Pyrénées-Orientales: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!

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Pyrénées-Orientales

Variety is the order of the day during your stay in the Department Pyrénées Orientales: The majestic peaks of the Pyrenees invite you to hike and climb, while the coast is lined with one charming seaside resort after another. You can relax or engage in water sports on the idyllic sandy beaches.

Table of contents

Pyrénées-Orientales - The most beautiful cities
Pyrénées-Orientales - 4 most beautiful natural sights
Pyrénées-Orientales - Climate

Pyrénées-Orientales - The most beautiful cities

Pyrénées-Orientales - Holiday homes & apartments

Collioure

Collioure is located in the southwest of France in the Occitanie region on the Costa Brava, right next to the famous seaside resort of Banyuls-sur-Mer on the Catalan-influenced Côte Vermeille. In addition to its picturesque architecture, the former fishing village, including the royal castle, offers several great sandy and pebble beaches that invite you to swim. The Le Moré district was once the quarter of sailors and fishermen and today enchants with a wonderful labyrinth of picturesque alleys connected by stairs. Collioure is also in the growing area of the famous Banyuls sweet wine, which you can best enjoy in one of the many bars or restaurants.

Canet Plage

Around 320 sunny days a year and 9 kilometers of fine sand make Canet Plage the ideal destination for beach fans. Your children can safely splash in the gentle surf on the beach that slopes gently into the sea. The daily cleaned and monitored coastal section has been awarded several quality seals. Sunshades are available for rent for vacationers to relax. Water sports enthusiasts have a choice of numerous activities on the beach, such as stand-up paddling, sailing, catamaran sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, or diving. If you love more action, hop on a jet ski or take off with a kite.

Saint Cyprien

Saint Cyprien is located on the French Mediterranean near the border with Spain. As a bathing and tourist resort, it offers an extensive sports and leisure program as well as a huge marina. The water quality of the beach is awarded the Blue Flag, and there are plenty of events such as dance courses, music festivals, or fireworks. Nature lovers can enjoy more than 20 km of marked hiking trails. These lead from the magnificent coast through the forests behind the town to the imposing mountains like Mont Canigou. Alternatively, one can also leisurely discover the diversity under shady palm trees in the botanical garden of Capellans.

Le Barcarès

Le Barcarès is located on the French Mediterranean near the border with Spain. It is situated on a peninsula between the sea and the lake Étang de Leucate. As a popular seaside resort, it has an 8 km long sandy beach by the magnificent sea. The lake, on the other hand, is excellent for water skiing and windsurfing. Nearby, the pine forest of Lido invites you to relaxing hikes. There is also a 10 km long bike path through beautiful nature. In the town itself stands the landmark of the city: the Lydia. This former cargo and passenger ship has served as a tourist attraction since 1967.

Perpignan

Perpignan is located in the French region of Occitanie, only about 30 km from the Spanish border, and is also Catalan-influenced. It enchants with a picturesque old town and numerous historical sights such as the El Castillet tower, the Sant Joan Baptista Cathedral, or the Palace of the Kings of Mallorca. From Perpignan, it is just a stone's throw to the magnificent beaches of the Gulf of Lion, where there are also many popular seaside resorts such as Argelès sur Mer. At the same time, the Pyrenees, with their countless hiking opportunities and ski areas, are also quickly accessible.

Banyuls sur Mer

Banyuls sur Mer is located on the French Mediterranean near the Spanish border at the foothills of the Pyrenees. These form a pretty cliff coast here. In addition, the seaside resort offers fine sand and pebble beaches, the underwater trail of the Cerbère-Banyuls marine nature reserve, as well as a museum and an aquarium. The small town is also famous for its sweet wine Banyuls and for the sculptor Aristide Maillol. The impressive works of the artist can be admired today in the Maillol Museum, which houses a significant collection of sculptures. The wine, on the other hand, can be enjoyed leisurely in the pretty, idyllic town center.

Argelès sur Mer

The French town of Argelès sur Mer is located on the Mediterranean Sea about 25 km from the Spanish border—literally where the Pyrenees dip into the sea. This makes the place popular with bathers due to its 7 km long sandy beach and offers many water sports opportunities such as diving, sailing, or paddling. Argelès sur Mer is a pretty town with many picturesque little alleys and great historical sights like the Church of St-Laurent-du-Mont or the Chapel of Saint-Jérôme. In addition, the beautiful surroundings, in the form of the magnificent pine forest or the Alberès Massif with its diverse nature, invite exciting hikes.

Port Vendres

Port Vendres is located on the Mediterranean coast of France, right before the border with Spain. In the hinterland, there is the Tower Madeloc, an old tower 650 meters high, offering a wonderful view over the Catalan coast. Between picturesque vineyards and the beautiful coast, there is much to discover here. As a natural harbor, Port-Vendres was used as far back as ancient times. Today, it is one of the largest fishing ports in the region and yet offers an idyllic atmosphere. Nearby is also the beautiful Bay of Paulilles amidst the untouched nature of a protected landscape area. It is also a wonderful place for swimming.

Pyrénées-Orientales - 4 most beautiful natural sights

Pyrénées-Orientales - Holiday homes & apartments

Mount Canigou

The majestic Mount Canigou is an unforgettable sight in the Pyrénées-Orientales. With its impressive height of 2784 meters, it dominates the landscape and offers a breathtaking backdrop. The Canigou is more than just a mountain. It is a symbol of Catalan culture and identity. Its snow-covered peaks and green slopes are a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The view from the summit is simply spectacular, with a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and the Mediterranean Sea. Mount Canigou is not only a natural wonder but also a place that captures the hearts of visitors and invites them to return.

Gorges of la Fou

The gorges of la Fou, also known as the narrowest gorges in the world, are a breathtaking natural wonder in the Pyrénées-Orientales. This geological treasure, shaped by millennia of erosion, offers a spectacular landscape of steep rock walls and rushing waterfalls. A secure walkway leads you through the heart of this gorge, where you can experience the raw beauty and power of nature up close. The gorges of la Fou are an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers. Let yourself be enchanted by the majestic beauty of this place and discover the secrets hidden in the depths of this gorge.

Lake of Bouillouses

The Lake of Bouillouses, nestled in the majestic Pyrénées-Orientales, is a breathtaking natural wonder. This jewel is surrounded by lush green forests and rugged mountain peaks that are reflected in the crystal-clear water. The lake is a paradise for nature lovers and offers numerous opportunities for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The fresh mountain air, the gentle lapping of the water, and the peaceful atmosphere make the Lake of Bouillouses a perfect place for a break from the hectic everyday life. Visit this idyllic refuge and let yourself be enchanted by its natural beauty.

Organs of Ille-sur-Têt

The Organs of Ille-sur-Têt are a breathtaking natural wonder in the Pyrénées-Orientales. These unique geological formations, created by erosion, resemble a series of organ pipes, hence the name. They are an impressive example of the power of nature and the beauty it can produce. The Organs are a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers who enjoy the spectacular landscape and stunning views. A visit to the Organs of Ille-sur-Têt is an unforgettable experience that leaves you in awe of the majestic beauty of nature.

Pyrénées-Orientales - Climate

The climate in your holiday region depends entirely on where you are vacationing. In the Pyrenees, the temperatures are significantly lower due to the altitude compared to the Mediterranean coast. Generally, you can expect a mild climate. In the coldest month, January, the temperature is still ten degrees. Spring is an ideal time for hiking: In May, for example, the temperature is 20 degrees. The values rise to 27 degrees in July and August. From May to August, the sun shines on the coast for up to twelve hours a day. Most of the rain falls in November and December.

The following graph shows the average weather conditions for the country. Historical weather conditions may vary by region.

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Best beaches (Pyrénées-Orientales)

Pyrénées-Orientales - Top cities

Argelès sur Mer