Beaches and Lakes of the Pyrénées-Orientales

As the summer temperatures rise here in the P-O, our thoughts turn to water! It’s been in short supply this year so we appreciate it even more.

Not only is it the best way to keep cool on a hot day, but scientific research has shown that being near water can lower stress and anxiety, increase our sense of well-being and happiness, lower heart and breathing rates… and just make us feel good.

So let’s take a look at just a few of the beaches and lakes of the Pyrénées-Orientales. See you there!

The beaches

ARGELÈS NORTH AND CENTRE

Superb, long sandy beach with stunning views in the distance, separated from the hustle and bustle of restaurants, cafés and souvenir shops by a shady, tree lined walkway.

Rarely OVERcrowded as it is so big but in August, parking around the central area and traffic jams along Argelès plage main road can raise those stress levels.

Delightful port & marina at the south end, a people watcher’s paradise.

Supervised in season. Dogs not allowed.

LE RACOU (ARGELÈS)

Family beach feel, with shops selling buckets and spades, shabby chic bars and cafés, small family supermarket (everything you need for a picnic plus English and Dutch produce if you’re feeling a bit homesick).

There’s a loo too, if you’re brave!

Various building works going on as we write could mean changes by the time you read this.

Supervised in season. Dogs allowed at far end only.

BETWEEN ST CYPRIEN AND CANET

The road between the two towns runs between the sea and an étang (a kind of salt water lake) complete with pretty thatched fishermen’s huts.

Long stretch of fine, duney sand uncluttered by buildings, with fantastic views over the étang to Canigou.

Parking along road free and plentiful but gets crowded in high season so best to arrive between 12pm and 2pm when many beach-goers leave for lunch and just pop into their spot.

Parts supervised in season. Dogs not allowed.

LA FRANQUI (LEUCATE)

Between sea and lagoon, miles of un-spoilt sand, ideal for all wind and water sports. Often windy.

Can get quite crowded in high season but it’s  large and wide so space for all.

Great family beach as you can paddle out a long way in shallow waters.

Supervised in season. Dogs not allowed.

LE BARCARÈS

Much more attractive than you might expect of a purpose built resort.

The stretch of beach immediately past the town (heading north) is relatively quiet, golden sand (access Exit 15).

Behind is an Aqualand which is great for the kids.

Dogs ARE allowed on the beach opposite Aqualand.

STE MARIE PLAGE AND TOREILLES PLAGE

Pleasant small resorts with campsites, apartments and villas, the beaches are good… and if you’re looking for an all-over tan, there is a ‘plage naturiste’ at the southern end of Toreilles Plage.

The lakes (drought permitting)

…in the cool of the mountains

LACS DU MASSIF DU CARLIT

This cluster of a dozen lakes of various sizes, nestled amongst the wild and beautiful landscape of the ‘Hautes Pyrénées’ make the climb to a height of 2100 – 2300 metres worthwhile and rewarding.

Quiet, remote and atmospheric, the views will take your breath away..

In case of stormy weather, or just somewhere to get out of the sun at siesta time, there is an ‘abri’ or shelter between the Estany Sec the Lac de la Comassa, close by to the lakes del Viver and Negre.

LES BOUILLOUSES

Between Font Romeu and Les Angles, the man-made lake of Les Bouillouses is one of the most beautiful lakes in the area at an altitude of 2070 metres.

A dam was built here at the turn of the century (an important water reserve: 16 million cubic metres) which provided some of the electricity necessary to run the Little Yellow Train), and a pathway leads to the summit of the CARLIT peak at an altitude of 2921 metres.

It can be accessed by road from Mont-Louis but because of this ease of access, it becomes very busy in summer, when shuttles operate from nearby car park la Borde in order to limit traffic

The best way to visit this lake is, of course, on foot. From the lake at Matemale, also worth a visit for lake fans, visitors can take the chairlift to the station at the Roc d’Aude (2325m high). From there, there is a walk of about two hours to Les Bouillouses.

… and back down on the plain

VILLENEUVE DE LA RAHO

Originally intended as a reservoir to supply local agriculture, the lake at Villeneuve-de-la-Raho quickly became a leisure area for sailing, fishing and sunbathing on the beaches specially created to accommodate the growing number of locals and tourists attracted to it for its easy access.

Only 15 minutes from Perpignan centre (direction Porte d’Espagne/Barcelona) this lake is used all year round for walkers and joggers and also provides the water necessary for the ‘canadairs’ in case of forest fires.

VINÇA & CARAMANY

Originally created from dams to supply water for agriculture, the lakes at Vinça and Caramany (Agly) are respectively thirty and ten years old, therefore very recent in ‘lake years’.

Both have become ‘leisure lakes’ with beaches, sailing, and supervised swimming as well as picnic areas, fishing etc.

The lake of Vinça is easily accessible, just off the main road from Perpignan to Prades, and the Caramany lake is just outside Caramany (known for its excellent wine) near Ille sur Têt.

SANT MARTI, PALAU DEL VIDRE

Stocked with trout and carp for fisherfolk, with a ‘parcours de santé’ (fitness trail) to encourage you to hop, skip, and jump around the lake, a delightful day out with a picnic, the dog and the kids.

SAINT JEAN PLA DE CORTS

Two lakes for the price of one. A perfect spot for picnics, summer swims, and lakeside walks, shimmering reflexion of Mount Canigou in the smooth waters of the immaculately landscaped terrain.

The big lake has a lifeguard during the summer months for swimmers, tree top adventure around the lake, guinguette, bouncy castles, pédalos and plenty of entertainment for children, while the smaller lake is completely devoted to a télé-ski, drought permitting!

Small entrance fee per car, to park in the spacious car park.

Bonne baignade!