The getaway guide · Pyrénées-Orientales
The sea, the villages.
And so much more to discover.
From Palau-del-Vidre, plan your holiday around coves, Catalan heritage and sweeping landscapes. Here are a few ideas for enjoying the region, whether you’re out for a stroll or a full day of exploration.
Close to the villas
The South, whenever you fancy.
From village craftsmanship to the colours of the Côte Vermeille.
01 — Crafts & a stroll
Palau-del-Vidre
Step inside the glass workshops and discover the craftsmanship that gave the village its name. For families, the Baludik treasure hunt offers another way to explore its narrow streets.
Discover & plan your visit ↗02 — Narrow streets & seaside
Collioure
Stroll through the narrow streets of Le Mouré, make your way to the harbour and discover the Royal Château. A delightful escape combining heritage, galleries and views over the bay.
Discover & plan your visit ↗03 — Nature & heritage
Anse de Paulilles
Between Port-Vendres and Banyuls, discover a coastal site where gardens, beaches and industrial heritage come together. The boat workshop also keeps Catalan maritime heritage alive.
Discover & plan your visit ↗04 — Walk & breathe
Les Albères & the coast
Choose a walk in the Albères or a section of the coastal path. The tourist office provides route information so you can tailor your outing to your level and interests.
Discover & plan your visit ↗
Another side of Catalan country
A change of scenery.
A day away.
From the natural sculptures of Les Orgues to the ramparts of Villefranche, the hinterland has plenty of wonderful discoveries in store. Allow time for the drive, a village stop and the pleasure of taking things at your own pace.
05 — Striking landscapes
Les Orgues d’Ille-sur-Têt
Explore this natural site and admire its fairy chimneys, shaped from sand and clay. A walk for taking in the forms and colours of this fragile landscape.
Discover & plan your visit ↗06 — Art & culture
Céret & its museum
Combine a stroll through Céret with a visit to the Museum of Modern Art. Check the museum’s collections and programme to plan your visit.
Discover & plan your visit ↗07 — Heritage & mountains
Villefranche & the Yellow Train
Explore the fortified town of Villefranche-de-Conflent, then plan a trip aboard the Yellow Train to discover the landscapes of the Catalan Pyrenees.
Discover & plan your visit ↗08 — Starting from Palau
A cycling getaway
From the village, a link route connects to EuroVelo 8. Check the route recommended by the tourist office to plan a ride towards Argelès or Le Boulou.
Discover & plan your visit ↗Sand, pebbles and blue water
A beach for every mood.
Le Racou
In Argelès-sur-Mer, a sandy beach lined with small, colourful houses. A lovely spot for a waterside break and a stroll around the neighbourhood.
Paulilles
For Côte Vermeille scenery: a cove between the sea and the hills, at the heart of a natural and heritage site.
The coastal coves
From Collioure to Cerbère, alternate between little beaches and rocky coves. Choose your spot based on access, sea conditions and your swimming plans.
Ancient stone & panoramic views
Take your time in the villages.
Castelnou
A medieval village in the Aspres, with stone lanes and a château overlooking the rooftops. A characterful escape.
Discover Castelnou ↗Eus
A hilltop village in the Conflent, with steep lanes and far-reaching views over the surrounding landscapes.
Explore Eus and the Conflent ↗Villefranche-de-Conflent
A fortified town where you can wander among ramparts, shops and heritage. Pair it with a visit to the Conflent.
Plan your visit ↗Music, photography & craftsmanship
The events that bring Catalan country to life.
A concert, an exhibition, a meeting: remember to check the programme during your stay too. Dates and venues should be confirmed for each edition.
Les Déferlantes
The Barcarès’s major music festival. Find the programme, dates for the next edition and tickets through the festival.
Official Les Déferlantes website ↗Electrobeach
For electronic music fans, check the organiser’s announcements before planning your stay around the festival.
Follow Electrobeach announcements ↗Le OFF de Perpignan
At the end of summer and in September, photography takes over the city. Discover the exhibitions, participating venues and dates for this year’s edition.
Discover the OFF festival ↗Visa pour l’Image
The international photojournalism festival in Perpignan: exhibitions, perspectives on the world and photography events.
Visa pour l’Image programme ↗Glassmaking in Palau-del-Vidre
Workshops, demonstrations and glass-related events bring the village’s identity to life. Check the events taking place during your holiday.
Village events ↗Discoveries for every stay
And during your holiday?
Markets, exhibitions, village fêtes and cultural events: find ideas and the programme from local tourism organisations.
Before setting off, check opening times, any booking requirements and access conditions on the official websites, particularly for trails and natural areas.
Collioure: Alan Mattingly, CC BY-SA 4.0. Les Orgues: Ancalagon, CC BY-SA 3.0. Photographs displayed with cropping adapted to the layout.
