Argelès-sur-Mer

Beach life with the Pyrenees as your backdrop.

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.

3.3
out of 5

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.

Average temperatures during the day in Argelès-sur-Mer.
December
9°
Jan
8°
Feb
9°
Mar
11°
Apr
13°
May
16°
Jun
20°
Jul
24°
Aug
23°
Sep
21°
Oct
16°
Nov
11°

What people say about Argelès-sur-Mer

3.3
People
4
Food
4
Spaces
3
Value
3
Safety
4

Articles about France

Image of The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world
Image of The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world

The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world

January 2023,
To find the best cities for cycling, we looked at the Copenhagenize Index, a comprehensive ranking of the world’s most bicycle-friendly cities based on ambition, culture, and city design. Below you wi
Image of The 30 best food cities in the world
Image of The 30 best food cities in the world

The 30 best food cities in the world

November 2024,
This is a list of the top food destinations in the world based on the opinions of travelers from more than 100 countries. If you travel to eat, this is for you! It doesn’t matter if you are a foodie o
Image of The best places to visit in March
Image of The best places to visit in March

The best places to visit in March

April 2024,
Spring bells! March is here; open your doors to exciting travel experiences. The journey reveals five different cities: History in Art, Paris; Spirituality and Chemistry, Bali; the sandy beaches and v
Image of The best places to visit in January
Image of The best places to visit in January

The best places to visit in January

April 2024,
Many travelers eagerly anticipate the arrival of January. While some are looking for the beauty of the Northern Lights, or enjoying the best time for skiing, others aim to participate in vibrant cultu
Image of Killing Eve filming locations
Image of Killing Eve filming locations

Killing Eve filming locations

May 2024,
The BBC thriller series Killing Eve has taken viewers to many places across Europe as it follows MI5 agent Eve Polastri and assassin Villanelle. The cat-and-mouse story unfolds in cities like London,
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851

All World Expo locations since 1851

November 2024,
For more than a century and a half, global citizens have congregated at World Expos to celebrate human achievement, explore pressing issues of the day, and experience the cultural expressions of peopl
Image of The best places for women to travel alone
Image of The best places for women to travel alone

The best places for women to travel alone

October 2024,
There are many places around the world that are great for female travelers! When choosing a destination to visit alone, women tend to look for places that are safe, easy to get around on foot or by pu
Popular on Humbo right now
Humbo™AboutVisitedBucket listSustainable travelPrivacyTerms