Situated in the heart of the Pyrénées-Orientales, the town of Argelès-sur-Mer is the ideal place for your holidays, especially during the summer period. This touristic area located between the sea and the mountains, close to the Albères Massif, allows you to practice all kinds of land sports activities such as mountain biking, hiking, trail, horse riding, but also many water sports such as sailing, paddle, windsurfing, canoeing, kite surfing, but also lazing around on one of the huge beaches of Argelès-sur-Mer.
The Village of Argelès-sur-Mer
Long linked to the kings of Aragon and Mallorca, Argelès-sur-mer only became a French village in 1659, and even today retains many traces of this Catalan presence, which can be seen in the local traditions, culture and food.
Stroll through the small typical streets of the region, relax in one of the cafés or restaurants you will come across and take advantage of this break to admire the style of the village that surrounds you, the colorful houses, the flower-filled squares, the narrow streets, the traditional and craft markets, or its famous church of Our Lady of the Prat.
The port of Argelès
Argelès-sur-Mer also has a charming marina where you can moor for an unforgettable stopover in the heart of the Pyrénées-Orientales and Catalan lands. Restaurants and shops of all kinds will allow you to discover the Catalan culture. You will also enjoy strolling around the port, discovering its squares and why not get lost in the middle of the nearby vineyards to admire the incredible scenery.
The beach
The beaches of Argelès-sur-Mer are perhaps one of the most attractive points from a tourist point of view. In fact, every year, many visitors come to Argelès-sur-Mer to stroll and enjoy its beaches.
On the 10 km of coastline that runs along the town, there are more than 7 km of fine sandy beaches, with the imposing Pyrénées-Orientales and the Albères massif as a backdrop. All along these large beaches, which are very popular with tourists and especially with families who appreciate peace and security, you will find a total of 7 beach clubs, each offering different maps and activities.
Along the rocky coast you can admire the magnificent creeks of Porteils and Ouille, quieter and wilder, where you will enjoy swimming.
Another emblematic beach of the town of Argelès-sur-mer, Le Racou. Meaning “the nook” in Catalan, you will appreciate this place between rocky coast and fine sand beaches, known for the charm of its peaceful atmosphere and its small houses by the sea.
The town of Argelès is also labelled Blue Flag of Beaches and Marinas. This year again, the efforts put in place for cleaner water and beaches have enabled the town to keep this distinction for the 31st consecutive year. Indeed, the beaches are cleaned every day by the municipality, and many improvements are made for the safety of bathers, such as the 7 first aid posts set up along the beach.
The beaches are supervised by M.N.S. (lifeguard lifeguards) from the 1st May to the 29th September 2019. Finally, you should also know that one of these bathing supervision posts is labelled Handiplage, which means that it is accessible and equipped to accommodate the physically disabled.
You will appreciate the walk along the seafront, ideal for admiring the splendid sunset and enjoying the view.
Although the beach is one of the city’s strongest tourist attractions, the city’s cultural and historical heritage is also well represented and attracts many tourists.
The Valmy Castle
The most visited site is the Municipal Park of Valmy, where there is a botanical circuit, but also the castle. Built at the end of the 19th century, this majestic building is surrounded by a park and vineyards; a shady and spacious area offering a breathtaking view of the Eastern Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea.
Close to the castle of Valmy you can visit the park of the eagles of Valmy. A rare place where you can meet and admire many species such as vultures, eagles, crows and parrots. The park is open every day in July and August and you will be able to observe the birds of prey in freedom. You will also have the opportunity to chat with the falconers who will teach you many things.
Festivities of Argelès-sur-Mer
Argelès-sur-Mer is a renowned seaside resort and its image as a dynamic resort is very important to it. This is why the town organises numerous events throughout the summer period to the delight of both tourists and locals.
A very full summer agenda offers everyone, young and old, renowned festivals such as the Déferlantes, more traditional festivals to allow everyone to discover Catalan folklore, the sardana, summer corsos and many other emblems of Catalan culture, pride of the Pyrénées-Orientales. You will also find in this programme exhibitions, entertainment for children, sporting and festive events.
Among these events, the city organizes numerous markets all over the city.
For example, you will find a traditional market in Argelès Village every Wednesday and Saturday. In Port-Argeles there are 3 different markets every week, only in summer. A traditional market on Thursday mornings, a more terroir and organic market on Tuesday mornings and night markets on Tuesdays and Fridays. Finally, Argelès Plage will host 2 markets only in summer, the traditional market on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, as well as a craft market every evening from 13 June to 22 September 2019. You will taste local specialties and discover the friendliness and authenticity of Argelès.
The “allée des pins”
Small alley located on the seafront, the pine alley, famous for the diversity of its shops: bars, ice-cream parlours, street vendors, restaurants, pizzerias, pancake shops, snack bars, souvenir shops, presses, is an emblematic place of the city, illuminated every evening of the summer for years.
The children’s fair
On the waterfront, at the level of the Venetian Park, you will find a small fairground with many rides and other activities suitable for the youngest, from 2 years old.
Luna Park
In July and August you can enjoy the Luna Park, a summer fair that covers more than a hectare every year. There are many rides for children, but also thrilling attractions for older children.
The Casino of Argelès-sur-Mer
Open all year round for the enjoyment of players, the city’s Casino is located on the waterfront, where you can go to play one of the many games such as the 70 slot machines, ball games, BlackJack and electronic English Roulette. But you can also go to the Casino to enjoy the organised theme evenings, buffets, entertainment and the restaurant. The Casino Joa d’Argelès-sur-Mer is open every day from 11pm to 3am during the summer.
Collioure
Close to Argelès-sur-Mer you will find the village of Collioure. If you have the opportunity during your stay go for a walk in the pretty winding streets of this charming seaside village, a must in the Pyrénées-Orientales department. Like Argelès, Collioure has a small marina, where it is pleasant to stroll, especially because it offers a breathtaking view over the entire bay of Collioure.
Other places of interest nestled on either side of the town will give you a view of the bay of Collioure and its creeks. You will also like to discover the royal castle and the church Notre-Dame des Anges, an emblematic monument of Collioure.
