Not bookable
At the foot of the majestic Albères and bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Argelès-sur-Mer is a lively seaside resort in the south of France where life is good. Known for its friendly and family atmosphere, the town offers 7 km of fine sandy beach and crystal-clear water worthy of the most beautiful resorts on the Catalan coast. Between the azure blue of the sea and the green of the pines, you can savor the Mediterranean charm under a generous sun. Seafront walks, Catalan-flavored restaurants, colorful markets, and festive evenings punctuate the summer. Whether for a relaxing stay on a private beach sunbed or an active vacation, Argelès-sur-Mer welcomes you in a warm atmosphere reminiscent of the French Riviera's sweet life.
Let's start by discovering together the top private beaches in Argelès-sur-Mer, ideal for relaxing by the sea.
Among the iconic private beaches of Argelès, La Nouvelle Vague Beach Club & Resto is a must. Located along Boulevard de la Mer, this beach club in a paradisiacal setting offers an exceptional view of the open sea. During the day, settle comfortably on a sunbed or a family bed under a parasol, with your feet in the warm sand. The restaurant, run by a talented chef (holder of the Maître Restaurateur title), offers refined Mediterranean cuisine – grilled fish, Catalan tapas, and exotic cocktails – sure to delight gourmets. In the evening, the atmosphere escalates: La Nouvelle Vague is renowned for its lively parties and themed evenings with DJ sets. Dance under the stars, facing a splendid sunset over the sea, in a trendy yet friendly atmosphere. Comfort, gastronomy, and partying: this beach club brings together all the ingredients for an unforgettable day (and night) on the private beach.
So, ready to book your sunbed on one of Argelès-sur-Mer's private beaches? It's simple: choose your favorite private beach on MySunbed and make your reservation in just a few clicks!
Want to explore the surroundings? The area around Argelès is also full of exceptional private beaches in other seaside resorts.
About fifteen kilometers north of Argelès, the neighboring resort of Saint-Cyprien is home to one of the most luxurious private beaches in the region: L’Île de la Lagune. Attached to a five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel, this private beach offers a true luxury cocoon by the sea. Nestled in a green setting bordered by the Mediterranean, it features soft mattresses and designer deckchairs, spaced to ensure tranquility and privacy. The panorama is exceptional, with the silhouette of the Pyrenees as a backdrop and pleasure boats sailing not far from the shore. High-end services make the difference: fresh towels, refined cocktails served directly on your sunbed, and even the possibility of booking a massage by the sea. For dining, the club depends on the gastronomic restaurant L’Almandin, one of the best tables in Languedoc-Roussillon, ensuring visitors an unforgettable culinary experience. L’Île de la Lagune is undoubtedly the meeting place for refinement lovers, ideal for a day of luxury worthy of a hotel by the water.
Heading towards Perpignan, about 20 km from Argelès-sur-Mer, Canet-en-Roussillon is another popular seaside resort. There you will find the Les Voiles Blanches club, a private beach renowned for its relaxed and natural spirit. Located in the heart of a preserved Mediterranean environment, between wild dunes and turquoise sea, this elegant beach hut offers three areas dedicated to relaxation, dining, and leisure. Settle on a comfortable sunbed under a straw parasol and let yourself be lulled by the sound of the waves. At noon, the beach restaurant serves gourmet summer cuisine highlighting seafood – grilled fresh fish, planxa mussels, seasonal salads – all with a panoramic view of the azure blue. Les Voiles Blanches also stands out for its on-site sailing and paddleboarding school, allowing a gentle introduction to the joys of gliding. In the evening, the atmosphere remains peaceful and family-friendly, ideal for a final drink facing the sunset. This Canet address perfectly combines nature setting and comfort, making it a perfect excursion from Argelès to vary seaside pleasures.
Beyond the beach, Argelès-sur-Mer offers a multitude of activities and leisure options to enhance your stay.
For a good dose of adrenaline with family or friends, head to the Canyoning Park of Argelès. Unique in its kind, this water park replicates natural canyons: dizzying slides carved into artificial rock, jumps into cool water basins, abseiling under waterfalls... Thrills guaranteed in complete safety, supervised by qualified instructors. Right next door, Argelès Aventure offers a treetop adventure park among the pines, with suspended courses for all ages. Giant zip lines, monkey bridges, and suspended nets will delight climbing enthusiasts in the trees. These two attractions, located at the southern entrance of the town, form an ideal leisure hub to vary from beach days and create unforgettable memories.
When night falls in summer, Argelès rolls out its carpet of lights and rides at Luna Park. This nighttime amusement park, set up every year from June to September at Argelès-Plage, is a real paradise for kids and big kids. It features over 30 attractions: roller coasters, haunted house, bumper cars, shooting stands, and sweet treats (cotton candy, churros, candy apples) for an evening of fun. Entry is free, you only pay for the rides, allowing you to stroll in the festive atmosphere without breaking the bank. Luna Park is the perfect place to extend your days by the sea with a dose of fun and laughter, late into the night. Thrills or family attractions, everyone finds something to enjoy, and the good mood is contagious at Argelès-sur-Mer's fairground.
Nature lovers and breathtaking panoramas will not miss taking the Coastal Path. This coastal hiking trail connects the Racou beach (south of Argelès) to the charming town of Collioure, along coves and cliffs. Accessible on foot, it offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean on one side and the Albères mountains on the other. Bring good shoes, water, and a camera: at every turn of the path, a postcard landscape awaits you, between azure blue water, ochre rocks, and Mediterranean vegetation (cacti, prickly pears, maritime pines). The hike can last about 2 hours to Collioure, with possible swimming stops in secret coves like the Ouille. It is a free activity that allows you to discover the Côte Vermeille from a wild and authentic angle. For the less sporty, it is possible to only cover a portion of the trail and turn back, or return by boat shuttle from Collioure to Argelès in summer. In any case, the Coastal Path is a must to grasp the natural beauty of Argelès-sur-Mer and its surroundings.
The list of activities in Argelès is still long! To organize your program and not miss anything, here are some useful resources:
Argelès-sur-Mer is not just about its beaches: the town and its surroundings have iconic places to discover to immerse yourself in its history and Catalan culture.
Perched on the heights of Argelès, on the hillside, stands the Château de Valmy, an elegant Belle Époque residence recognizable by its pink and white hues. This wine estate, surrounded by vineyards, offers an exceptional panoramic view of the Roussillon plain, the sea, and the Albères massif. Its wooded park, the Parc de Valmy, is a popular place for walks in summer for its green setting and shaded picnic areas. It is also here that the Déferlantes, a famous music festival, takes place each year in July, attracting international artists. A stone's throw from the château, the park also hosts the Aigles de Valmy, an impressive bird of prey show in flight. Young and old can admire eagles, falcons, and owls up close and in the open sky in a natural setting. Between heritage, nature, and entertainment, Valmy is a must-visit site for a beautiful afternoon combining culture and leisure, just a few minutes from the city center.
Away from the beach's hustle and bustle, the old village of Argelès-sur-Mer reveals authentic and historical charm. Strolling through its narrow streets lined with colorful facades, you will discover shaded squares, typical Catalan houses, and artisan workshops. The heart of the village is dominated by the Notre-Dame del Prat church, a southern Gothic building from the 14th century. Its 34-meter red brick bell tower is visible from afar and long served as a landmark for sailors. Push the church door to admire its baroque altarpiece and beautiful vaults, testimonies of Argelès' rich past. Nearby, the Casa de l'Albera (Heritage House) also deserves a visit to learn more about the region's Catalan identity and local history, notably the tragic episode of the Argelès camp in 1939. A walk in the old center, especially on market day (Wednesday and Saturday morning), allows you to taste the friendly village atmosphere of Argelès, away from the seafront's hustle and bustle.
South of Argelès, just before taking the coastal path to Collioure, lies the hamlet of Le Racou. In Catalan, "Racou" means "corner," and indeed this little village with feet in the water is a true preserved paradise. Its sandy streets lined with huts and low fishermen's houses with colorful shutters give it a crazy charm. Time seems to have stopped here: no tall buildings, just the sound of the waves and the scent of oleanders. The Racou beach, shaped like a cove, is one of the most beautiful in the region, with its golden sand and calm waters ideal for swimming. It is an iconic place for locals and visitors seeking authenticity. There are a few restaurants and beach bars with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a seaside lunch or a drink while admiring the Mediterranean sunset. A walk in Le Racou is a taste of the Argelèsian dolce vita, where the mountain plunges into the sea.
Another iconic place in Argelès-sur-Mer: its marina. Located between the central beach and Le Racou, Port Argelès is one of the largest marinas on the Côte Vermeille. With over 800 berths, it hosts sailboats and yachts all year round. During the day, it's a pleasure to stroll along the palm-lined quays, admire the colorful boats, and feel the maritime atmosphere. Around the port, the promenade is lively with cafes, ice cream parlors, and restaurants offering a breathtaking view of the boats. You can enjoy both an artisanal ice cream and a freshly caught fish parillada. In summer, Argelès port comes alive with nighttime craft markets and street entertainment: concerts, children's shows, and the July 14th fireworks illuminate the quay. It is also from the port that sea excursions depart – boat trips along the coast to Collioure or scuba diving outings. Whether for a stroll in the evening or embarking on new marine adventures, the marina is a must-visit that shows another cosmopolitan and lively side of Argelès-sur-Mer.
In addition to private establishments, Argelès-sur-Mer is proud of its vast public beaches, well-maintained and free, ideal for enjoying the Mediterranean Sea in complete freedom.
Although mentioned as a place of its own, it should be noted that Racou beach is one of the most popular municipal beaches in Argelès. This small bay with crazy charm seduces with its postcard decor: calm and clear waters, soft sand, and the first rocky cliffs of the Côte Vermeille closing the cove to the south. Family-friendly and intimate, Racou beach is perfect for swimming and snorkeling along the rocks. In summer, it is supervised by lifeguards and offers some amenities (showers, first aid posts). Its smaller size and the hamlet's atmosphere give it a peaceful atmosphere, away from the vastness of the central beach. It is the dream place to lay your towel in peace in the morning or for a swim at sunset when the sky and sea turn orange.
The coast of Argelès is dominated by a long stretch of uninterrupted sand often called the Grande Plage, stretching for several kilometers between the port and the Tech river mouth to the north. It is subdivided into several sectors: the Centre beach at Argelès-Plage, and the Plage des Pins a bit further north. The Centre beach is the heart of the seaside resort: wide, lively, bordered by the Promenade du Front de Mer and the Allée des Pins, where restaurants, ice cream parlors, souvenir shops, and children's activities are concentrated. Its fine sand and gentle slope make it an ideal spot for families – children can play at the water's edge in complete safety. In summer, many daytime (beach volleyball tournaments, aquagym classes) and nighttime (open-air concerts, outdoor cinema) activities take place here. Moving a bit towards the Plage des Pins, the atmosphere becomes slightly calmer and greener thanks to the pine forest along the shore, offering some appreciated shaded areas. There are also beach clubs and water sports bases offering paddleboarding, windsurfing, and other leisure activities. Everywhere on the Grande Plage, lifeguard posts watch over swimmers, and the water quality is remarkable, rewarded by the Blue Flag. Whether you seek animation or calm under the pines, you will find your happiness along the Grande Plage of Argelès.
At the northern end of Argelès-sur-Mer, beyond the Pins sector, stretches the Marenda beach. Less known to occasional visitors, this portion of the municipal beach will delight those seeking a slightly wilder setting. Here, no urbanized promenade or tall buildings in sight: dunes and tamarisk groves border the sand, giving the impression of being in the heart of nature. Marenda beach approaches the Tech river mouth and the Mas Larrieu nature reserve. Consequently, it is frequented by tranquility seekers, and a northern part is discreetly tolerated for naturism. There is plenty of space to lay your towel, even in mid-August. Marenda is also a popular spot for observing the coastal fauna and flora (birds, dune plants) while enjoying a swim in pure water. Unsupervised and without heavy facilities, this beach offers a pleasant contrast to the central hustle: a little air of the end of the world just steps from campsites and the village.
A human-sized seaside resort, Argelès-sur-Mer has several practical means of transport to get there and easily move around once there.
If you come by car, Argelès-sur-Mer is accessible via the D914 (expressway) from Perpignan in about thirty minutes. The Argelès exit allows direct access to the beach center. In the summer season, traffic can be dense around the resort, so it is advisable to favor off-peak hours. As for parking, the town offers many free and paid parking lots. There are large parking lots near the beach (Platanes parking, Lydia parking) and street parking along the seafront and near the port. In high season, it's best to arrive early in the morning to find a spot or opt for parking a bit further away and then walk to the beach or take a shuttle. Argelès being relatively large, the car is practical for exploring the surroundings (Collioure, neighboring coasts, hinterland), but once there, other solutions allow getting around without traffic stress.
The train is an excellent option for getting to Argelès-sur-Mer without a car. The town has an SNCF station (located in Argelès-Village) served by TER Occitanie trains on the Perpignan – Cerbère line. In summer, special and regular trains allow easy connections to Perpignan, Collioure, Port-Vendres, Banyuls, and even Spain for a few euros. From Paris or other major cities, you can take a TGV to Perpignan and then a TER connection to Argelès (about 20 minutes from Perpignan). Once at the station, shuttles and urban buses connect to the seafront in a few minutes, unless you prefer to walk (about 20-25 minutes on foot to Argelès-Plage). The train avoids parking hassles and allows you to admire the coastal landscape upon arrival: the railway follows the sea, offering superb views, especially between Argelès and Collioure.
Argelès-sur-Mer has implemented practical local transport solutions, especially during the summer period. Free bus shuttles (the "Bus Tram") run during the day between the village, the beach, and the port, facilitating round trips for vacationers staying a bit far from the shore. The department also offers 1€ buses (line 400, for example) that connect Argelès to neighboring towns like Collioure, Port-Vendres, or Perpignan, at a low price. These buses are an economical and ecological alternative to explore the coast without taking the car. Also, don't miss the Petit Train Touristique of Argelès: this small train on wheels with colorful carriages shuttles throughout the day and evening between different points of the resort (campsites, beach center, port, Racou, Valmy...). It is both a fun means of transport and a guided tour that entertains children and adults alike. For a few euros, it allows you to get around while discovering Argelès' tourist sites in an original way. Finally, getting around by bike is facilitated by several developed cycle paths, notably along the coast and towards the village – renting bicycles or rosalies (pedal cars) is also a popular activity for family rides on the seafront promenade. Whether by bus, small train, or bicycle, you will always find a pleasant way to move around easily in Argelès-sur-Mer without using your car.
Here is a selection of venues near your search.
