Top 10 things to do in Argelès-sur-Mer

Top 10 things to do in Argelès-sur-Mer

1- The Eagles of Valmy

The Les Aigles de Valmy bird park is five minutes from the beach in Argelès-sur-Mer. There, you'll discover a wide variety of birds, including eagles, storks, vultures, and parrots. Admire them in their daily displays and take part in a falconry course. You'll learn a wealth of information about the mysterious world of birds.

Prices:

• Adult: 11 euros;
• Child: 7 euros.

2- The coastal path

The Côte de Vermeille is an ideal place for walking. It has inspired many artists and in an hour and a half you can reach Collioure on foot, enjoying the steep shoreline, the Banyuls wine estates, the fishing ports, the beaches... It is possible to discover part of this trail (or all 32 kilometers) with a local guide who will reveal all the secrets of the region, teach you to recognize wild plants and allow you to fully enjoy this excursion...

3- Luna Park

Luna Park is a vast leisure center with more than 40 attractions for adults and children. Discover the superb sea view from the Ferris Wheel, experience thrills on the Roller Coaster, or let off steam on the Crazy Dance track. This immense funfair, spread over one hectare, offers a wide range of rides and activities. The park is open every evening in June, July, and August from 8:30 p.m. Various evening events are organized throughout the summer. Admission to the park is free, and each attraction costs between €2.50 and €4.

4- The Old Town Market

The market on Place de la République is held year-round on Wednesdays and Sundays. It's the perfect place to stock up on delicious local produce. In summer, the night market offers a chance to find local crafts. It's also a great opportunity to stroll through the colorful streets of the old town, such as Rue Vermeille or Rue de la Fraternité.

5- Our Lady of the Prat

Notre-Dame del Prat is a Gothic church dedicated to the Virgin Nostra Senyora del Prats, or Our Lady of the Meadows. First built in 920, it was completely rebuilt in the 14th century. Inside, admire the nine masterpieces of Roussillon Renaissance painting. Don't miss the climb to the 34-meter Romanesque bell tower, which overlooks the village: from there, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360° view.

6- The Canyoning Park

A rock formation has been specially designed for both young and old to have fun in the water. This huge water park allows you to enjoy 14 pools connected by jumps of three to seven meters, dizzying slides, rappelling under waterfalls of 12 to 15 meters, tobogganing in rapids, being thrown like a cannonball nine meters high or even descending the 100-meter zip line to end up in the pool… At each stage, escape routes allow you to adapt the canyon to your level.

Prices (reservation recommended):

• Children 10-11 years: 27 euros;
• Adult: 12 years and over: 31 euros;
• Water shoe rental: 2 euros.

7- Valmy Park

In the immediate vicinity of Argelès-sur-Mer, Valmy Park was laid out in the 19th century and surrounds the castle of the same name. The castle cannot be visited, but the five-hectare park is open to all to enjoy a superb view of the Mediterranean, the Albères Mountains, etc. The lush vegetation provides welcome shade in the height of summer, and the many marked trails are enhanced with a variety of information. A marked trail starts from the high walls of the castle and leads to the Massane Tower, 800 meters above sea level. Built in the 13th century, it was part of a network of lookout sites used to defend the Kingdom of Majorca. It is one of the symbols of Argelès-sur-Mer and continues to watch over the city.

8- The Casa de l'Albera Museum

In a fully renovated traditional house, the Casa de l'Albera , in the heart of the village, allows you to learn more about the territory of Argelès-sur-Mer and the Albera massif. History, culture, cultural heritage and know-how are the subject of a permanent exhibition. The Casa de l'Albera is also the starting point for historical guided tours of the village and the beach. For two hours, you will discover the secrets of the village, the protected plantation of pine wood...

Prices:

• 2 euros per person;
• Guided tour: 4 euros per person
• Free for children under 13

9- The beaches

Argelès-sur-Mer offers seven kilometers of golden sand on either side of the port, from Racou Beach to the vast family beaches all the way to the Mas Larrieu Nature Reserve. There are activities for all tastes: giant paddleboarding, pedal boats, catamarans, sea kayaking, and more. Along the beaches, from the port to Marenda Beach and the pine forest, enjoy the promenade reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, lined with oleanders and palm trees. We recommend the coves of Porteils, Plage des Pins, or the one in the Mas Larrieu Nature Reserve.

10- The nature reserve

The Massane National Nature Reserve , or Coulomates Forest, in the easternmost part of the Albères massif, covers 300 hectares between 600 and 1,150 meters above sea level, with the Pic des Quatre Termes as its highest point. The Mas Larrieu Nature Reserve can be visited with a local guide.