Occitanie, South of France (le Midi), France

Perpignan Beaches

Overview

While Perpignan itself is a vibrant Catalan city set back from the sea, it serves as the perfect gateway to the diverse coastline of France's le Midi. The region offers a fantastic variety of beaches to suit any preference. To the north, you'll discover long, wide stretches of golden sand perfect for sunbathing and family fun. To the south, the dramatic Côte Vermeille presents a rockier coast with picturesque coves and pebbly shores, offering a completely different seaside experience.

Our editor's picks highlight the unique character of the area's beaches. For a bohemian, village-on-the-sand atmosphere, Racou is a local favorite. Widely considered the most beautiful, Beach Paulilles is nestled in a stunning, protected cove that offers incredible scenery. If you're searching for a true hidden gem, the small, intimate cove of Ouille Beach provides a peaceful escape. For a truly unique sight, Plage du Lydia features the incredible spectacle of a beached 1930s ocean liner right on the sand.

Beyond our top selections, the coast has much more to explore, from the vast, family-friendly sands of Argelès-sur-Mer to secluded spots waiting to be found. The area is also known for the Tramontane wind, which creates excellent conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing, particularly at beaches like Leucate. For a complete look at all the seaside destinations, from bustling resorts to quiet coves, be sure to browse our longer list of the region's best beaches.

Top Beaches

Plage de Canet

The most convenient and accessible large sandy beach from Perpignan, reachable by a direct bus. This vast beach stretches for nine kilometers, offering an immense expanse of fine, golden sand that feels wonderfully spacious. Its shoreline slopes gently into the Mediterranean, creating calm, shallow waters ideal for relaxed bathing. On a clear day, the view from the sand is spectacular, with the silhouette of the Pyrenees mountains visible in the distance. Backed by the lively resort town of Canet-en-Roussillon, a bustling promenade runs alongside the beach. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag label for its environmental quality and management.

FAQ

Is Perpignan a good base for a beach holiday?

Perpignan is a convenient and lively base for a beach holiday, though the city itself is not directly on the coast. The nearest sandy beaches, like Canet-en-Roussillon, are about a 15-minute drive away. Staying in Perpignan offers a vibrant city atmosphere with a distinct Catalan culture, excellent restaurants, and good transport links, including a train station and airport. This allows you to easily explore a variety of beaches, from the wide, sandy stretches at Argelès-sur-Mer to the charming coves of Collioure, while enjoying the amenities of a larger city.

How do you get to the beaches from Perpignan using public transport?

Getting to the nearby beaches from Perpignan is straightforward using the local bus network. For instance, the Sankéo company's line 3 provides regular service to the popular beach at Canet-en-Roussillon. To reach the picturesque town of Collioure and its beaches, you can take line 540 from the Perpignan bus station. Using public transport is an economical way to travel and helps avoid traffic and parking challenges, especially during the busy summer months.

La Plage Centrale de Canet en Roussillon

La Plage Centrale de Canet en ...

Platja de Cotlliure

What are the beaches like near Perpignan – are they sandy or pebbly?

The beaches near Perpignan are predominantly long, wide, and sandy. Popular resorts like Argelès-sur-Mer, Saint-Cyprien, and Canet-en-Roussillon are known for their vast stretches of golden sand, making them ideal for families and sunbathers. However, if you travel south towards the Spanish border to the Côte Vermeille, you'll find more intimate, pebbly coves and smaller beaches nestled in picturesque towns like Collioure, offering a different, more dramatic coastal experience.

Which is better for a family holiday: Argelès-sur-Mer or Canet-en-Roussillon?

Both Argelès-sur-Mer and Canet-en-Roussillon are excellent choices for a family holiday, each with a slightly different feel. Argelès-sur-Mer features a 7km long sandy beach with a beautiful view of the Pyrenees, a lively promenade with plenty of shops and restaurants, and family-friendly activities like adventure parks. Canet-en-Roussillon also boasts a very long and wide sandy beach with shallow waters, perfect for children, and has held a Blue Flag for its cleanliness for many years. Your choice might depend on whether you prefer the mountain backdrop of Argelès or the slightly closer proximity of Canet to Perpignan.

What is the water like for swimming near Perpignan?

The Mediterranean waters along the coast near Perpignan are generally clear and pleasant for swimming, especially from late spring to early autumn. Beaches like Argelès-sur-Mer and Canet-en-Roussillon have shallow entry points, making them particularly safe and popular for families. The water tends to be even clearer along the rocky Côte Vermeille to the south. Many of the main beaches have received the 'Blue Flag' award, which recognizes high standards of water quality and cleanliness.

Are the beaches near Perpignan very windy?

Yes, the beaches in this region can be quite windy due to the Tramontane, a strong, dry wind that blows from the northwest. While it can sometimes be a nuisance, puffing sand around, it also creates excellent conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing, making resorts like Le Barcarès and Le Franqui very popular for these sports. Some coves along the Côte Vermeille or beaches sheltered by cliffs, like Leucate Plage, can offer more protection from the wind on breezy days.

Barcarès

Franqui Beach

Leucate Plage

Should I choose Collioure or Argelès-sur-Mer for my beach trip?

Choosing between Collioure and Argelès-sur-Mer depends on your holiday preference. Opt for Argelès-sur-Mer if you're looking for a classic beach resort experience with a vast, 7km-long sandy beach, ample space, and numerous family-friendly activities. Choose Collioure for a more picturesque and charming atmosphere; it features smaller, pebbly beaches set against the stunning backdrop of a historic castle and church. While Collioure is incredibly scenic, its beaches are smaller and can get crowded.

Are there quiet, less crowded beaches near Perpignan?

Yes, while the main resort beaches can be busy, especially in summer, there are quieter alternatives. Torreilles Plage is known for being a more natural and tranquil spot. The northern and southern sections of Saint-Cyprien's long beach tend to be less crowded than the central part. For truly secluded spots, exploring the coves of the Côte Vermeille, like those near Port-Vendres or the Anse de Paulilles, can lead you to peaceful havens away from the main crowds.

Plage de Torreilles

People Also Ask

What is the best time of year to visit the beaches near Perpignan?

The best time for a beach holiday near Perpignan is from June to September when the weather is warm and the sea temperature is ideal for swimming. July and August are the peak months and can be very crowded. For a more relaxed experience with pleasant weather and fewer people, consider visiting in June or September. The end of the season can be particularly lovely, with warm sun and golden light.

Are there beach clubs or restaurants right on the sand?

Yes, starting in May, many 'paillotes' (beach clubs) and restaurants open directly on the sand along the coast. You can find them at major beaches like Le Barcarès, Canet-en-Roussillon, and Saint-Cyprien. These establishments often offer deckchair and parasol rentals, a full menu with Catalan specialties, and sometimes activities for children, providing a perfect setting for a meal or a relaxing day with your feet in the sand.

Saint Cyprien

Are there any nudist beaches in the Perpignan area?

Yes, there are options for naturists in the region. The beach at Port Leucate has a designated naturist section. Additionally, some more secluded coves and beaches, like Plage du Bocal, are known to be popular with those who prefer to sunbathe nude. It's always best to look for local signage to ensure you are in the correct area.

Plage de Port Leucate

Is it better to stay in Perpignan or Montpellier for a beach holiday?

Both cities offer access to great beaches, but the experience is different. Perpignan is closer to a more varied coastline that includes both long sandy beaches (like Argelès-sur-Mer) and the dramatic rocky coves of the Côte Vermeille near the Spanish border. The area has a strong Catalan identity. Montpellier is a larger, more cosmopolitan university city, with its own set of wide, sandy beaches like L'Espiguette, which is known for its wild, natural feel. Your choice depends on whether you prefer the Catalan culture and varied coastline near Perpignan or the vibrant city life and expansive wild beaches near Montpellier.