Beaches: the Pyrénées-Orientales by the sea

Published on August 9, 2024 at 4:00 pm

A coastal destination par excellence, the Pyrénées-Orientales has a large number of beaches, each more charming than the last. And there's something for everyone. For an afternoon out with the family, a snorkelling or diving session, or simply a stroll in the fresh air, or to take advantage of the seaside shops and restaurants, you're bound to find the ideal beach in the Pyrénées-Orientales.

Sandy or pebble beaches, you can find both in the département! To help future visitors make the right choice, here's a short guide to the beaches of the Pyrénées-Orientales. How do you get there? What activities are available? Where to stay nearby? All these questions won't go unanswered!

Panorama of Port-Vendres in summer in the Pyrénées-Orientales

Summary

At the foot of the mountains, the beaches
Which beach to choose for which type of activity?

At the foot of the mountains, the beaches

Leaving the spray of the ocean behind, the Mediterranean is revealed at the foot of the Pyrenees. On the Spanish border, from Cerbère to Collioure, via Banyuls-sur-Mer, the Catalan country boasts pleasant beaches where you can cool off in crystal-clear water. The Vermeille coast has some wonderful surprises in store for nature lovers. To the south of Port-Vendres, Cap Béar, located at Port-Vendre, is classified as a biosphere reserve and offers unspoilt, peaceful natural landscapes.

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Which beach to choose for which type of activity?

With so many beaches to choose from in the P-O (as the locals say!), it's easy to get lost. So here's a small selection of beaches to visit, depending on your activities.

Leucate beach, Pyrénées-Orientales, France

🌊 Racou beach for a picnic

Situated in the old fishermen's quarter of Argelès-sur-Mer, the Racou beach is a little further out than the town's main beach and therefore enjoys a quieter atmosphere, perfect for spreading out your mat and having a pleasant family picnic. For the less well-organised, there's a hut at the entrance to the beach serving drinks and unpretentious but very tasty dishes. Perfect for enjoying a few tapas by the sea.

Aerial view of Racou beach in Argelès-sur-Mer

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🌊 Diving at Banyuls beach

The seaside resort of Banyuls has a lot going for it. Located close to a vineyard, epicureans will be delighted to stay here. What's more, its beach is the perfect spot to try your hand at diving. The Cerbère-Banyuls Marine Nature Reserve stretches for no less than 6.5 kilometres. No need for professional equipment: with a mask and snorkel, you can contemplate the aquatic fauna along an underwater path.

The Cerbère-Banyuls underwater reserve in the Pyrénées-Orientales region of France

🌊 The beach at Collioure combines idleness and cultural discovery

While beaches in the south of France, on the shores of the Mediterranean, are generally made of pebbles, Collioure beach has the particularity of being made of fine sand. It's a real pleasure to spread out your towel and indulge in a sunbathing or reading session on the beach, without fear of the pain caused by the pebbles. With its calm sea and horseshoe shape, Collioure beach is ideal for a family outing with children.