South of Perpignan nestles a particularly popular seaside resort in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Every year, Argelès-sur-Mer attracts thousands of tourists in search of a relaxing coastal destination. The beaches are superb, inviting both idleness and water sports. But the town has many other surprises in store, promising unforgettable vacations. Let's discover the 13 must-do activities in Argelès-sur-Mer.
1. The Canyoning Park aquatic complex
Canyoning in a dedicated park, supervised by a qualified instructor? It's possible at the Canyoning Park in Argelès-sur-Mer! Fourteen pools, slides and abseiling descents await you for an exciting day. As you can imagine, you'll need to be in good physical condition! In some places, you can jump from 3 to 7 meters into the natural pools, for a real adrenalin rush. Complete your adventure with a 100-metre zip line, a rope river and a rope ladder, and you've got a recipe for a great day out. Accessible from the age of 10, Canyoning Park is the perfect place for outdoor adventure enthusiasts!
2. A leisurely stroll along the port of Argelès-sur-Mer
The seaside town of Argelès-sur-Mer enjoys a pleasant climate, making it the ideal destination for an August vacation. Take the opportunity to stroll through the town center, dotted with small boutiques, or to admire the pretty boats in the harbor. Enjoying your free time also means... doing nothing special. It's pleasant to take a leisurely stroll, with nothing to do but admire the scenery. Entertainment is regularly organized during the summer months, to the delight of locals and visitors alike. Bars, restaurants and small stores complete your stroll.
3. Château de Pujol, mysterious remains
Expect to see a tower, as this is what remains of this ancient castle with its mysterious history. The origins of Château de Pujol are uncertain, but it appears to have been built in the 11th century by the Count of Roussillon. Under the control of the Viscount de Taxo family, the castle was ceded to the Abbey of Fontfroide at the end of the 12th century. In 1143, Count Gaufred recovered Pujol militarily after a conflict with Viscount Berenger de Llupia. The castle then passed to the Counts of Barcelona and the King of Majorca. In 1343, the King of Aragon took Pujol after several sieges.
The little history lesson is over! What does it tell us? This castle, which has passed through many hands, has a rich and eventful history. Although there's not much left of it, it's fascinating to discover its history.
4. Valmy municipal park and botanical trail
Escape to the verdant 5-hectare Parc de Valmy, leading to a botanical trail. The Château de Valmy stands out against the backdrop, offering a place to stroll that's as beautiful as it is relaxing. In the shade of the trees, a picnic is the perfect way to spend a pleasant moment. Children can then play in the playground, before taking a leisurely stroll along the botanical and cultural circuit. On the program: a short, entertaining course on the history, heritage and flora and fauna of Argelès-sur-Mer and the Albères.
Good to know: free of charge, this little green lung of Argelès-sur-Mer is also open to our friends the dogs.
5. Scuba diving, the wonders of the seabed
Numerous service providers, such as Aquatile Plongée, enable you to explore the seabed. From beginners to the most experienced divers, there are outings to suit everyone. Armed with your oxygen tanks, you're off to discover the underwater wonders of the Mediterranean, guided by a scuba diving expert. Not too keen on all that? Snorkeling is also available, in a more leisurely style. By the day or half-day, you're in for a great adventure!
6. Casa de l'Albera Museum, the region in the spotlight
Learn more about Argeles and the Albera massif at the Casa de l'Albera Museum, with its authentic collections. Videos, exhibitions and collections present the history of the region in an accessible and interesting way. Discover what life was like for the locals in days gone by, thanks to the work of enthusiasts. A real plunge into history, as interesting for children as it is for parents, brought to life by the period objects on display.
7. Walk along the Sentier du Littoral
Looking for a gentle way to discover the Côte Vermeille? Take the Sentier du Littoral, which stretches from Plage du Rac ou to Plage de l'Ouille. This 3 km stretch is accessible to all, even children! It's part of a 32 km trail from the Mas Larrieu Nature Reserve to Cerbère. Allow around 45 minutes for your leisurely stroll, which promises lovely views of turquoise coves and Pyrenean peaks.
Don't forget: there's little shade on this trail, so it's best to do it in the morning or late afternoon in summer. We advise you to bring your swimsuits, so you can take a little swim break along the way.
Free guided walks are available every Wednesday morning in July and August. Do you prefer more challenging walks? Discover the best hikes in the Pyrenees!
8. Drop-in Argelès Water Jump Parc
Looking for the ideal destination for a vacation in France with children? Argelès-sur-Mer is the perfect place, offering a wide range of family leisure activities, such as Drop-in Argelès Water Jump, an unusual water park complex. The highlight: 18 ramps of varying gradient, to be descended in a buoy, swimsuit or bodyboard. From acrobatic jumps to slides, there's no end to the thrills! Accessible from age 5, the park welcomes families looking for an original place to have fun.
But be warned: you're likely to get tired much faster than your kids, who want more and more!
9. The masterpieces of Notre-Dame del Prat
A visit to thechurch of Notre-Dame del Prat is a wonderful cultural and artistic experience. This 14th-century Gothic building, located in the heart of the old village, can be recognized by its 34-meter bell tower. Inside, you can admire 9 masterpieces of Roussillon Renaissance painting, illustrating episodes from the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The view from the bell tower of the village between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean can be enjoyed on the guided tour "The former royal city" departing from the Casa de l'Albera. A great opportunity to discover the typical streets and ramparts of the old town.
10. Stroll through the markets of Argelès-sur-Mer
From gourmet purchases to pleasure items, markets delight us wherever we are. On vacation, it's a pleasure to stroll through local markets, discovering local producers and vendors selling clothes or souvenirs. Let yourself be carried away by the smells, colors and gourmet flavors of the traditional market, held in the village every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the year. On Sundays, a farmers' market is held in Port-Argelès, where you can stock up on regional delicacies. Prefer fish? Head for the Quai de Môle every day, to enjoy the results of local fishing.
In season, there's also a local and organic market on Tuesdays, and night markets in the Pins parking lot and along the quays.
11. Luna Park, wild evenings at the funfair
More than 40 attractions at the Luna Park funfair in Argelès-sur-Mer. Every evening, from 8pm to 1am, the impasse Copernic is transformed into a fiesta, with lights, music and attractions. Children and parents alike will find entertainment to suit all ages, offering a fun-filled end to the day.
12. Mas Larrieu Nature Reserve, wild beauty
The Mas Larrieu Nature Reserve extends over 145 ha, crossed by the river Le Tech, between Elne and Argelès-sur-Mer. Although accessible on foot, it can also be explored by stand-up paddle, offering a different view of the reserve and its surroundings. Along the way, you'll discover three main environments:
- beaches
- reed beds
- riparian forest.
The riparian forest immerses you in the heart of 42 woody species, providing an ideal habitat for a rich avifauna, including the remiz tit.
13. The creeks of Porteils, a preserved ecosystem
Looking for a quiet spot in Argelès-sur-Mer? Head for the Portiels coves, where the wilderness invites you to let go. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city and the hustle and bustle of summer, experience a moment of connection with unspoilt nature. The creeks of Porteils and the Racou site, classified by the Conservatoire du Littoral, are pebble beaches almost 200 m long. These maritime cliffs plunge into the Mediterranean, offering diving and snorkelling enthusiasts remarkable underwater ecosystems. Here, you can take the time to contemplate wild landscapes, far from buildings, surrounded by hiking trails.
Where to stay in Argelès-sur-Mer?
Argelès-sur-Mer is an ideal destination for relaxing during the May bank holidays, with a wide range of quiet accommodation options, such as Le Racou. If you're traveling with children, you may prefer to stay in Argelès-Plage, for its proximity to beaches and shops.
- The warmest
You'll find a welcome like few others these days at theHôtel Les Charmettes, aptly named. The owners are adorable, the rooms perfectly renovated and the restaurant superb. Click here to book this charming family-friendly address.
- Our favorite
The Grand Hôtel du Lido d'Argelès-sur-Mer is a real favorite! Located right on the beach, it offers direct access to the sea. For those who prefer to stay at the hotel, its beautiful swimming pool offers an interesting alternative. With its beautiful gardens adorned with pine trees, the establishment is as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside, decorated with great care. Book one of Argelès-sur-Mer's finest addressesright here.
- The most eco-responsible
Carrying the European Ecolabel, theHôtel Centre Plage reflects its owners' ecological commitment in many details. Offering excellent value for money, this beautiful establishment to book here is ideally located, so to speak "feet in the water".
Which villages to visit around Argelès-sur-Mer?
Located near Argelès-sur-Mer, Collioure is one of the 10 most beautiful villages in the Pyrenees to visit during your stay in Occitanie. This pearl of the Côte Vermeille has inspired artists such as Picasso and Matisse, and it's easy to see why as you stroll through its authentic streets surrounded by unspoilt nature.
A quarter of an hour from Argelès-sur-Mer, head for Saint-Cyprien, an adorable commune in the Pyrénées-Orientales region, whose small port is a pure delight. Pretty, colorful boats punctuate your stroll, after a moment's strolling through the town's narrow streets.
A little further inland, the medieval village of Castelnou offers a bucolic stroll. From cobbled streets to ancient stone houses, authenticity is the rhythm of your every step.
The surrounding countryside also beckons visitors to Saint-Génis-des-Fontaines, known for its beautiful Benedictine abbey and cloister, dating from the VIIIᵉ century. Finally, between sea and verdant nature, we invite you to discover the charm of Port-Vendres. The typically Mediterranean atmosphere here delights the senses with every step!
What to do in Argelès-sur-Mer with your family?
As we've seen, there's plenty to do in Argelès-sur-Mer with children. Let's get started!
Go to the beach, of course!
The Occitanie region boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in France, so we're making the most of it with the whole family. We recommend
- La Plage Centrale, stretching from the port to Luna Park.
- Plage du Tamariguer, close to the town center.
- Plage des Pins, close to the woods and easily accessible from downtown.
- La Plage du Racou with its superb coves between Collioure and Cerbère.
The list is not exhaustive, as the beach is... just about everywhere in Argelès-sur-Mer (it's in the title!).
Leisure and amusement parks for families
Accessible from the age of 10, the Canyoning Park aquatic complex offers the ultimate in family thrills. Close to nature, you and your children or teenagers can enjoy the natural pools, whitewater and rocks of Argelès-sur-Mer. The Drop-in Argelès Water Jump Parc also offers adrenalin-pumping fun for families. Children aged 5 and over have access to certain ramps. In their floaties, they slide down huge slides... towards the water. Pure fun for the whole family to enjoy again and again. These two activities are part of thesame park: Paradise Aventure. There's also a golf course, the Acrocabane park, the Tour de l'Extrême and the Argelès Aventure tree-climbing park.
In the evening, head for the town's Luna Park . Children's rides, thrill rides and other fun attractions await children and parents for an evening of entertainment.
Other things to do in Argelès-sur-Mer with children
Get in touch with the Tourist Office, which sometimes organizes activities for children, such as the "Le trésor des pirates du Racou" treasure hunt. On Avenue de la Retirada, you can also visit the Kentucky Ranchfor a horseback ride through the surrounding countryside, including the Tech!
The Plaza Bowl welcomes you to its super bowling alley. The establishment also offers laser tag for fans of this game.
You've found the perfect place to go on vacation in 2024 without leaving France! Take advantage of your stay in the Occitanie region to visit Perpignan and the surrounding area, which has some wonderful surprises in store for couples and families alike. Between the sea and the mountains, the Pyrénées-Orientales offers a wide range of activities and leisure pursuits, without ever getting bored. The landscapes are as beautiful as they are varied: pure happiness!
Tempted by our selection? Take a look at our train fares and book now!
