The listed resort of Argelès-sur-Mer owes its name to the clay soil (Argila in Catalan) on which it was built. This city of the IXth century extends over nearly 10 kilometers along the Mediterranean Sea: 7 kilometers of sandy coast - from the Natural Reserve of Mas Larrieu to Racou - extend 2 kilometers of rocky coast, between Racou and the Ouille beach.
Argelès is above all beaches…
If Argelès-sur-Mer attracts so much, it is in particular for its long sandy beaches and its coves with crystal clear waters.
To the north, it is first of all the preserved wild spaces of the Mas Larrieu nature reserve.
There follow 7 km of sandy beaches, a 3 km shaded promenade and a pine wood.
The Marina will seduce you with its squares, shops, restaurants and entertainment.
To the south, finally, Le Racou and its typical houses by the sea, then the magnificent creeks of Porteils and Ouille.
…But Argelès is also a village…
The village of Argelès-sur-Mer, with its colorful streets, its typically Catalan heritage and culture, is a place conducive to relaxation. Stroll through the small streets, stop on the terrace of a restaurant and taste the flavors of Catalan cuisine, this is a real vacation!
Guided tours are organized regularly to discover the secrets of this charming village.
To see in Argeles
CASA DE L’ALBERA MAISON DU PATRIMOINE
… And the mountain!
In Argelès, there is the Mediterranean, but not only...
Here, the Pyrenees rise majestically above the village sporting terraced wine estates, scrubland with typical Mediterranean vegetation and sometimes protected forests.
The beech forest of La Massane, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
In July 2021, the Massane beech forest, already classified as a nature reserve, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This prestigious international classification recognizes the seniority and the high level of naturalness of this old forest of the Mediterranean basin which has been evolving freely for more than 150 years.
Many departures for hiking and mountain biking
![[Walk] Around Argelès-sur-Mer](https://cdn.iris-etourism.io/uploads/pyrenees_mediterranee/sizes/766/8496-allee_jules_aroles-argelestourisme-stephane_ferrer-5039-1200px-380x480.webp)
Du Château de Valmy à Banyuls par le Pic Sallfort et le sentier Walter Benjamin
![[Walk] Hermitage Notre Dame de Vie](https://cdn.iris-etourism.io/uploads/pyrenees_mediterranee/sizes/bfd/8093-19-visite-guidee-ndv-380x480.webp)
Du Château de Valmy à Banyuls par le Pic Sallfort et le sentier Walter Benjamin
![[Walk] The Cova de l'Alarb Dolmen](https://cdn.iris-etourism.io/uploads/pyrenees_mediterranee/sizes/d52/8244-cova_alarb-argeles-randonnee-valmy-380x480.webp)
