This seaside town in southern France has a 7km Mediterranean beach lined with palm trees, a 13th-century church, and traditional Catalan markets in its medieval center.
Argelès-sur-Mer sits on France's Mediterranean coast, 25 kilometers from the Spanish border. You can swim at Plage Nord's calm waters, walk among 100-year-old stone pines at Bois des Pins, or climb the 34-meter bell tower of Notre-Dame-del-Prat church for views across the bay. The area includes the Massane Forest Nature Reserve, small coves near Le Racou fishing village, and hiking paths that lead into the Albères mountains.
Swimming and Coastal Activities
The 7-kilometer Mediterranean beach has both sandy sections and rocky areas where you can snorkel among small fish. Next to the beach, paths cross through Bois des Pins, where 8,000 stone pines have grown since the 1860s. In the port area, restaurants and cafes line the waterfront promenade. You can take boat trips from the harbor or follow the coastal path toward Le Racou to find quiet coves between the rocks.
Hiking in the Albères Mountains
The Albères mountain range has well-marked trails at different difficulty levels. In the Massane Forest National Nature Reserve, beech trees grow up to 300 years old, and you might see wild boars or eagles. Choose from 5-kilometer loops near town or 15-kilometer routes into the mountains, many with viewpoints overlooking both French and Spanish coasts. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person, as summer temperatures often reach 30°C.
Walking the Old Town
The town center's streets lead past buildings with red-tiled roofs and painted shutters typical of Catalan architecture. From Notre-Dame-del-Prat's bell tower, you see the coastline and mountains. Visit the 13th-century Castle of Pujols and the 19th-century Castle of Valmy to understand different periods of local history. The Casa de l'Albera museum explains the geology, wildlife, and traditions of the Albera Massif through exhibits and artifacts.
Markets and Local Life
The Wednesday and Saturday markets fill Place de la République and nearby streets with stalls selling vegetables, cheeses, olives, and local crafts. From June to September, evening markets run Sunday through Tuesday from 5 PM to 10 PM. Walking between market stalls takes you past cafes and shops in the old town's narrow streets.
World War II History
In 1939, the beach area became an internment camp for Spanish Civil War refugees. Around 100,000 Spanish Republican soldiers and civilians lived here in basic shelters made of sand and blankets. Today, memorial panels along the beach explain the camp's conditions and show photographs from this period in local history.
