Argelès-sur-Mer : beautiful beaches and many campsites

Situated in the Pyrénées-Orientales, Argelès-sur-Mer is a seaside resort close to Perpignan and Collioure, family orientated and known for its stunning scenery.

It is built in the heart of an exceptional environment, at the foot of the Alberes and the gateway to the Côte Vermeille, a view that does not disappoint the thousands of holidaymakers who have made it the first European city for camping. From the Spanish border to the banks of Tech, from its hectares of forest to the Tower of Massane, from the old town to the last white sand beach of Racou, Argelès-sur-Mer is a unique and lively place.

View of the start of the Côte Vermeille from Argelès south beach

The heart of the town retains some traces of its past, evidenced by the ramparts of the fourteenth century and the famous square bell tower of Notre-Dame-del-Prat, dating from the same era and that dominates the city. The interior of the monument hides many exceptional pieces like a beautiful carved pulpit.

Catalan charm is found in every street and the town market is one of the most popular in the region. His charm and authenticity make it an unmissable event for all gourmets and curious wanting to discover the terroir of a region.

Argeles-Plage near the sea

Not far away, Argelès-Plage offers a different face of the town. It is one of the oldest resorts and one of the most popular, probably because of the stunning scenery it offers to holidaymakers, between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean. Nature is one of the biggest assets of Argelès-sur-Mer, its environment means it can be the first city in Europe in terms of campsites. There are over 12 hectares of pine forest by the sea and 7 kilometres of fine sand for the visitors to enjoy. Close to the sea, there is a pedestrian area and two main walks, those of “allée des Tamarins” and “allée Jukes-Aroles”.

Beach in the centre of Argelès overlooking the Côte Vermeille

There are eight beaches in Argelès sur Mer. The largest are located on the left bank of the port. The central beach is supervised in the summer season and there are many shops, restaurants and cafes.This is the busiest area with some shopping streets where cabins are equipped for the summer with shops geared to selling beach items.

Pins Beach, looking north with a kid’s club

The Pins beach is lined by a nice pine forest with some entertainment for children. Towards Elne, the beach of the Marenda is the most preserved, ideal to find a quiet place.

The different beaches on the left bank are surrounded by a pleasant pedestrian promenade with access to different beaches.

Pedestrian promenade with cycle path on the Argeles-Plage seaside

Further south, the star place is undoubtedly the small beach of Racou that offers a scenery between sand and rock, a unique place surrounded by the old town. Here the houses are low and flowery, colourful shutters and where time seems to have stood still.

Racou with its colourful houses on the beach

A few hundred meters further south, you reach Ouille cove which is in the town of Collioure. It is the beginning of the Côte Vermeille.

Ouille Cove near the Racou

Near the various beaches, there are plenty of free parking.

Nature lovers are spoiled as many walks start of the town, either by the sea or in the heart of the Alberes. Guides offer tours of the nature reserve of Mas Larrieu, unless you prefer to walk the offset side of Port-Argelès, a new area that attracts more and more people each year. The view of the Alberes is unforgettable. But our favourite is Torreilles where you find the most unspoilt beaches of Languedoc Roussillon. Collioure and the Côte Vermeille are only a few kilometres from Argelès. The opportunity to totally change the scenery.

This heritage intact, we find it thanks to the many walks in cities and the surroundings. From the Dolmen of Collets of Cotlliure to the St. Jerome d’Argelès Chapel, from the castles of Valmy and Pujols to the Massana Valley, all deserves to be discovered in this unique area.

The animations are not lacking, many nightclubs make it a Mecca of the night, the casino and the many outdoor cafes; something to everyone’s taste.

Throughout the summer, many events are organised, including the festival of the sea and the contemporary music festival of Déferlantes which annually grows bigger and more popular.