It has come up in conversation – many times – as one of our most extraordinary experiences in France. It is certainly hard to describe and after chatting about this place, I generally feel like I left out the real story. This is because Grussian, a commune in the southern French Aude department, is experiential.
The pink harvesting field for French sea salt from Gruissan is the ultimate setting to enjoy Languedoc rosé, sea salt, veggies, and tapenade. Credit: Jill Barth
Near the gorgeous cultural city of Narbonne, Gruissan sits on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, necklaced by salt lakes (etangs) where sea salt is harvested. Les Sels de Grussian are nurtured in an algae-rich environment that increases the salinity of the water to a level higher than that of seawater. For generations, local people have raked and harvested the salt from this environment. The salt is available for sale in many forms and it also served in a set of eateries located with a view of the pink lakes.
I had a gorgeous lunch at La Terrace du Salin where we enjoyed super-fresh shrimp, crisp veg, tapenade, and a charcuterie plate paired a bottle of Languedoc rosé. The combination was so magical, so sensually harmonious, I share the outing through a photo tour:
The pink salt lakes stretch out the view. Credit: Jill Barth
The nearby marina is filled with bobbing sailboats. Credit: Jill Barth
Visit the restaurants, museum or shops at Gruissan. Credit: Jill Barth
Color wash blue. Serious beauty. Credit: Jill Barth
A colorful boat adds perspective in Gruissan. Credit: Jill Barth
Herbed olives and a Languedoc rosé make the perfect pairing for a seaside view. Credit: Jill Barth
A simple wooden box makes a gift of sea salt. Credit: Jill Barth
Oysters, shrimp, fish packed in sea salt – many options to enjoy at Gruissan. Credit: Jill Barth
A gift from France: Sea salt in decorative pots. Credit: Jill Barth
La Terrace du Salin, an exquisite experience in Gruissan. Credit: Les Salins du Gruissan
Charcuterie pairing from French rosé from Domaine L’Angel, located in La Clape. Credit: Jill Barth
Local wines are available in abundance. Credit: Jill Barth
Outside seating surrounded by fresh oysters in bags. Credit: Jill Barth
The shop is colorful and exciting – sea salt in many forms and colors. Credit: Jill Barth
Discover Gruissan and the South of France
During our time in the Languedoc, we stayed with Jodi at La Tour du Chateau located in Ventanac-en-Minervois on the Canal du Midi. We tooled around with Jodi visiting wineries, restaurants, caves and other sites including Gruissan. For a custom culinary or wine trip in the Languedoc (now known as Occitanie) contact Jodi for great hospitality and style. We felt instantly at home in her luxury accommodations, welcomed by her two pups. It is the first time that my husband and I ever had any sort of guide on our trips in Europe and Jodi undoubtedly showed us spots that we might not have discovered on our own…Gruissan in particular.
Wine Pairing Weekend
The theme for our August Wine Pairing Weekend Chat is Rosé and… Wine Pairing Weekend is a group of writers who gather together once a month to create food and wine pairings around a theme. David Crowley started the group in June 2014 and it’s been going strong ever since.
Join in the fun! Even if you don’t have a blog, there is still time to go out and grab yourself a bottle of Rosé and make a meal. Even without the wine and food,you can still join the chat on Saturday, July 12 at 8am PST by following #winePW with the following stories:
Martin of ENOFLYZwineblog recommends Two Easy Summer Meals And Two California Rosés.
Lauren of The Swirling Dervish declares it is Dinner Time and Wine: Three Pairings for Sparkling Rosé.
Here at L’Occasion we indulge in Rosé and Sea Salt.
Camilla of Culinary Adventures with Camilla will be posting about Kobza Rosé with a Summery Grilled Haloumi Salad.
Wendy of A Day in the Life on the Farm shares her story, I heard an Angel Whispering in my ear.
Gwendolyn of WinePredator proclaims Hooray for Central Coast Rose for #WinePW.
David of Cooking Chat is pairing Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with a Bandol Rosé.
Ellen of Family Around the Table will make us all drool with her Brown Sugar Pecan Maple Baked Brie.
Lori of Dracaena Wines will be pairing Rosé Thai Grilled Pizza.
Cindy of Grape Experiences knows the KISS rule and will Pair Rosé with…(Keep it Simple)
Nancy from Pull That Cork will be Grazing, Rosé in Hand.
Jane of Always Ravenous will be discussing A Season of Rosé Paired with Mediterranean Flavors.
What Is Rosé?
For more on rosé (a topic I’ve covered extensively here) see my past posts:
Rosé or Rosato? Is there a difference?
Grape Diversity and Greek Rosé
A Provençal Rosé with a Summer Supper
Five Things I Learned About Loire Wines from a Bottle of Rosé
L'OCCASION 
We have been enjoying wine, seafood and …… sea salt from this region since 1987 on our annual holidays. Mostly around Aigue Mortes but as far as Collioures we have enjoyed oysters, shrimp, mussels and tuna with extremely pink rose, extremely light, extremely cheap. We discovered Picpoul de Pinet down here too long before it became fashionable. We hoped to go down there after our two weeks in Burgundy recently but the extreme heat and fires in the region prevented us. And ….. Languedoc now Occitane, but do you know the history of Oc?
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Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful vacation with us. Amazing photos.
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Thank you — that day was so beautiful and I’m glad the camera did a good job capturing it!
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The photos are stunnning! Looks like an amazing time! Was Jodi an AirBnB? How did you come across her?
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Jodi is actually an American woman who originally purchased her property for her husband and herself to enjoy part-time. Since settling there, they’ve become more of a luxe B&B but with fully integrated vacation planning. It is really a unique and well-done concept and Jodi has the personality to make it fun and experiential. We had a mutual connection so I’d already chatted with her a bit before we went. We are so lucky we met her!
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Looks like a fabulous vacation, with your beautiful photos I feel like I am almost there! Languedoc rosé and seafood….another destination to add to my bucket list!
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You have to get there — it is so fascinating and delish! Everything I tasted and looked at was remarkable. If you do go, let me know so I can put you in touch with Jodi!
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Thanks for the mini-vacation. I feel refreshed already!
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Pretty priceless, vacation refreshment! Thank you!
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The pink lakes are absolutely stunning and your photos look like they came out of Travel & Leisure magazine! Thanks for another virtual trip through the beauty of southern France.
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Thank you! The light was just dazzling that day, really bringing out the moment. I appreciate your kind words!
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What a wonderful excursion! Love the colorful photos and the virtual trip to that part of France. Now to find some of that pink salt!
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I haven’t seen the salt for sale that many spots, but the Camargue salt is similar and seems to be more widely distributed. Thanks for reading along!
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Wow! Perfect, stunning, breathtaking. What more can I say other than please take me with you next time. It looks extraordinary. Thank you for sharing your photos!
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Your recollection of your magical day reminds me of the old adage…”It’s the simple things”! Thanks for sharing this magical memory!
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Martin, you are so right! Actually, what I didn’t write about was our funny drive there when we ended up at the end of the pier (in a Volvo) at the marina. A woman (with a six-pack of wine) failed to give us directions and a mysterious white van (with a charcoal grill affixed to it) advertised a phone number for “A Lover”. By the time we arrived our mood was high. It was an excellent day. I feel I exchanged some good energy with Gruissan. Thought you might enjoy that!
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