guide
The Pyrénées-Orientales boast beaches with very different atmospheres, from Mar Estang beach in Canet-en-Roussillon to Racou beach in Argelès-sur-Mer, via the Anse de la Balette near Collioure and the historic Lydia beach in Le Barcarès. Enough to put together a full seaside stay on the Catalan coast, between relaxation and cultural visits.
The Pyrénées-Orientales lies in the south of the Occitanie region in France. This department is a favourite destination for a considerable number of holidaymakers and tourists. It boasts infrastructure capable of welcoming large numbers of visitors, so you can choose one of the seaside campsites for a peaceful stay during your holiday. These are establishments renowned for the quality of their services.
Let’s find out more about the most beautiful beaches in the Pyrénées-Orientales.
Located in the heart of Canet-en-Roussillon, Plage du Mar Estang is one of the most popular spots with holidaymakers. Miles of fine sand await families and friends, and the setting stands out for its memorable natural panoramas. We recommend watching the sunset facing Canigou. Nature lovers can also observe migratory birds passing through from the observation posts at Étang de Canet.
Often cited as one of the loveliest spots on the Catalan coast, Plage du Racou is a much sought-after spot in Argelès-sur-Mer. This classic holiday destination is now home to a large number of hotels and campsites.
Several entrepreneurs have also chosen this spot to open a series of bars and restaurants, designed to cater to the large influx of holidaymakers who stay in the region during the summer season.
Anse de la Balette is often included in the shortlist of the most beautiful beaches in the Pyrénées-Orientales. The perfect symbiosis of sea and mountain gives this spot a unique charm that fascinates every visitor. History buffs can also discover the lanes of the town of Collioure nearby, an ideal opportunity to visit the royal castle, the church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges or Fort Miradou.
Since the 1970s, Plage du Lydia in Le Barcarès has attracted French celebrities. At the time, these holiday moments were accompanied by intense media coverage that promoted the spot internationally. As a result, several luxury establishments were built there, including a casino, a nightclub and a gourmet restaurant.
The beach is also home to the Electrobeach festival, an event that delights large numbers of holidaymakers every year.
This seaside resort is made up of three beaches located in Torreilles. It is a highly sought-after destination for visitors to the Pyrénées-Orientales. Plage du Bourdigou is one of the spots that still resists mass urbanisation. We recommend this location if you are near the mouth of the Bourdigou.
It is almost impossible to mention every beach along the Catalan coast. Nevertheless, our selection brings together spots that have fascinated visitors to the region in the past. In the same spirit, we recommend choosing one of the seaside campsites in Argelès-sur-Mer to enjoy a quality stay in the Pyrénées-Orientales.
Mar Estang beach, prized for its miles of fine sand and its view of Mount Canigou at sunset.
From the observation points at the Étang de Canet, right next to Mar Estang beach.
The town of Collioure with its royal castle, the Notre-Dame-des-Anges church and Fort Miradou.
It hosts the Electrobeach festival every year and has attracted celebrities since the 1970s, with a casino and several lively venues nearby.
Bourdigou beach in Torreilles, near the mouth of the Bourdigou river, is one of the few sites still spared.
