South of Narbonne, the old circular village of Gruissan stands between the Mediterranean sea and lagoons, overlooked by the Barberousse (‘Redbeard’s’) medieval tower. In the old town there are delightful little streets, an old port and a busy weekly market. In the new town is a modern marina surrounded by bars and restaurants. The resort of Gruissan-Plage is remarkable for its picturesque neighbourhood of 1,300 chalets on stilts made famous by the French art-house film “Betty Blue”.