Occitanie, South of France (le Midi), France

Argelès-sur-Mer Beaches

Overview

Argelès-sur-Mer, in the sunny South of France, is a top choice for beach holidays. The town offers a remarkable seven-kilometer coastline, mostly featuring fine sandy beaches. This makes it perfect for classic seaside enjoyment and particularly appealing for families seeking gentle shores in le Midi.

You'll find a beach to suit every taste here. Plage Nord provides a vast expanse for a traditional day on the sand. For a unique, village-like charm, visit Racou, a spot cherished by locals. Plage des Pins and Plage Centrale are lively hubs, ideal if you enjoy a vibrant atmosphere. For a more secluded experience in a natural setting, Ouille Beach is a distinctive option.

The coastline also features other notable stretches like Plage de la Marenda, known for its extensive sands. From bustling resort areas to quieter coves, Argelès-sur-Mer caters to diverse preferences. Explore our full guide to discover the complete list of beaches and find your perfect spot along this beautiful coast.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Argelès-sur-Mer good for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Argelès-sur-Mer is widely considered an excellent destination for family beach holidays. It offers 7 kilometers of sandy beaches, many of which have shallow waters perfect for children. Numerous beach clubs, kids' clubs, and activities like amusement parks (Luna Park, Parc Venitien) cater specifically to families. Many beaches are supervised during the summer season and have amenities like toilets and showers.

What are the beaches like in Argelès-sur-Mer? Are they sandy?

Argelès-sur-Mer boasts a long 7km stretch of mostly fine sandy beach, including Plage des Pins, Plage Centre, and Plage de la Marenda. To the south, Le Racou is also a sandy beach, marking the transition to the rockier Côte Vermeille. Further south towards Collioure, you'll find coves like Criques de Porteils and Plage de l'Ouille, which can be a mix of sand and pebbles.

Can you swim in the sea at Argelès-sur-Mer and what's the water like?

Yes, you can swim in the Mediterranean Sea at Argelès-sur-Mer. The main beaches generally have gentle slopes and are supervised in summer. The water quality is regularly monitored, and many beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag (Pavillon Bleu) for cleanliness. Water temperatures are most comfortable for swimming from June to October, peaking in August around 23-27°C (73-81°F).

When is the best time to visit Argelès-sur-Mer for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in Argelès-sur-Mer is generally between May and September. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, with all activities and amenities fully operational. For pleasant weather with fewer crowds, consider May, June, or September. Spring offers blooming landscapes and comfortable temperatures for exploring.

Are there quiet beaches in Argelès-sur-Mer, away from the crowds?

Yes, while the main central beaches can be busy, especially in peak season, there are quieter options. Le Racou, to the south, often has a more relaxed atmosphere. The coves like Crique de Porteils and Plage de l'Ouille, towards Collioure, are more secluded and offer a more natural setting, though they may be pebbly. Plage de la Marenda, especially its northern part, can also be quieter.

Ouille Beach

Plage de la Marende

What's the difference between Argelès-Plage and Argelès-Village?

Argelès-sur-Mer is composed of two main parts: Argelès-Village, the historic inland town with its traditional market and narrow streets, and Argelès-Plage, the modern seaside resort area with the main beaches, promenade, and tourist amenities. Argelès-Plage is where most of the beach activities and holiday accommodations are concentrated.

Are dogs allowed on the beaches in Argelès-sur-Mer?

Yes, dogs are allowed on some beaches in Argelès-sur-Mer, but with restrictions. They are generally permitted at Plage du Racou (specifically the southern area of the dike or the far end where it's unsupervised) and in the northern part of Plage de la Marenda (towards the Mas Larrieu nature reserve). Dogs must typically be kept on a leash, and swimming for dogs may be restricted to certain hours, often outside 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM during peak season. Always check local signage for the most current regulations.

Plage de la Marende

Is parking difficult to find near the beaches in Argelès-sur-Mer?

During the peak summer months (June to September), some seafront parking lots, like those at Casino, Platanes, Grau, Port, and Le Racou, are paying. However, Argelès-sur-Mer also offers 14 other free beach parking lots. It's advisable to arrive early in July and August to secure a good spot, especially near popular beaches. Some areas in Argelès Village have blue zone parking requiring a disc.

People Also Ask

What kind of activities can you do on the beaches besides swimming and sunbathing?

Argelès-sur-Mer beaches offer a wide range of activities. Watersports are very popular, including stand-up paddleboarding, sea kayaking, windsurfing, towed buoy rides, and jet skiing. Many beach clubs offer rentals and lessons. You can also find beach volleyball courts, and the long promenade is perfect for walking or cycling. Snorkeling is also an option, particularly in the coves or near Le Racou.

How does Argelès-sur-Mer compare to Collioure for a beach holiday?

Argelès-sur-Mer is known for its long, wide sandy beaches, making it ideal for traditional family beach holidays with lots of space and activities. Collioure, a charming historic village, has smaller, mostly pebble beaches and coves nestled in a picturesque rocky coastline. While Collioure offers a more artistic and quaint atmosphere, Argelès provides a more extensive resort experience with numerous campsites and family-oriented entertainment.

Are there any naturist beaches in Argelès-sur-Mer?

While Argelès-sur-Mer itself doesn't have officially designated naturist-only beaches along its main stretches, the Mas Larrieu nature reserve area, north of Plage de la Marenda, is known to be naturist-friendly. Further south along the coast towards Spain, there can be more isolated coves where naturism is practiced.

Plage de la Marende

What is Le Racou like and why is it special?

Le Racou, meaning 'the corner' in Catalan, is a unique and charming area south of the main Argelès port. It's known for its sandy beach, traditional small houses built right on the sand, and a more intimate, village-like atmosphere. It marks the point where the sandy coast begins to transition to the rocky coves of the Côte Vermeille and is often considered less crowded than the central beaches.

Racou

Is it windy on the beaches in Argelès-sur-Mer?

Argelès-sur-Mer, like other parts of the Roussillon region, can experience strong winds, particularly the Tramontane, which blows from the northwest. While this can be great for windsurfing and kitesurfing, it can sometimes make sunbathing less comfortable. The frequency and intensity of the wind vary, but it's a known local weather feature. Some coves might offer more shelter depending on the wind direction.

Are there beaches with disabled access (Handiplage) in Argelès-sur-Mer?

Yes, Argelès-sur-Mer is committed to accessibility and has beaches with the 'Handiplage' label, ensuring facilities for people with reduced mobility. Plage des Pins is one such beach. These beaches typically offer adapted equipment like tiralo beach wheelchairs and accessible pathways.

Plage des Pins

Are there any smoke-free beaches in Argelès-sur-Mer?

Yes, Argelès-sur-Mer has designated smoke-free beaches to promote well-being and protect the environment. As of recent regulations, smoking is forbidden on Le Racou beach and Plage de la Marenda during the main tourist season (typically June to September).