Camping l'Étoile d'Or is in Argelès-sur-Mer, in the Pyrénées-Orientales, where the Roussillon plain meets the Mediterranean. To the south begins the Côte Vermeille, with its coves and fishing villages; on the horizon, the Albères range, the last foothills of the Pyrenees before the sea, marks the border with Spain.
Families, couples, seniors and walkers will find plenty all around to fill their days: fine sandy beaches, mountain and coastal paths, cycle paths, historic towns and trips into Spanish Catalonia. Each place on this page shows its driving distance from the campsite.
Theme parks, water sports, excursions: Days out →
Argelès-sur-Mer has 7 km of beaches: fine sand in the north and centre, rocky coves in the south, where the Côte Vermeille begins.
Photo: Erwann.d, CC BY-SA 3.0
The nearest beach to the campsite, north of Argelès-sur-Mer. On foot, a path shortens the way: 2.5 km, about 40 minutes (4.1 km by road). A long fine sandy beach, quieter than the centre, next to the Mas Larrieu nature reserve at the mouth of the Tech.
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Photo: Hotel Centre Plage, CC BY 3.0
The heart of Argelès-sur-Mer's seaside: a long, fine sandy beach facing the Mediterranean, lined by the seafront promenade, to explore on foot or by bike. For an evening stroll through the shopping streets: Days out.
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The marina of Argelès-sur-Mer, south of the central beach, with its quays, restaurants and water sports. Pleasure boats offer trips from here to Collioure and Port-Vendres along the Côte Vermeille: see the KapMer sea shuttle in Days out.
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Photo: Jean-Pierre Bazard, CC BY-SA 3.0
At the southern end of the bay, the former fishing hamlet of Le Racou and its little seaside houses mark the start of the Côte Vermeille: a sheltered sandy beach, then rocky coves where the Albères plunge into the sea. It is also the starting point of the coastal path to Collioure.
View on Google MapsSouth of Argelès-sur-Mer the coast turns rocky: the Albères run down to the sea, between terraced vineyards, fishing ports and Catalan villages.
Photo: BlueBreezeWiki, CC BY-SA 3.0
The emblematic village of the Côte Vermeille. The royal castle, former residence of the kings of Majorca, overlooks the harbour; the bell tower of the Notre-Dame-des-Anges church, a former lighthouse, stands at the water's edge; Fort Saint-Elme, built in the 16th century, keeps watch from the heights. Matisse and Derain painted here in 1905, at the birth of Fauvism. Market: see Local markets.
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Photo: Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 2.0
Just past Collioure, Port-Vendres is a deep natural harbour still devoted to fishing. Stroll along the quays to the 18th-century obelisk, raised to the glory of Louis XVI, and the nearby coves.
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Photo: Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 2.0
A village of winegrowers and fishermen, known for its terraced vineyards running down to the sea and for its naturally sweet wine (AOC Banyuls). Banyuls is home to part of the Cerbère-Banyuls marine nature reserve, created in 1974 as France's first marine reserve: its underwater trail, marked by buoys, can be explored with fins, mask and snorkel from Peyrefite beach. Open in summer, free entry, trail supervised during opening hours (dates vary each year). Try dives in the reserve: Days out.
View on Google MapsThe last range of the Pyrenees before the Mediterranean, the Albères trace the border with Spain. Their trails begin a few kilometres from the campsite.
A wine estate nestled in the foothills of the Albères, within Argelès-sur-Mer, with its late 19th-century château, gardens and panoramic view over the Roussillon plain and the Mediterranean. It is also a popular starting point for walks in the hills. Visits and tastings at the estate: ask the château for details.
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Photo: LeZibou, CC BY-SA 4.0
A former medieval watchtower perched on a ridge of the Albères, with views over the whole Roussillon coast. It is reached on foot along a mountain path. Bring good shoes and water.
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Photo: Alan Mattingly, CC0
A coastal path that starts at Le Racou and follows the cliffs and coves of the Côte Vermeille to Collioure. The route often climbs and drops: walking shoes and water recommended, especially in summer.
View on Google MapsThe flat land between the campsite, the village and the beach is ideal for cycling; keener riders will find climbs in the Albères.
Photo: tonyfurrer, CC BY 3.0
Argelès-sur-Mer lies on EuroVelo 8, the European cycle route that follows the Mediterranean from Cádiz (Spain) to Cyprus; in France it is called “La Méditerranée à vélo”. It arrives from Le Perthus through the Tech valley, then runs along the Argelès seafront towards Leucate.
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Photo: TouN, CC BY-SA 4.0
A cycle path runs along the Argelès seafront and continues towards Saint-Cyprien; a route combining cycle paths and a greenway also links Argelès to Le Boulou (detailed routes and maps: Argelès-sur-Mer tourist office).
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Photo: Larid1804, CC BY-SA 4.0
For mountain bikers, tracks and trails into the Albères start near the Château de Valmy, among other places. Steep climbs: for experienced riders only.
View on Google MapsHistoric towns, Romanesque cloisters and museums: the Roussillon and Spanish Catalonia make easy day trips from the campsite.
Photo: Palauenc05, CC BY-SA 4.0
The old village, inland, keeps its narrow streets, squares and Gothic church of Notre-Dame-del-Prat, from the 14th century. Its markets are highlights of the week: days and times in Local markets.
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Photo: Devisme.alain, CC BY-SA 3.0
A former episcopal city of the Roussillon, Elne overlooks the plain from its hill. Its cathedral of Sainte-Eulalie-et-Sainte-Julie has a carved marble cloister: Romanesque in its south gallery, Gothic in the other three.
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Photo: Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0
Capital of the Roussillon. The Palace of the Kings of Majorca, built in the late 13th century, recalls that Perpignan was the mainland capital of the kingdom of Majorca. The Castillet, a former fortified gate, marks the entrance to the historic centre.
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Photo: Hawobo, CC BY-SA 3.0
At the foot of the Vallespir, Céret is known for its cherries and its museum of modern art, linked to the artists who came to paint here in the 20th century (Picasso, Braque, Chagall, Matisse…). The Devil's Bridge, a single-arch medieval bridge, spans the Tech at the entrance to the town.
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Photo: Bertrand Grondin, CC BY-SA 3.0
Le Perthus is a border village whose main street is shared between France and Spain, overlooked by the Fort de Bellegarde. Just beyond, La Jonquera, the first Spanish town, is known for its many shops.
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Photo: Gordito1869, CC BY 3.0
Birthplace of Salvador Dalí. The Dalí Theatre-Museum, designed by the artist himself and opened in 1974, holds a large part of his work; Dalí is buried there.
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Photo: Nicolas Vigier, CC0
A white fishing village on the Costa Brava, on the edge of the Cap de Creus natural park. Nearby, in Portlligat, Salvador Dalí's house can be visited, by reservation.
View on Google MapsTo reach the campsite or head out on a trip without a car.
Photo: Cramos, CC BY-SA 4.0
Station on the Perpignan – Cerbère / Portbou line: regional trains to Perpignan, Collioure, Port-Vendres, Banyuls-sur-Mer and the Spanish border.
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Photo: Alexandre0798, CC BY-SA 4.0
Driving distances from camping l'Étoile d'Or (Route de Taxo à la Mer, 66700 Argelès‑sur‑Mer), measured with Google Maps.
| Place | Theme | Distance (km) |
|---|---|---|
| La Marende beach (North beach) | Beach | 4.1 |
| Argelès-sur-Mer village | Heritage | 4.1 |
| Argelès-sur-Mer station | Practical info | 5 |
| Central beach (Argelès-Plage) | Beach | 5.7 |
| Château de Valmy | Nature | 6.6 |
| Elne (cloister) | Heritage | 7.1 |
| Argelès harbour | Beach | 8.2 |
| Le Racou | Beach | 8.2 |
| Collioure | Côte Vermeille | 11.5 |
| Tour de la Massane (start of the walk) | Walking | 13.5 |
| Port-Vendres | Côte Vermeille | 14.8 |
| Banyuls-sur-Mer | Côte Vermeille | 19.2 |
| Perpignan (centre) | Heritage | 19.3 |
| Le Perthus / La Jonquera | Spain | 27.6 |
| Céret | Heritage | 28.4 |
| Perpignan airport | Practical info | 30.4 |
| Figueres (Dalí Theatre-Museum) | Spain | 54.5 |
| Cadaqués | Spain | 87.6 |