Vermeille Internationale: Art, Apéros and Good Causes on the Côte Vermeille
Living in the P-O is wonderful, but arriving somewhere new and actually getting to know people can be another matter entirely. Thankfully, there are a few organisations around whose entire purpose is to make that bit easier.
Vermeille Internationale was created in 2013 to bring together international and French residents on the Côte Vermeille, help international residents take an active part in local life and, while they’re at it, raise money for good causes.
Today, the non-profit association has around 200 members from 20 different countries, with a busy calendar of social and cultural activities throughout the year. And the socialising has a serious side too: in 2026, Vermeille Internationale passed the impressive milestone of €50,000 donated to local and international causes since the association began.
This autumn alone, the association has agreed donations of €500 each to Charcot, in memory of their friend and member Brigitte, who died this year, and to Médecins Sans Frontières. They are also once again working with other Port-Vendres associations to provide school equipment to children in Senegal.
It’s quite an operation. Donations are collected for two schools and transported from Port-Vendres by Compagnie Fruitière, which has previously carried the packages aboard one of its fruit ships. Vermeille Internationale also has a long-standing commitment to buying books for children at the crèche in Port-Vendres.
Mer, Terre, Soleil
The association’s big event this October is the Mer, Terre, Soleil art and crafts exhibition, taking place at the Pavillon des Arts in Port-Vendres from Tuesday 6th to Sunday 11th October.
More than 25 exhibitors will be showing their work, promising plenty of colour and a varied selection of art and crafts. The exhibition is open continuously from 11am to 7pm each day.
There are a couple of particularly good times to pop along:
Tuesday 6th October, 6.30pm – Vernissage
The official opening of the exhibition and a chance to meet some of the exhibitors while having a first look at the work on display.
Friday 9th October, 12pm – 2pm – Courtyard picnic
A relaxed picnic at the Pavillon des Arts, with drinks provided and visitors bringing their own food. This one is weather permitting. Given the association managed to have both of its September events rained on after weeks of glorious sunshine, nobody is making any promises!
The exhibition itself continues until Sunday 11th October, open daily from 11am to 7pm.
What else is happening in October?
It’s not all paintbrushes and exhibitions. Vermeille Internationale has several other dates in the diary this month.
Sunday 11th October – Fête des Vendanges, Banyuls-sur-Mer
A group from the association will be heading to Banyuls for the Fête des Vendanges. The meeting point is outside the Tourist Office at 12.35pm, ten minutes after the train arrives. Those attending are asked to bring something to sit on and a picnic to share.
Wednesday 21st October, 2.30pm – 4.30pm – Tea & Chat
A usually French-speaking get-together with games, conversation and Scrabble. Places are limited, so anyone interested should contact Vermeille Internationale in advance.
Wednesday 28th October, 6pm – 8pm – Last Wednesday Apéro
The association’s regular end-of-the-month apéro returns, although October’s venue is still to be announced.
Fancy joining them?
Vermeille Internationale welcomes new members, whether you’ve been here for years or are still trying to work out which day you’re supposed to put the bins out.
Annual membership is just €5, with activities offering plenty of opportunities to meet people while supporting charitable projects at the same time.
Find out more about Vermeille Internationale and its activities at vermeille-internationale.com.