Forget Nice, Cannes, or Saint-Tropez. The underrated French seaside town of Argelès-sur-Mer, located on the Languedoc coast near Spain, offers a relaxing holiday with Catalan influences. Accessible from airports in Perpignan, Girona, and Barcelona, it features a classic beachfront, plenty of dining options, and ample sunbeds.
A Boutique Stay
The Hôtel Les Mouettes provides a boutique feel with rooms reminiscent of a summer holiday in the early 2000s, a peaceful pool area overlooking the coastline, air conditioning, private balconies, a breakfast spread, a pool, a hot tub, and a pool bar.
Dining and Wine
Le Bistrot à la Mer at Grand Hôtel du Golfe offers sea views and an elevated interior. Chef Vincent Estruc’s menu blends French techniques with flavors from the Roussillon-Catalonia region. The hotel’s own wine, Domaine Terre Jaume, complements the sunset. De Prade Jorda, a fourth-generation winery, offers vineyard lunches with walking tours and tastings. Domaine de la Mer Blanche, an organic citrus farm and distillery, produces liqueurs like kumquatcello, yuzucello, and caviarcello.
Activities and Attractions
The area provides hiking and coastal walks. A traditional Solex moped offers a bumpy but fun way to explore. Château de Valmy, a Belle Époque palace built between 1888 and 1900, is a local landmark. Camping Le Dauphin, part of the camping capital of Europe reputation, features four- and five-star sites across 60 hectares with a water park. Arbor & Sens, located within the campsite, serves farm-to-table food under a lantern-draped tree. Kayaking, swimming, or boating in the sea is highly recommended.
On a vineyard tour, after attempting to identify flavor profiles, the author was told, “I’m ‘very Italian’ because I’m ‘never sure’.” The author added, “Cosa intendi?”
Travel Essentials
Getting there: Vueling flies direct from London to Barcelona from £70 return. Train via Perpignan costs from £23 per person (about 2.5 hours). Bus from Barcelona’s northern bus station with one change in Perpignan takes 3.5 hours from £15. Where to stay: Double rooms at Hôtel Les Mouettes start from around £90 per night, depending on the season.
