Argeles-sur-Mer (pronounced `Ar-jel-ess') is located on the southern Mediterranean coast of France, 15 minutes drive from Perpignan and about half an hour from the Spanish border.

As a holiday base it offers access to varied coastal scenery, including glorious sandy beaches as...

Argeles-sur-Mer (pronounced `Ar-jel-ess') is located on the southern Mediterranean coast of France, 15 minutes drive from Perpignan and about half an hour from the Spanish border.

As a holiday base it offers access to varied coastal scenery, including glorious sandy beaches as well as the dramatic mountain terrain of the Alberes hills with the Pyrenees only an hour away.

During the summer, the town's 10,000 resident population increases tenfold, mainly due to the large number of surrounding campsites. Despite this influx, the area manages to retain its charm as one of France's unspoilt rural areas.

There are two main parts to the town of Argeles. The old town, a kilometre inland, has narrow, cobbled streets and a lively street market selling local produce twice a week. Next to the beach, there is a more recent development geared to the toursit trade, with a wide selection of restaurants, shops, hotels and self-catering apartments. Nearby Argeles-Port offers a safe harbour for yachts.

The wine-lover will find much to enjoy in the surrounding Roussillon area, which produces a vast quantity of wine, with a trend of improving quality in recent years.

For the holidaymaker prepared to travel form Argeles as a base, there are many fascinating visits that are close enough for a day trip. These include the mediaeval walled city of Carcassonne, the Salvador Dali museum in Figueres, northern Spain, the massive peak of Canigou (2784m), and many other attractions. A longer journey, but still possible as a day trip, will take the determined traveller to the principality of Andorra, a skiing centre in winter and a popular destination for duty-free shopping.

Daily flights are available from Stansted and other UK airports direct to Perpignan. There are also services from various UK locations to Carcassonne, Montpellier and Gerona in Spain - and the major international airport at Barcelona is just two hours drive from Argeles.

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