Saint Cyprien…all-year-round
We are undoubtedly spoilt for fabulous ‘stations balnéaires’ (seaside resorts) here in the P-O , but many of them are all about the beach and the sea itself – which means there’s not much going on in winter and early spring. Saint Cyprien however is an all-year-rounder.
Here’s our pick of what to do and where to go.
Late spring
Beach Night, Saturday 14thPine Grove, north beach seafront
Big musical picnic for the Cyprianencs (people of St Cyp). All-white dress code, free aperitif, barbecue available – just bring your own picnic.
Fête de la Saint Pierre, 27th – 29th
Quai Arthur Rimbaud, Port
Every year, the town pays homage to Saint Pierre, patron saint of fisherman and the sea 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). More info here.
Summer
Monsieur Arthur, 5th July – 30th August
Quai Arthur Rimbaud, PortThroughout July and August, food trucks, dance, music, big wheel, pétanque…. Party atmosphere for the merrymakers and zen for the chillers!
But who is Arthur?
Arthur Rimbaud was the enfant terrible of French poetry in the second half of the 19th century, a major figure in symbolism, a young rebel poet who liked to shock and was later heavily influenced by the wistful tenderness of his fellow poet and lover, Verlaine. He died at the age of 37.
L’Heure Bleue, 16th, 23rd & 30th July, 6th & 13th August
Jardin des Plantes des Capellans
Live classical music in the heart of nature, a macaron, a glass of champagne… Classical & classy.
(Admission: 15€)
Festival du Cerf Volant, 23rd & 24th August
Plage Nord
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.
| For more info about these and other events, contact the Office de Tourisme for friendly, multilingual advice. |
Thanks Elizabeth. Useful to know.
I live in Saint Cyprien and love it but reading it’s a place for all year is misguiding as the majority of attractions close through the winter months. Few restos or bars are open and only basic need shops stay the time.
The swimming pool is open and closes all during the summer as it’s, I assume, considered under used due to the sun, sand and sea, but I find it not very good as public swimming is restricted to early morning, lunch time and evenings with the lanes being full of people who think it’s their right to plough up and down and to hell with everyone else. I spend more time avoiding others which spoils my swim. There is a jacuzzi and a steam room which are great and the shower and hair drying facilities ate excellent.
After that little rant it sounds as if I am not happy but I am, very. It’s just the above article is a bit misleading although a stay, out of season, can be fun with the surrounding areas interesting.