Argelès-sur-mer: Why Choose This Destination On The Vermeille Coast?
A major tourist destination on the Vermeille coast, Argelès-sur-Mer has many assets to seduce families, but also nature lovers and sportsmen. We have listed for you 5 good reasons to spend your next vacation in this tourist resort.
1- For its geographical location between sea and mountains
First tourist resort of the department of Pyrénées-Orientales, Argelès-sur-Mer benefits from an exceptional geographical situation between sea and mountain.
This commune, which covers nearly 6000 hectares, has the privilege of being bordered by both the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees.
It is indeed 25 km south of Perpignan, at the foot of the Albères massif and near Collioure and Spain.
2- For its beach and water activities
Argelès-sur-Mer's main tourist attractions are being a traditional village that has kept its authenticity and offering both 300 days of sunshine per year and 7 km of beach.
One of the 5 good reasons to choose this destination is the broad range of activities that can be enjoyed by the sea. The commune has no less than 4 diving clubs and 14 beach clubs.
So you'll be spoilt for choice between stand up paddle, sea kayaking, surfing and windsurfing, sailing or scuba diving!
3- For its natural environment
To discover the coastal landscapes where the sand alternates with secret coves, don't hesitate to take the coastal path that connects Argelès-sur-Mer to Cerbère on 32 km.
But, if you prefer the mountains to the sea, know that this destination offers many mountain bike circuits and marked hiking trails to discover the Pyrenean reliefs.
The territory of the commune is also home to two nature reserves for all tastes:
- the Mas Larrieu reserve on the sea side
- the reserve of the Massane forest (classified by Unesco) on the mountain side.
This destination thus offers a natural setting where it is possible to practice more than 70 leisure activities by sea or land.
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Nature is also in the spotlight thanks to the pictures of renowned photographers during the Argelès Photo Nature festival, which welcomes a million visitors a year.
4- For its picturesque heritage
Argelès-sur-Mer is also worth a look for its picturesque heritage. With its labyrinth of narrow streets, the old town has kept the appearance of a typical Catalan village, colorful and full of life.
Be surprised by the historic charm of the Old Town, with its narrow streets, ramparts and 13th century church.
Among the attractions not to be missed are
- the markets where you will find producers of fruit and vegetables, olive oil and wine
- the three Romanesque chapels
- the two museums: the Casa de l'Albera and the Memorial of the Argelès camp
- the houses of Racou, a corner of paradise on the waterfront
- the castle of Valmy
During your stay in the commune, don't miss the chateau de Valmy estate known for its Côtes du Roussillon and Muscat de Rivesaltes appellation wines.
This Art Nouveau style castle, located in the heart of a park of hundred-year-old cedars, offers a magnificent view of the commune and the surrounding countryside. From there, you can see the vineyard, but also the sea, the Pyrenees and the plain of Roussillon.
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5- For its Catalan gastronomy
The Catalan identity of the town of Argelès-sur-Mer is reflected in its terroir, gastronomy and wines. The local products are olive oil, cheeses and fruits and vegetables.
The commune located at the foot of the Albères massif benefits from an exceptional climate that gives birth to exceptional grape varieties.
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To honor the wine and local products, the city organizes the Bacchus Festival in June in the magical setting of the castle of Valmy. These three days of celebration mix wine, gastronomy and music.
