It is around the fort which served as the Customs Station, that Palavas started to develop. Built in the middle of the 18th century, this fort exists today although hidden by the Water Tower which dominates most of the buildings of the Left Bank.

From 25 original inhabitants in 1808, the census in 1984 indicated a rapid increase to 5000 people.
As of the middle of the 19th century, this small port attracted the people of Montpellier. When the weather was nice, they came in their numbers to admire the sea and to enjoy the fresh sea products. Do not be fooled, one did not at this time go the beach to swim nor to sun bathe. The beautiful well-dressed women, under their umbrellas,paraded on the beach, while the gentlemen sported their splendid straw hats. For the people of Palavas this was a good thing. To increase their revenue,they organised boat-trips, rented rooms to visitors and sold at good prices their fishing products. Soon the first hotels and restaurants opened their doors to the tourists who have become numerous.

Linked to Montpellier by rail, Palavas experiences an accelerated growth. Luxurious establishments are now found on both Banks. The Grande Hotel on the Left Bank and the Grande Casino on the Right, in order to entertain visitors: plays, concerts, balls, games, various shows and of course good food.

Swimming attracted more and more people and the beautiful women of the time competed in extravagance and immodesty.

The canal was always a spot for festivities such as water games : the "joutes "and the "bigue".