The village d'Argelès-sur-Mer
Enjoy a trip to the village of Argelès-sur-Mer
The colors of the town, the scent of the markets and a lilting accent on every street corner – Argelès-sur-Mer is a feast for the senses! Here, the Catalan ambience permeates every corner* of the town, the labyrinth of colorful alleyways and the hearts of the friendly Argelésians. From the church of Notre Dame del Prat to small designer boutiques, not forgetting our best addresses for southern specialities, stroll through the village of Argelès-sur-Mer… always under the watchful eye of the Tour de la Massane!
*nooks
Going back in time in the village of Argelès-sur-Mer
A Catalan village par excellence, Argelès-sur-Mer has forged its own character century after century. From a stronghold closely linked to the kings of Aragon and Majorca to a village that became French in 1659, Argelès-sur-Mer has taken the best of each era to become what it is today.
As you stroll along, look up: the crenellated tower of the Notre Dame del Prat church is a thing of beauty, and the cayroux ramparts will leave you breathless. Push open the doors: 9 masterpieces of Roussillon Renaissance painting await you.
Fill up on culture in Argelès-sur-Mer
Cultural visits and Argelès-sur-Mer go hand in hand! AtCasa de l’Albera, the heritage house, learn all there is to know about the history of the Massif des Albères. From geography to know-how and traditions, our local guides will be delighted to provide you with a wealth of information… Not to mention the anecdotes and witty anecdotes that always make for a dynamic visit!
Are you in the mood to admire the works of our artists? Then head for Galerie Marianne! Photos, sculptures and other installations, come and contemplate art in all its forms at Argelès-sur-Mer.
Taking the time to... taking it easy in Argelès-sur-Mer
From Place Saint-Côme-Saint-Damien to Place Gambetta, enjoy the simple pleasure of strolling the pedestrian streets of Argelès-sur-Mer. Between strolls, take a seat on one of our terraces and soak up the village’s unique atmosphere. That’s what it means to enjoy a Catalan-style vacation!
Situated at the foot of the Notre Dame del Prat church, the Place Saint-Côme-Saint-Damien is a haven of peace in the heart of the town center. It’s the perfect place to take a break from shopping, or to cool off in the shade of the magnolia trees!
Two squares, two atmospheres: Place Gambetta exudes a warm village spirit. It’s a favorite meeting place for Argelésiens, who gather on café terraces to chat. Don’t miss out on a visit: here, the south is everywhere!
Do you know the origin of our town's name?
The town of Argelès-sur-Mer owes its name to the clay soil on which it is built (from the Latin “Argila”: clay).
Argelès-sur-Mer, a village to explore to your heart's content
For a day out discovering the wonders of our town, take your pick from our ideas for activities!
Argelès-sur-Mer checklist:
- Fem a café on Place Gambetta.
- Stroll from stall to stall at the market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- Try to spot the Tour de la Massane.
- Sit down in a restaurant to enjoy some boles de picolat (tasty minced meat balls).
- Wander the pedestrian streets, browsing through the many craft stores.
- Take a guided tour of the Casa de l’Albera, the city’s heritage building.
- Drink a glass of sangria on the terrace at Place de la République.
- Visit the Notre Dame del Prat church.
All about Argelès-sur-Mer
- Where is the village of Argelès-sur-Mer located?
The town is located in south-east France, in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, in the Occitanie region. South of Argelès-sur-Mer lies the magnificent Côte Vermeille.
And for those wishing to see more of the country, the village of Argelès-sur-Mer is also close to Perpignan and Collioure.
- What to do around Argelès-sur-Mer?
After strolling through the narrow streets of Argelès-sur-Mer village, take time to discover all the other activities the town has to offer!
- Take a hike from the grounds of Château de Valmy
- Admire the iodized landscapes from the Tour de la Massane
- Enjoy a day at the beach
- Picnic in the Bois des pins
- Stroll through the Racou district
- Have a drink on a terrace in Port-Argelès
- Follow the coastal path from the Mas Larrieu nature reserve with a guide
- Put down your towel on the beach at Porteils
- Hike to the Notre-Dame-de-Vie chapel
- Where to put your towel in Argelès-sur-Mer?
Put on your swimsuit and we’ll take you to the beach at Argelès-sur-Mer! Perfect for getting in the water after visiting the village.
- La Marenda beach
- Plage des Pins
- Tamariguer beach
- Plage du Centre
- La plage Sud
- Racou beach
- Porteils beach
- Ouille beach
- What markets are there in Argelès-sur-Mer?
There are 5 markets in Argelès-sur-Mer where you can stroll by the stalls:
- Traditional market
- Farmers’ market
- The local and organic market
- Craft market
- Night market
- Direct fish sales market
- Or take a breath of fresh air in Argelès-sur-Mer?
Looking for a little green after your visit to Argelès-sur-Mer? Good news! The town abounds in unspoilt nature reserves:
- Valmy Park
- Mas Larrieu nature reserve near the Tech river
When exploring the town’s natural sites, be sure to stay on the marked paths to preserve them.
- What's not to miss in Argelès-sur-Mer?
Between the Mediterranean and the heights of the Pyrenees, Argelès-sur-Mer’s town center is brimming with superb places to (re)discover.
- La Massane tower
- Valmy park
- Notre Dame del Prat church
- The quays of Port-Argelès
- Mas Larrieu nature reserve
- Le Bois des pins
- Center beach
- Racou district
- Porteils beach