Holidays in Argelès-sur-Mer
Where the Pyrenees meets the Mediterranean
Argelès-sur-Mer offers a holiday-ready mix of long sandy beaches, mountain views, and authentic Catalan culture, and is one of our favourite Languedoc and Roussillon resorts. Where the Pyrenees dramatically plunge into the Mediterranean, this bustling resort town provides a simply magnificent backdrop for active family holidays. With seven kilometres of sandy beach, a vibrant old town full of character, and the beautiful Côte Vermeille (Vermillion Coast) on your doorstep, it manages to combine the best elements of a beach resort with more than enough genuine French charm to win you over.
The town is split between Argelès-Ville, the historic centre with its traditional market and narrow streets, and Argelès-Plage, the modern beach resort area connected by a pine-shaded promenade. This dual personality means you can enjoy all the conveniences of a modern beach resort while still experiencing authentic French village life. It’s the best kind of win-win in our books, and is why this is such a popular spot with our customers.
Is Argelès-sur-Mer for you?
- Family-friendly beach resort with plenty of activities
- Beautiful scenery, and easy access to both mountains and medieval villages
- Combine beach life with hiking, cycling, and exploring Catalan culture
Fun things to do in Argelès-sur-Mer
Beach life
The town's main beach is a magnificent stretch of sand with shallow waters perfect for families. The promenade (Le Racou) is lined with restaurants and beach clubs, while water sports centres offer everything from kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding. The Blue Flag status ensures high standards of cleanliness and safety. Good to know.
Luna Park and evening entertainment
The resort comes alive in the evening with its summer funfair, Luna Park, offering rides and attractions for all ages. The promenade hosts regular evening markets and street entertainers during high season, which is typically July and August, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for family strolls and ice creams as the sun sets.
Active pursuits
Hire bikes to explore the extensive network of cycle paths, including the coastal route to Collioure. The nearby Albères mountains offer excellent hiking trails with spectacular views over the coast. The Valmy Park features treetop adventure courses suitable for different ages and abilities.
Our favourite
Take the little tourist train up to Valmy Castle for stunning views over the bay, then walk back down through the vineyards to the beach. Stop at the Valmy wine cave for a tasting (they make great juice for children too) before ending the day with ice cream on the promenade.
Day trips from Argelès-sur-Mer
The beautiful artist's town of Collioure is just 10 minutes away by car or a scenic cycle ride along the coast. The Spanish border and Costa Brava are within easy reach for a taste of Spain. Perpignan, with its fascinating palace and Catalan culture, makes for an excellent day trip. Nature lovers shouldn't miss the African Reserve at Sigean or the stunning Gorges de la Fou.
The little yellow train (Train Jaune) into the Pyrenees offers a spectacular mountain journey, while the medieval walled city of Carcassonne is within day-trip distance. Really, whichever direction you travel, you’ll have endless possibilities to explore in this magical corner of southern France. A return trip is almost obligatory!
If you like Argelès-sur-Mer, you might like
Collioure
This former fishing village, Collioure, combines culture, beach life and a lively, artistic atmosphere. Its iconic harbour, with its castle and grand sweep of seaside villas, has inspired artists to get their easels out over the centuries. It might inspire you to do the same, or it might just inspire you to wander around with an ice cream in search of lunch. That works just as well, in our books. You’ll love the Catalan-inspired food, and the energy, of this charming town.
Roses
If long, sandy beaches and Catalan culture are your thing you’ll love this larger resort in the Costa Brava, just a little further south, along Spain’s ruggedly beautiful northeastern coast. Backed by the peaks of the Pyrenees, this family-friendly resort has all you’ll need for a memorable holiday: great food, lively entertainment all summer long and plenty of space on those terrific beaches to find your perfect spot.
Saint-Cyprien
We love this family-friendly gem on the Roussillon coast. With its modern marina, wide sandy beaches and genial buzz and bustle, it’s summer holidays: bottled. With a decidedly French-Catalan character, Saint-Cyprien’s like taking a holiday in France, and Spain, combined. You’ll notice that most in the town’s excellent market. Take it from us - you’ll eat very well here!
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