Argelès-sur-Mer Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Snappy David
Photo by Snappy David
Photo "Argelès-sur-Mer" by Hotel Centre Plage (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo "Argelès-sur-Mer" by Pmau (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Argelès-sur-Mer" by E v Schoonhoven (CC BY) / Cropped from original

Argelès-sur-Mer offers a fantastic combination of town, port, sea and mountains on the French Catalan coast, in the heart of Languedoc-Roussillon-Midi-Pyrénées.

The largest seaside resort on the French Catalan coast, situated 12 miles to the south of Perpignan and close to the Spanish border, Argelès-sur-Mer offers all the joys of life under the sun including leisurely visits to the beaches.

This historically Catalan town, subsequently part of Aragon, finally became French in1659. The toughest period of its history was undoubtedly the time of the Argelès-sur-Mer concentration camp which was built in 1939, where the French authorities imprisoned tens of thousands of Spanish republicans engaged in the civil war against Franco. These days, the town makes most of its living from tourism and is an excellent stopping-off point on the sunny road to Spain (whose border lies just 18 miles away).

Argelès-sur-Mer is a typical small Catalan town with old ramparts, narrow streets, the 14th-century Notre-Dame del Prat Church and a traditional market where you can hear the melodic accent of the locals in full swing. It hosts a great many festivities throughout the year: exhibitions, craft markets, traditional celebrations, festivals, etc. Head to one of the marina's many restaurants to try some of the specialities of French Catalan cuisine. The long sandy beach that stretches for more than 4 miles along Argelès-sur-Mer's coast is made even more stunning by the Albera Massif (1,157metres altitude) overlooking it. The seafront also has a pine wood and a 2-mile promenade. Head south in the direction of Collioure to discover the unspoilt natural beauty of Racou. And during your days at the beach, be sure to make time to explore the rocky coves of Ouille and Portells.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy in and around Argelès-sur-Mer: mountain biking, hikes in the mountains, coastal walks, cultural visits and food and wine tasting. Not to mention the opportunity for a quick trip to Spain, which is just around the corner!

Close to the rocky promontory of Cape Béar, with its historic lighthouse, it is easy to enjoy an unforgettable trip to Argelès-sur-Mer, with its beautiful setting of vineyards, the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees! Hiring a car is a great way to explore the town and surrounding area at your own pace. Whatever you do, enjoy your stay!

Where to stay in Argelès-sur-Mer

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Argeles Plage

5/5(1 area review)

Unique features of Argeles Plage include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Argeles Beach or Gulf of Lion while you're exploring the area.

Argeles Plage
Hôtel & Spa les Mouettes
Hôtel & Spa les Mouettes
4 out of 5
Route De Collioure, Argelès-sur-Mer, Pyrenees-Orientales
The price is £103 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£103
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Argelès-sur-Mer. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Collioure Beach and Anse du Portell ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (350 reviews)
"Nice hotel with amazing views"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Hôtel & Spa les Mouettes
Camping de Pujol
Camping de Pujol
3 out of 5
Avenue de la Retirada 1939, Argelès-sur-Mer, Pyrénées-Orientales
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly campsite in Argelès-sur-Mer. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and a beach shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Collioure ...
7.8/10 Good! (60 reviews)
Impeccable
"Très bon séjour, calme. Tout était parfait !"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Camping de Pujol
Hôtel Le Cottage
Hôtel Le Cottage
4 out of 5
21 Rue Arthur Rimbaud, Argelès-sur-Mer, Pyrenees-Orientales
The price is £111 per night from 3 Jul to 4 Jul
£111
3 Jul - 4 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Argelès-sur-Mer. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Collioure Beach and Le ...
9/10 Wonderful! (203 reviews)
Perfect stay
"This hotel was the perfect stay the ground hotel and safe were all perfect, excellent place to unwind and relax,"

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Hôtel Le Cottage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Camping de Pujol
Camping de Pujol
3 out of 5
Avenue de la Retirada 1939, Argelès-sur-Mer, Pyrénées-Orientales
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly campsite in Argelès-sur-Mer. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and a beach shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Collioure ...
7.8/10 Good! (60 reviews)
Impeccable
"Très bon séjour, calme. Tout était parfait !"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Camping de Pujol
Camping la Pinède Enchantée
Camping la Pinède Enchantée
3 out of 5
Chemin de Saint-André, Argelès-sur-Mer, Pyrenees-Orientales
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly campsite in Argelès-sur-Mer. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and an on-site winery. Popular attractions Collioure Beach ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (89 reviews)
"La pinède Calme, nature son un ravissement dédié a la détente contre le stress, remise en form Garantie."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Camping la Pinède Enchantée
Résidence Port-Argelès
Résidence Port-Argelès
3 out of 5
Rue Eric Tabarly, Argelès-sur-Mer, Pyrenees-Orientales
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly residence in Argelès-sur-Mer. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and a marina. Popular attractions Collioure Beach and South ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (294 reviews)
"Great hotel, lovely staff, great location Food places and great beach 5mins away"

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Résidence Port-Argelès
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Argelès-sur-Mer

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 20%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 80%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Argeles has something for everyone. C

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely place, will definitely go back next year.

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