is approximately 0.44 km from Blaye-les-Mines. The nearest airport is Base Hydro-ULM de Rivières, 18.95 km away. Parking is available at or near the beach. Check local transport authority websites for current public transport schedules. A car is the most flexible option for reaching the beach, particularly outside peak season.
Explore More
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