Pyrénées-Orientales beaches: Collioure, Banyuls, Argelès and the Côte Vermeille

Published on 18/05/2022 - updated: 19 March 2026 - 9 min read - By Théo Mercier-Balaz

Contents

The Pyrenees-Orientales beaches are among the most spectacular in France — this southernmost department of the Vermilion Coast stretches 120 km of beaches between Argelès-sur-Mer and Cerbère with unique landscapes in France: rocky coves of the Vermilion Coast, beaches of pebbles nestled between red schist cliffs, long beaches of fine sand in Roussillon and preserved inlets of the Conservatoire du littoral. The Pyrenees-Orientales beaches offer extraordinary diversity — from the crystal-clear waters for swimming in the cove of Anse Paulilles to the great family beach of Canet-en-Roussillon, passing through Boramar beach in Collioure (painted by Matisse and Derain in 1905) and Sana beach in Banyuls. This complete guide to the Pyrenees-Orientales beaches reveals secret addresses, real prices and practical tips that standard guides omit — for unforgettable swimming holidays in the Pyrenees-Orientales.

Argelès-sur-Mer: the capital of Pyrenees-Orientales beaches

Argelès-sur-Mer is the largest seaside resort in the Pyrenees-Orientales — its 7 km of fine sand beach concentrates hundreds of thousands of vacationers every summer from across Europe for swimming in the turquoise waters of Roussillon. The great beach of Argelès (monitored June-September, first aid posts every 500 m) is ideal for families — its fine sand and gradually deeper waters make it one of the safest Pyrenees-Orientales beaches for children.

The Racou beach (argeles plage racou) is the most charming cove in Argelès-sur-Mer — located 2 km from Argelès town center, this beach of pebbles and sand surrounded by colorful fishermen’s cottages is one of the most authentic and least crowded Pyrenees-Orientales beaches in the town. Racou beach is also the starting point for snorkeling in the shallow waters of the cove — gorgons, octopuses and Mediterranean fish are visible from 1 m deep. Bourdigou beach (plage Bourdigou), at the northern end of Argelès, is a 100% natural nudist beach — fine sand, dunes and coastal vegetation over 2 km in the Pyrenees-Orientales (free access, parking €5/day).

What other guides don’t mention: Massane beach, 3 km north of Argelès towards Canet-Roussillon, is the least known beach in the area — its shallow waters, monitored swimming and free access make it the secret of locals in the Pyrenees-Orientales. Come in September: Argelès sand is immense, waters still at 24°C and the beach almost deserted.

Collioure: the painters’ beach of Pyrenees-Orientales

Collioure is the jewel of Pyrenees-Orientales beaches — this fishing village on the Vermilion Coast with a harbor of colorful boats and the Church of Notre-Dame des Anges (eglise dame anges) inspired Matisse and Derain who invented Fauvism on its beaches in 1905. Boramar beach (plage Boramar) is the most famous in Collioure — this small beach of pebbles and sand in the shadow of the royal castle is located at the heart of Collioure harbor and offers an iconic view of the Church of Notre-Dame des Anges (eglise dame anges) and its pink bell tower reflected in the Mediterranean waters.

The Saint-Vincent beach (plage saint vincent) is Collioure‘s second great beach — located on the other side of Royal harbor, this beach of fine pebbles offers swimming in deeper and calmer waters than Boramar beach. Ouille beach, 1 km south of Collioure on the Port-Vendres road, is a pebble cove accessible only on foot (15 min from Collioure) — its exceptionally clear waters make it the favorite Pyrenees-Orientales beach of snorkelers.

Claire’s tip: Arrive at Boramar beach in Collioure before 9 am in July-August — Collioure harbor fills with tourists from 10 am and parking spaces (€6/day) saturate. The low morning light on Boramar beach and the eglise dame anges is the most beautiful light in Roussillon for photos — this is why Matisse and Derain painted here at dawn. Collioure Train parking (1 km from harbor, €4/day) is the most accessible for reaching Collioure‘s Pyrenees-Orientales beaches on foot.

Port-Vendres: Anse Paulilles and Anse Sainte-Catherine

Port-Vendres is the most active fishing harbor in the Pyrenees-Orientales — its morning fish auction (Monday-Friday, 7am-9am, free entry) is one of the most authentic experiences on the Vermilion Coast. The two treasures of Port-Vendres for Pyrenees-Orientales beaches are its two inlets preserved by the Conservatoire du littoral: Anse Paulilles and Anse Sainte-Catherine.

Anse Paulilles (anse paulilles, port vendres anse) is the most beautiful beach in Port-Vendres — this inlet of sand and pebbles preserved by the Conservatoire du littoral is located 3 km south of Port-Vendres center (pedestrian access only from the coastal trail, 20 min from the harbor). Anse Paulilles also hosts the former Nobel dynamite site (19th century) completely rehabilitated as a natural park — swimming in its turquoise waters between red schist rocks is one of the most beautiful experiences of Pyrenees-Orientales beaches.

Anse Sainte-Catherine (anse sainte catherine, port vendres anse) is a more intimate cove 1 km north of Port-Vendres harbor — its clear waters, sand and pebbles make it an ideal beach for snorkeling in the Pyrenees-Orientales (free access, parking at Port-Vendres harbor).

Banyuls-sur-Mer: Sana beach and Mar Estang

Banyuls-sur-Mer is the most preserved seaside resort on the Vermilion Coast — its beaches of pebbles and sand are bordered by AOC Banyuls vineyards and coastal hiking trails that make Banyuls a unique destination in the Pyrenees-Orientales.

Sana beach (plage sana, plage sana banyuls) is the main central beach of Banyuls-sur-Mer — located at the heart of the seaside resort, this beach of sand and pebbles is monitored from June to September and offers swimming in the warmest waters of the Pyrenees-Orientales (25-26°C in August). Sana beach is also the starting point of the Banyuls submarine reserve (France’s first marine reserve, created in 1974) — snorkeling from Sana beach allows you to observe groupers, gorgons and barracudas in the protected waters.

Mar Estang (plage mar estang, plage mar) is the wildest cove in Banyuls-sur-Mer — located 2 km south of the center by the coastal trail, this coastal lagoon and its pebble beach are managed by the Conservatoire du littoral and accessible only on foot (20 min). Mar Estang offers swimming in exceptionally transparent waters, pristine seabeds and rare solitude among Pyrenees-Orientales beaches in July-August. Mar Estang beach is the secret address that all Banyuls locals jealously guard.

Banyuls-Port-Vendres also share Balette beach (between the two towns) — a little-frequented pebble beach with clear waters and a view of the terraced vineyards of the Pyrenees-Orientales.

Cerbère: Peyrefite and Terrimbo beaches

Cerbère is the southernmost town in the Pyrenees-Orientales — this last village in France before the Spanish border is home to the wildest Pyrenees-Orientales beaches on the Vermilion Coast. The main Cerbère beach is a pebble beach located in Cerbère harbor — its calm waters and pristine seabeds make it a favorite destination for divers and snorkeling enthusiasts in the Pyrenees-Orientales.

Peyrefite beach (plage peyrefite, cerbere plage peyrefite, plage peyrefite cerbere) is the most beautiful beach in Cerbère — located 1 km north of Cerbère by the coastal trail, this pebble cove surrounded by red schist cliffs offers deep blue waters and swimming in complete solitude — accessible in 20 min of walking from Cerbère harbor.

Terrimbo beach (plage terrimbo, plage terrimbo cerbere) is an even more isolated cove north of Peyrefite beach — accessible only on foot from Cerbère (40 min round trip) or from Banyuls (1h30 by the coastal trail), this pebble and sand beach in the Pyrenees-Orientales is one of the most pristine beaches of the entire Vermilion Coast. Its crystal-clear waters and guaranteed solitude make it a paradise for swimming and snorkeling off the beaten path.

Canet-en-Roussillon and Lydia beach

Canet-en-Roussillon is the great seaside resort of Roussillon north of the Pyrenees-Orientales — its 12 km of fine sand beach, its 15,000 harbor mooring rings and its summer activities make it the most frequented swimming destination in the department. Lydia beach (plage lydia, canet roussillon) is the best-known beach in Canet — its name comes from the Lydia liner deliberately wrecked on the beach in 1967, now a legendary beach bar-nightclub on Roussillon‘s sand beach.

Camping with water park in Pyrenees-Orientales

Campgrounds in the Pyrenees-Orientales offer water parks with heated pools in a setting of pines and Roussillon vineyards — just a few kilometers from the most beautiful Pyrenees-Orientales beaches and coves of the Vermilion Coast. A stay at a Pyrenees-Orientales campground allows you to visit all the beaches: Boramar beach in Collioure (Matisse and Derain), Anse Paulilles in Port-Vendres (Conservatoire du littoral), Sana beach in Banyuls (marine reserve), Peyrefite beach and Terrimbo beach in Cerbère, Racou beach and Bourdigou beach in Argelès, and Lydia beach in Canet-en-Roussillon. Campgrounds in Argelès-sur-Mer are the best located in the Pyrenees-Orientales — 500 m from sand beaches and 15-20 min from Collioure and Port-Vendres via the coastal road.

FAQ – Beaches of the Pyrénées-Orientales

Frequently asked questions

What are the most beautiful beaches in the Pyrénées-Orientales?

The most beautiful beaches in the Pyrénées-Orientales are: Boramar beach in Collioure (next to the Église Notre-Dame-des-Anges, painted by Matisse and Derain, a mix of pebbles and sand), Anse Paulilles in Port-Vendres (managed by the Conservatoire du littoral), Sana beach in Banyuls (a marine reserve, great for snorkelling, turquoise water), Peyrefite beach in Cerbère (a wild cove of pebbles), and Racou beach in Argelès (Argelès's Racou beach, a mix of sand and pebbles). Mar Estang beach in Banyuls is the most secret of the Pyrénées-Orientales beaches — accessible on foot only, with crystal-clear water and pristine seabeds.

What is Boramar beach in Collioure?

Boramar beach is Collioure's iconic beach — located at the foot of the royal castle and facing the Église Notre-Dame-des-Anges, this beach of pebbles and sand is the very spot Matisse and Derain painted in 1905, giving birth to Fauvism. Boramar beach is the most photographed beach in the Pyrénées-Orientales along the Côte Vermeille — its traditional Catalan boats moored in the harbour and its blue waters make up the most iconic scene in Roussillon. Arrive before 9am to find a parking spot (€6/day).

What is Anse Paulilles in Port-Vendres?

Anse Paulilles is the best-preserved cove in the Pyrénées-Orientales — located 3 km south of Port-Vendres, this cove of sand and pebbles is managed by the Conservatoire du littoral and can only be reached on foot (via the coastal path, 20 minutes). Its turquoise waters and unspoiled seabed (bring a snorkel and mask) make it an exceptional Pyrénées-Orientales beach. It's also home to the former Nobel dynamite factory museum (free entry).

What are the beaches of Banyuls-sur-Mer?

The beaches of Banyuls-sur-Mer are: Sana beach (in the heart of the seaside resort, sand and pebbles, supervised swimming, and the starting point for the marine reserve), Mar Estang beach (a wild cove reached on foot, crystal-clear water, managed by the Conservatoire du littoral), and Balette beach (between Banyuls and Port-Vendres, pebbles, rarely crowded). Banyuls and Port-Vendres are the towns richest in wild Pyrénées-Orientales beaches along the Côte Vermeille.

Are there campsites with a water park in the Pyrénées-Orientales?

Yes, the Pyrénées-Orientales has many 3- to 5-star campsites with water parks and heated pools — particularly in Argelès-sur-Mer, Canet-en-Roussillon and around Collioure. These campsites are ideally located to enjoy all the Pyrénées-Orientales beaches: Boramar beach (Collioure), Anse Paulilles (Port-Vendres), Sana beach (Banyuls), Peyrefite beach and Terrimbo beach (Cerbère), Racou beach and Bourdigou beach (Argelès), and Lydia beach (Canet-en-Roussillon).