Summer Saint Cyprien Style

The port

Miles of golden sand, a port full of sail and motor boats, golf course, great walking and cycling, beautifully manicured Parc de la Prade with exercise circuit, kiddie’s play area with lakes and fountains, peaceful botanical garden with peacocks strutting their stuff…

Add to that plenty of ‘pieds-dans-l’eau’ restaurants, bars, casino, disco, quayside fish sold straight from the sea, boat trips, Aqualand, and you can see why Saint Cyprien Port is very much a family resort.

The village

And whilst it’s true that much of the summer action tends to take place around the port and beaches, don’t dismiss the pleasant village, a 10 minute drive from the lively beach resort.

It’s not ancient (‘tho it has an attractive church with 17th century bell tower and interesting ‘rentables’) or particularly beautiful – but it has some good restaurants and shops and a very original museum, which is absolutely worth a visit.

The art

“Les Collections de Saint Cyprien” Museum of Modern Art is based on the private collection of François Desnoyer and includes works by Maillol, Dali, Chagall and Desnoyer himself.

They often have daring, sometimes shocking exhibitions, mostly following (not surprisingly) a theme of ‘collections’.

P-O Life’s pick of summer highlights

FÊTE DE LA SAINT PIERRE – JUNE 28TH – 30TH

Each year, the town pays homage to the hardworking folk who make their living from the water, and particularly those lost at sea. Bandas, correfocs, launching of Catalan barques, castellers, blessing of the boats and tasty and festive sardinade (sardines on the BBQ) followed by a spectacular pyrotechnic display. More info here.

FESITVAL DU CERF VOLANT – 24TH & 25TH AUGUST

Mary Poppins would be in her element as the skies above Saint Cyprien fill with a spectacular range of multi coloured, multi shaped kites …courtesy of the wind of course. Team flying, artistic & giant inflatables…..endless fun for the whole family. More info here.

FIREWORK DISPLAY, DATE TBC

One of the most talked about firework displays in the region, the ‘setting alight’ of the port and the firework extravaganza attract folk from far and wide. The display is preceded at 7pm by a ‘sardinade’ when local fishermen share their sardine catch in this traditional Catalan feast of grilled sardines, bread and aioli. Plan ahead. Parking and traffic in and out take a bit of patience!

LATE SUMMER DAYS – 20TH – 22ND SEPTEMBER

The sun is still shining, the sea still sparkling, the traffic has thinned out …and the roads of Saint Cyprien are taken over by the Chapter 66 Harley Davidson club. Mean machines, leather-clad bikers from all over Europe. Information stands, market stalls, tattoos, clothing, jewellery, accessories, barbers, motorbike exhibitions and demos, parades, and more. More info here.

Don’t miss Mr. Arthur!

From Monday 8th July to Saturday 31st August, enjoy the exciting new after beach concept, Monsieur Arthur.

Head to Quai Arthur Rimbaud (between the Office de Tourisme and the habour master’s office) from 6pm to midnight for a different ambiance everyday of the week.

There will be:

• Food trucks
• Lounge areas
• Live DJ & dance floor (Fri, Sat & Sun)
• Open air cinema (Mon-Thurs, 10pm)
• Ferris wheel
• Pétanque terrains
• Theme nights
• Exhibitions
• Distinguished guests
• And more..!

For more information

To find out more about these events and more, contact the Office de Tourisme de Saint Cyprien.