Occitanie, South of France (le Midi), France

Laroque-des-Albères Beaches

Overview

Laroque-des-Albères offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful village at the foot of the mountains, just a short drive from the Mediterranean coast. This location makes it a perfect base for exploring the diverse shoreline of the Pyrénées-Orientales. To the north, you'll find vast stretches of golden sand, while the dramatic Côte Vermeille to the south is famous for its sheltered coves and rocky inlets. A car is essential to discover the full range of coastal landscapes this region has to offer.

The coastline is dotted with unique spots, each with its own character. Experience the iconic view at Plage Boramar, Collioure, set against the backdrop of the town's historic castle. For a completely different atmosphere, visit Racou, a charming beach known for its old fishermen's cabins built directly on the sand. Adventurous visitors will love Plage de Peyrefite, which features a protected underwater trail perfect for snorkeling and discovering marine life.

For a classic family beach day, the expansive sandy shore of Argelès-Plage is the closest and most popular option. Yet, the coast holds many more secrets, from the secluded Ouille Beach to the beautiful protected coves at Beach Paulilles. Whether you seek bustling shores or hidden gems, our complete guide features a longer list of beaches waiting to be explored.

FAQ

How far is Laroque-des-Albères from the nearest beach?

Laroque-des-Albères is located inland at the foot of the Albères mountains, not directly on the coast. The nearest beach is the expansive sandy shore of Argelès-sur-Mer, which is approximately a 15 to 20-minute drive, covering a distance of about 10-15 kilometers (6-9 miles).

Is Laroque-des-Albères a good base for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Laroque-des-Albères is an excellent base for families. It offers a quieter, more authentic village atmosphere away from the bustling coastal resorts. You can enjoy the peace of the village and then take a short drive to large, sandy, and family-friendly beaches like Argelès-sur-Mer, which has lifeguards and plenty of activities for children.

Do I need to rent a car to get to the beaches?

Renting a car is highly recommended. While there are some local bus services that connect to the coast, they can be infrequent. A car provides the essential flexibility to easily travel between Laroque-des-Albères and the various beaches, from the large resorts to the more secluded coves of the Côte Vermeille, on your own schedule.

Which is better for a day trip: the beaches at Argelès-sur-Mer or the coves at Collioure?

It depends on your preference. Go to Argelès-sur-Mer for its 7km long, wide, sandy beach, which is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and family activities. Choose Collioure for its charming, picturesque town with smaller, pebbly coves nestled around a historic castle. Collioure is more about atmosphere and scenery, but parking can be very difficult, especially in peak season.

Is it better to stay right on the coast or in a village like Laroque-des-Albères?

Staying on the coast offers direct beach access but can be crowded and more expensive. Staying in Laroque-des-Albères provides a more peaceful, authentic French village experience, often at better value, with the mountains at your doorstep. You get the benefit of a tranquil base while still being just a short drive from all the coastal action.
See the full list of accommodation options here.

What is the 'Tramontane' wind and how does it affect a beach day?

The Tramontane is a strong, dry, and often cool wind that blows from the northwest over the mountains. When it's blowing, it can make sunbathing on wide, sandy beaches like Argelès unpleasant due to blowing sand. However, it also creates clear blue skies and is ideal for windsurfing. On windy days, it's often better to head to the more sheltered, rocky coves of the Côte Vermeille, such as those near Collioure or Banyuls-sur-Mer.

Are the beaches near Laroque sandy or pebbly?

You can find both! The coastline near Laroque-des-Albères offers great variety. To the north, you have long, wide, fine-sand beaches like those at Argelès-sur-Mer and Saint-Cyprien. To the south, along the Côte Vermeille (the 'Vermilion Coast'), the landscape becomes rocky, offering beautiful pebbly beaches and secluded coves in towns like Collioure and Banyuls-sur-Mer.
Saint Cyprien
Saint Cyprien

When is the best time to visit for beaches while avoiding the biggest crowds?

For the best balance of warm weather, pleasant sea temperatures, and fewer crowds, consider visiting in June or September. During these months, the weather is typically excellent for beach days, but you'll avoid the peak tourist crowds and traffic of July and August.

People Also Ask

What is Le Racou and why do people recommend it?

Le Racou, meaning 'the corner' in Catalan, is a unique and charming area at the southern end of Argelès Plage. It's where the long sandy beach meets the rocky start of the Côte Vermeille. It has a special village-like atmosphere with traditional small fishermen's houses built right on the sand, creating a bohemian and laid-back vibe that many visitors love.
Racou
Racou

Are there any freshwater swimming spots nearby as an alternative to the sea?

Yes, for a different experience or to escape coastal crowds, you can find several river swimming spots. The nearby Tech river offers places to cool off, and there are rock pools and small waterfalls in the gorges of the Massane river, accessible via hiking trails in the Albères mountains.

What are the water temperatures like for swimming?

The Mediterranean Sea is generally warm enough for comfortable swimming from late May to early October. In the peak summer months of July and August, water temperatures typically range from 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F). It can be cooler and more refreshing in June and September.

Are there any clothing-optional or naturist beaches in the area?

Yes, there are options for naturists in the region. While not immediately next to Laroque, the officially designated naturist beach is at Torreilles Plage, about a 30-40 minute drive north. Additionally, the southern end of Argelès beach, past Le Racou and towards the cliffs, is known to be unofficially clothing-optional.
Naturist Beach of Torreilles
Naturist Beach of Torreilles

Beaches for Every Taste

Dog Friendly Beaches in Laroque-des-Albères

Sand Beaches in Laroque-des-Albères

Nudist Beaches in Laroque-des-Albères

Local gems for everyone

Explore More Local Beaches

📍 21.1km - Laroque-des-Albères
Rosselló Beach

Rosselló Beach

Rosselló Beach is a sandy beach known for its family-friendly atm...

📍 10.7km - Laroque-des-Albères
Plage de la Marende

Plage de la Marende

Plage de la Marende is a picturesque beach located in the resort ...

📍 15.1km - Laroque-des-Albères
Platja de l'Art

Platja de l'Art

Platja de l'Art, also known as Plage de l'Art - Plage Nord, is a ...

📍 20.2km - Laroque-des-Albères
Plage du Grand Large

Plage du Grand Large

Plage du Grand Large is a tranquil and spacious beach located in ...

📍 10km - Laroque-des-Albères
Plage des Pins

Plage des Pins

Plage des Pins is a scenic beach situated in Argelès-sur-Mer, in ...

📍 13.5km - Laroque-des-Albères
Plage de l'Huile

Plage de l'Huile

Plage de l'Huile is a tranquil beach located in the scenic town o...

📍 16.2km - Laroque-des-Albères
Plage Nord

Plage Nord

Plage Nord is a beautiful beach located at Saint-Cyprien-Plage. I...

📍 16.9km - Laroque-des-Albères
Fontaulé

Fontaulé

Banyuls sur Mer Fontaule Beach is a well-liked beach situated in ...

The fastest way to find the best Laroque-des-Albères Beaches

Laroque-des-Albères Beaches Map

Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Laroque-des-Albères: Weather Today

📅 Sunday, February 1, 2026
Today is not the best day for the beach in Laroque-des-Albères. The maximum air temperature will be 12.7 °C. The sea temperature is 12.1 °C, so it's too cold for swimming. Expect mostly cloudy skies. The wind will be light, but there might be stronger gusts at times. There is a very small chance of rain, so you likely won't need an umbrella. The waves are moderate in height.
🌬️

Air

Low / High7.7°C/12.7°C
Feels Like (High)10.7°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature12.1 °C
Wave Height1.2 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance8%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset08:02/18:01
Sunshine Hours5.2 hrs
UV Index2.85
Cloud Cover71%
💨

Wind

Speed10 km/h
Gusts31.7 km/h
DirectionW

More Beaches Nearby

Explore More

France
France Beaches
South of France (le Midi)
South of France (le Midi) Beaches
Occitanie
Occitanie Beaches