Blue Flag Certified

Plage Sainte Marie

Occitania, France

Mediterranean Sea

Written by Lotte Hansen | Edited by Arjun Nair, Coastal Research Editor | Updated October 2026

44.0307°N, 2.1269°E

Certification Blue Flag 2026

Experience

Practical Free Entry Parking

Quick Overview

Plan Your Visit to Plage Sainte Marie

The key facts before you go

Blue Flag

Certified 2026

FEE annual certification

Water Quality

Blue Flag Standard

EU Bathing Water Directive

Best Season

June

Season: 15 Jun – 15 Sep

Location

Blaye-les-Mines

0.44 km from Blaye-les-Mines

Facilities

Parking

Free entry · Open beach

Family Score

2/10

Based on facilities & safety data

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.

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

When is the best time to visit Plage Sainte Marie?

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 19.3°C 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. The nearest recorded bus stop is 1.5 km from the beach.

Is there a train to Plage Sainte Marie?

Plage Sainte Marie lists Carmaux as the nearest railway station, 2.83 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.

Nearby

Near Plage Sainte Marie

Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Plage Sainte Marie. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.

Get directions Apple Maps

Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.

Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)

Parking near Plage Sainte Marie

Parking Parking 347 m
Place Augustin Malroux Parking 371 m

Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.

Practical Details

Practical Information

At the Beach
Entry	Free: no charge to access the beach
Lifeguards	✗
Showers	✗
Toilets	✗
Official Season	15 Jun – 15 Sep
Beach Type	Coastal beach
Parking	✓ Available nearby (surface parking)
Nearest supermarket	2.9 km from the beach
Nearest bus stop	1.5 km from the 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 has a child-friendly score of 2/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in France.

Is Plage Sainte Marie free to access?

Access to Plage Sainte Marie is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Occitania, France, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.

When is the best time to visit Plage Sainte Marie?

The best time to visit Plage Sainte Marie is June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 19.3°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.

What is the water quality at Plage Sainte Marie?

Plage Sainte Marie is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.

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. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.

Is there parking near Plage Sainte Marie?

Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 347 m from Plage Sainte Marie, with 2 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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