This summer, the City of Gruissan and the Tourist Office are setting up a free shuttle service to facilitate access to the beaches of Mateille and Vieille Nouvelle.
As part of its approach to preserving the coastline and adapting to regulatory changes, the City of Gruissan and the Tourist Office are implementing, from 1er July and until August 31, a free shuttle service to the beaches of Mateille and Vieille Nouvelle.
This initiative is part of an experimental approach, constructed with and for users, in order to test concrete solutions for access to beaches that combine tourist attractiveness, environmental preservation and user comfort.
This system, which will be an experimental phase, aims to facilitate access to beaches while supporting the transition towards more environmentally friendly use.
This new service meets several objectives:
- Support the regulation of access to beaches ;
- Preserve fragile natural spaces, by reducing the impact of motorized flows;
- Offer a complementary, comfortable and responsible solution, adapted to the challenges of summer attendance.
- Suggest a local public service, guaranteeing a free solution without economic barriers, to both passing users and residents.
Each shuttle rotation helps reduce the number of vehicles parked on the seafront, in the said parking pockets, an immediate benefit for the environment and the peace and quiet of users.
A test phase to build together
This first season is a stage of setting up, listening and adjustment.
This initiative is designed as a collective experiment, based on observing usage and feedback from residents, visitors, and professionals. The City and the Tourist Office aim to use it as a learning opportunity to refine, correct, and improve.
Practical arrangements
- Free service every day from 11 a.m. to 19 p.m.
- Services: Moulin parking lot → Vieille Nouvelle beach
- Stadium parking → Mateille Beach
- Online booking on the City and Tourist Office websites, and by scanning the QR code on the flyer available in shops, accommodation and at shuttle stops
- The shuttles drop you off at the beach parking lots. From there, it's a short walk: 150 meters to reach the sea at Mateille and 320 meters to Vieille Nouvelle, or even a little further if you want to enjoy several kilometers of unspoiled beach...
A feedback form is available on the City and Tourist Office websites: anyone can express their opinions, expectations, and suggestions. This dialogue is essential: it will inform the decision on the sustainability of the system.
By reservation, from July 1st to August 31st by clicking at this link. You will be asked to create an account to easily access your bookings. Don't forget to book your outbound AND return journeys.
How it works ?
Shuttles run daily from July 1st to August 31st, from 11am to 19pm, with departures and returns approximately every 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions:
- Moulin parking lot station: direction Vieille Nouvelle beach/return
- Stades parking lot station: direction Mateille beach/return
You book on the City website then you will receive a confirmation to present to the driver who will give you a ticket.
It will be possible to book on the same day or the day before for the following day. Reservations are open at short notice only, in order to allow for better distribution of places and fair operation for all.
You can cancel your reservation through the same online platform. Please do so as soon as possible to free up the space for another user.
The reservation system allows for staggered returns, which is why it is mandatory to book the return shuttle. However, the service will do its best to accommodate special situations. We count on everyone's patience.
In the event of an incident (breakdown, flat tire, etc.), you will be allowed to take the next shuttle bus, subject to availability. We thank you for your understanding in the event of any inconvenience.
Who to contact in case of a problem?
The Gruissan Tourist Office team can assist you. You will also find an online FAQ and contact details on the booking sites.
Gruissan Tourist Office: 04 68 49 09 00
office.tourisme@gruissan-mediterranee.com
And what about comfort and safety?
The shuttles are equipped with seatbelts, and the driver will not start unless all passengers are buckled up. Safety is a priority. The shuttles are air-conditioned. We rely on your kindness and respect to avoid damaging or dirtying the shuttles to ensure optimal service quality for all.
Access to Vieille Nouvelle Beach is via a natural path. It can be a little bumpy, but that's the price to pay for accessing a beautiful, unspoiled beach.
Once you arrive, the beach lifeguard stations will allow you to swim in complete safety.
Are the shuttles accessible to everyone?
We regret that the current shuttles are not accessible to people with reduced mobility. This is a priority area for improvement that we will study for the coming seasons. The service is reserved for adults or accompanied minors. No specific supervision is provided on board. The shuttles are equipped with a single car seat for emergency use, but we invite you to bring your own seat or car seat. It will be installed by you and under your responsibility, and you must transport it with you to the beach.
What can I take on board?
For space and safety reasons, bulky equipment such as paddleboards or surfboards cannot be transported on board the shuttles. Coolers and beach bags will be placed in the trunk.
Bicycles, even folding ones, are not permitted on board. As for folding scooters, they may be permitted provided they are easily transportable and do not obstruct traffic on board. I can carry equipment while remaining reasonable. Umbrellas must be folded and mattresses and floats deflated.
Since our animal friends are not allowed on the beaches, it goes without saying that we cannot transport them on board the shuttles.
