The Grand Travers beach, which allows dogs, is enjoying “incredible success”, according to Stéphan Rossignol, mayor of La Grande-Motte.

Feedback from residents and tourists, sanctions, rules… the mayor of La Grande-Motte answers our questions about the 60 access to the Grand Travers beach, which has allowed dogs to roam free for about thirty years.

The 60 access to the Grand Travers beach has allowed dogs for 30 years. What feedback have you had, positive or negative??

It is clear that this beach has its vocation and that it is incredibly successful. For dog owners, there are not many places that offer such a possibility. We have a lot of positive feedback from tourists who say that they came on holiday to La Grande-Motte because they take their dog everywhere and are happy not to leave it in their apartment.

People who live next to the beach reserved for dogs have made complaints because the animals exceeded the limit. But these are the only conflicts of use that we can have. I can assure you that they are very rare. There are also the grumblers, those who come to the area, and who say that it is not normal for dogs to walk on the beach, when they have everything else to themselves.

What was the motivation for this decision??

I didn't create it, it's been around for thirty years and we could have removed it. Since I became mayor, I believe that a city like La Grande-Motte, which welcomes many tourists and animal lovers, with 7 km of beach, has the capacity to dedicate a space to it. This is access 60. We are at the end of La Grande-Motte, we are almost at the limit with our neighbors from Carnon. We know that there are many dog ​​owners in La Grande-Motte, but especially among tourists who do not want to deprive themselves of the beach.

Are there regular checks ?

Yes, because dogs can fight. Even though dogs usually get along very well. I think it's the fact that they are somewhat free and that they bathe.

How is it maintained ?

It is the services of the agglomeration of the Pays de l'Or who maintain the beaches daily, including this one, because you can't ask the dog to go to dry toilets.

Are there any rules specific ?

No, dogs can be free. We still ask that people respect the limitations. Sometimes dogs go beyond the space. Dog owners are asked to police themselves, to ensure that the animals stay within the limits reserved for them.

What are the penalties for violations??

A fine of up to 150 euros for the presence of a dog on non-reserved beaches, but very few people issue fines.

What specific infrastructure has been installed ?

Apart from communication signs, there is nothing special. It is no different from other beaches, except that there are a lot of dogs.

Who frequents this beach ?

Tourists and locals. We see that tourists who have a dog come here specifically to spend the day at the beach because they know this place. This is an important aspect. There are people who would do anything for their dog. They are very attached to the quality of life of their animal.

And it is true that a dog that has the right to go swimming, to go in the water, to go out, to jump, it is not given everywhere. So for a dog lover, it is ideal.

Are you planning to extend this initiative to other beaches or other parts of the Grand Travers beach ?

No. We already have this space, it's enough, we can't multiply it either, because we did that at the end of the commune. There are no plans to expand this area since people are happy.

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