Argelès-sur-Mer · Côte Vermeille
It all began with an encounter: Mr and Mrs Marcoux fell for Argelès-sur-Mer, a village nestled between the sea and the mountains. From a modest two-hectare plot grew, decade after decade, one of the landmarks of the Argelès coast — carried on today by their children and grandchildren.
If the campsite has grown over the decades, it is above all thanks to the guests who come back year after year — and who, once home, tell a neighbour, a colleague or a friend about it. This loyalty, passed on by word of mouth far more than through advertising, is still the best sign of how reliable and friendly l'Étoile d'Or is.
A family adventure, never a franchise — every change at the campsite bears the mark of those who helped it grow.
Mr and Mrs Marcoux discover Argelès-sur-Mer, a village nestled between the sea and the mountains — and buy a small two-hectare campsite.
Planning permission is sought for a self-service shop and a restaurant, laying the foundations for a lively place to stay.
L'Étoile d'Or opens its first pool — the starting point of what would become a real pool complex.
Among the very first in the history of the Argelès campsites — an idea met with scepticism by the trade at the time. Bernadette and Max take their first steps in running the campsite.
Canvas tents gradually give way to mobile homes; shops, entertainment and leisure activities multiply. L'Étoile d'Or embraces the change.
Second toilet and shower block (1992), launderette (1996), new bar-restaurant with terrace and mini-market (1998), new reception (2001).
Water play complex and playground (2003), multi-sports area (2004), renovated toilet block with a baby-changing room (2005), entertainment area and kids' club (2006), solar hot water and fitness room (2007).
A covered, heated pool is built to extend the swimming season.
Extension and renovation of a toilet block and the launderette (2018); motorhome service point, a larger playground and a new multi-sports court (2019).
The campsite is still run by the family, true to its original spirit, while constantly updating its facilities.
On foot to La Marende beach (North beach), the nearest one, along a path that shortens the way (2.5 km, against 4.1 km by road) — allow around ten minutes by car or bike to reach the village of Argelès-sur-Mer (4.1 km) and the main beach (5.7 km).
The mountains begin at the foot of the Château de Valmy (large car park), 10 minutes away by car — a playground for hiking, trail running and mountain biking, via the region's safe cycle paths.
The Spanish border is about 20 km away (30 minutes by car) — Figueres and its Dalí museum, Roses, Cadaqués, or Barcelona for a day trip.
A 4-star campsite that has stayed in the same family for three generations, l'Étoile d'Or relies on a team that is there for you rather than on grand words: reception is open 7 days a week in high season, and our staff are on hand to help every guest put together a tailor-made programme that suits them, whether here on site or with our partners, so you can discover the riches of our area (Argelès-sur-Mer) and our region (Pyrénées-Orientales – Occitanie).
