Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Argeles-sur-Mer is a picturesque town in the Pyrenees-Orientales near France’s border with Spain. It boasts a sweeping stretch of sand, several family-friendly attractions and an engaging memorial that details the town’s role in the Spanish Civil War.

Things to do

Argeles-sur-Mer clusters around an atmospheric old town, which is dominated by the turreted bell tower of the 14th-century Notre-Dame del Prat Church. After soaking up the city views from the top, visit the Memorial du Camp d’Argeles-sur-Mer to learn about the thousands of refugees who fled Franco’s Spain and life in the concentration camp of Argeles-sur-Mer.

If you’re visiting in the warmer months, head to the sands of La Plage Centrale or get active at the Pirate’s Land amusement park overlooking the Plage des Pins. Prefer to stay dry? You can stretch your legs on Argeles-sur-Mer’s breezy seafront promenade, which is backed by cafes and restaurants offering water views.

South of Argeles-sur-Mer is Valmy Park, which features a 19th-century castle, children’s playgrounds and a nature trail planted with Mediterranean species. Coincide your visit with one of the raptor shows at the Aigles de Valmy before meeting the park’s friendly donkeys. A highlight of visiting Valmy Park is its sweeping panoramas of Argeles-sur-Mer, the Mediterranean Sea and the Albères Mountains.

Getting around

Argeles-sur-Mer is a 25-minute drive from Perpignan and 35 minutes from Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Montpellier is two hours away. Trains connect from the Argeles-sur-Mer railway station to towns and cities across the region while buses travel throughout Argeles-sur-Mer.