Argeles-sur-Mer
Visit Argeles-sur-Mer (Languedoc-Roussillon, France)
Argeles-sur-Mer is found on the Mediterranean coast near the border with Spain on the section of coast known as the Cote Vermeille. The town and resort is found in an attractive setting, with the low hills of the eastern Pyrenees (the massif des Albères) behind the beach and Mount Canigou visible beyond. Argeles is just a few kilometers from Collioure.
Argeles Beach
Argeles sur Mer is a popular and pleasant resort on the Languedoc coast, mostly visited for the activities focussed along the coast and beach. The sandy beach is almost seven kilometres long, and interspersed with rocky pools - it has also been awarded the Blue Flag award for its cleanliness and facilities. It is the most important resort on this stretch of the coast. Next to the beach is a 12 hectare pine forest and also a pleasant promenade.
The beach and coast here is also used for other watersports such as windsurfing and scuba diving.
Argeles Town
Slightly inland is a pleasant town in Catalan style with some interesting narrow streets to explore - you can ascend the belltower in the Church of Notre-Dame-del-Prat for views across the region. This belltower is 34m high and as well as a belltower it served as a lookout post and signal station. Most of the original ramparts have now disappeared though on Rue du 14 juillet you can see the Jalabert tower and various other sections can be seen as you wander the streets.
Particular highlights include the pretty little Chapel of Saint-Jerome d'Argeles and the Hermitage of Saint-Ferreol-de-la-Pave (both very old 10th century chapels in roman style). Church enthusiasts will also want to visit the Church of Saint-Laurent-du-Mont (a little south of the town), a beautifully preserved 12th century roman style church.
Argeles Port
Argeles also has a pleasant tree lined port whose edges are lined with restaurants. It is a very pleasant spot to sit outside at one of the many restaurants and eat dinner overlooking the harbour. Stroll along the seafront to the attractive coastal hamlet of Le Racou.
To visit nearby
A trip to the ruins of the cathar castle of Perpeytuse is a highlight of a trip to Argeles. Perpeytuse castle was one of the last of the Cathar stronghold. As well as the castle the views over to Spain and Andorra from its mountain top position are superb.
A popular trip from Argeles is to Valmy to see fine views and eagles soaring overhead (there is also a 19th century 'chateau' at Valmy, interesting to architects as one of the earliest buildings constructed with reinforced concrete, although you might not guess just be looking at it, now a chambre d'hote).
En route for Valmy you can visit the defensive Massane tower, built in the 13th century on a rocky peak, while the sturdy square tower that remains of the 12th century Chateau de Pujol is a little way north of the town.
Walk the coastal path from the nature reserve of Mas Larrieu. The walk takes you past many coves as well as the pretty beach and hamlet of Le Racou near the Port.
General information: just north of Argeles-sur-Mer during 1939 a large prisoner camp was established to house thousands of republicans fleeing Spain after the end of the Spanish War.
Photos of Argeles-sur-Mer
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Address: Argelès-sur-Mer, Céret, Pyrenees-Orientales, Languedoc-Roussillon, 66700 || GPS: latitude 42.5449, longitude 3.02352
Map of Argeles-sur-Mer & places nearby
Highlights close by
Collioure 5km
Elne 7km
Port Vendres 7km
See lots more places to visit nearby and a more detailed map at places near Argeles-sur-Mer.
See Languedoc-Roussillon and Pyrenees-Orientales (the region and department for Argeles-sur-Mer) for more travel ideas...
Suggested tourist attractions to visit near Argeles-sur-Mer, France
- Eglise de Saint Michel (Saint-Genis-des-fontaines) - religious monument (8km)
- Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges (Cabestany) - religious monument (17km)
- Chapel Saint-Martin de Fenollar (Maureillas-las-Illas) - religious monument (17km)
- Perpignan - town of art and history (20km)
- Castelnou - most beautiful village (27km)
- Orgued d'Ille-sur-Tet - site of natural beauty (36km)
- Chapelle de Casenoves (Ille-sur-tet) - religious monument (36km)
- Eglise de Trinité d'Aregno (Aregno) - religious monument (36km)
- Prieuré de Serrabone (Boule-d'Amont) - religious monument (37km)
Market days in Argeles-sur-Mer: Regular market(s) are held in Argeles-sur-Mer each Wednesday & Saturday. A seasonal market is held in Argeles-sur-Mer on Sunday & Monday & Tuesday & Thursday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Argeles-sur-Mer (Francais)
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