(E12 Coastal Trail) Argelès - Cerbère
Frédéric Hédelin
ARGELES SUR MER

(E12 Coastal Trail) Argelès - Cerbère

Fauna
Flora
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The coastal trail: discovering the heritage.
With its 32 km between Argelès-sur-Mer and Cerbère, the coastal trail is made up of several stages. Accessible to all, it offers magnificent panoramas along the entire coast.

16 steps

17 points of interest

  • Mémorial du camp d’Argelès
    History

    North Plaque of the Argelès-sur-Mer Memorial Trail

    This plaque symbolizes the northern boundary of the Argelès-sur-Mer camp.
  • Mémorial du camp d’Argelès
    History

    The Camp Monolith

    The monolith at the camp marks the southern entrance to the Argelès-sur-Mer camp, which was opened in early February 1939 to intern some of the refugees who had fled Spain during "La Retirada." Over 100,000 refugees, including women and children, passed through the camp until summer 1939, all sleeping directly on the sand in makeshift shelters. The camp was reorganized and reopened following the declaration of war in September 1939. After France's defeat in June 1940, the camp became more international, with refugees from Northern and Eastern Europe, including foreign Jews, and the return of Spanish workers. The Vichy government used it as one of the main camps in southern France, interning French nomads there in the autumn of 1940.

    People from over fifty nationalities lived together behind the barbed wire at Argelès. These "undesirables" were confined on a beach where living conditions were extremely harsh, with high mortality rates, particularly among infants. In 1941, the Ministry of the Interior transferred most of the internees to the Rivesaltes camp and deported some Spaniards and international brigadiers to camps in Algeria. By June 1942, with only a hospital remaining, the Argelès-sur-Mer camp was converted into a French Youth Work Camp before closing permanently in November. Erected in 1999, this monolith pays tribute to all the refugees who passed through the camp.
     
  • Stephane Ferrer

    Argelès Photo Nature Exhibition

    Created in 2009 by the town of Argelès-sur-Mer, Argelès Photo Nature – Enfants de la Mer offers over six months of outdoor exhibition featuring around a hundred giant photographs along the seafront promenade in Argelès-sur-Mer, which attracts over a million visitors each year.

    In 2020, the exhibition focuses on bears, with photographic perspectives accompanied by watercolor paintings and monumental sculptures. Issues related to climate change are also explored through stunning exhibits on the Arctic and coral reefs.
  • Stephane Ferrer

    Port Footbridge

    A true link between the Port and the Beach, the Massane Footbridge is crossed by more than 200,000 visitors each summer.
  • CCACVI
    History

    Un petit recoin catalan : « Le Racou »

    The term "Racou" means "nook" in Catalan. Located between rocky coast and sandy beach, it is one of the typical places of the Argelesian coastline. The first installations of "demountable" wooden cabins go back to the 1920s but will be destroyed during the German occupation. In the 1960s, the Racou already has three lines of houses. This place is almost a village in its own right. Through its tiny alleyways floats a retro atmosphere where there is good walking.
  • Aurélie Rubio
    Panorama

    Criques de Porteils

    The largest cove in Argelès, stretching 180 meters, Porteils Cove isn't the easiest to find. Many smaller coves are scattered throughout the area, with access varying depending on the season. Generally, you’ll find peace there, lulled by the waves of turquoise waters.
  • Plage de l'ouille
    Plage de l'ouille - Aurélie Rubio
    Panorama

    Ouille Beach

    The beach of Ouille, between Collioure and Racou, is a real paradise. This confidential beach is mostly frequented by locals or customers of neighboring campsites. With its small pebbles, it extends about 100 meters below the cliffs of the Côte Vermeille. This beach, very quiet even in high season, however, is not monitored and parking to access is quite far. In short, a great place to be away from the crowd.
  • Château Royal
    Château Royal - CCACVI
    Cultural heritage

    Royal Castle of Collioure

    Built in the 13th century to house the court of the Kings of Majorca, the Royal Castle of Collioure has been listed as a historical monument since 1922. Reinforced many times, the castle eventually pushed the city back to the foot of the cape turned into a citadel in the 17th century. It is inseparable from Collioure as the city can not be separated from the sea. To return to the heart of the world of the Royal Castle of Collioure, do not forget the guided tours!
  • Baie de Collioure
    Baie de Collioure - CCACVI
    Panorama

    View of Collioure Bay

    Collioure, with its rich history, offers various tourist sites, each with a unique but equally extraordinary perspective. The bay of Collioure is one of those stunning spots where the sea meets the mountains, providing a perfect place to relax for a moment. Whether you're down in the Catalan town or at a higher viewpoint, make the most of this one-of-a-kind location.
  • Le Sémaphore sur fond de Fort Béar
    Le Sémaphore sur fond de Fort Béar - CCACVI
    Cultural heritage

    Fort Béar

    Built between 1877 and 1880, Fort Béar was built in order to lock the borders and replace the fortifications of Vauban with buried polygonal forts. This fort was used until the middle of the 20th century, when a radio station was installed after the German occupation (1949). He is now owned by the Army.
  • Le Sphinx
    Le Sphinx - CCACVI
    Geology

    Sphinx

    When Egypt invites itself on the Côte Vermeille. Observe the coastline and you will discover an authentic sphinx ... with a little imagination. This cape located near the Plage des Elmes is a beautiful place. You have to take the Chemin des Douaniers, by the Plage des Elmes to get there.
  • CCACVI
    History

    Arago Laboratory

    In the early 1880s, the zoologist Henri De Lacaze Duthiers prospected the Mediterranean Coast to establish a marine station. In 1882, the Arago Laboratory opened its doors at its current location, and the public aquarium was inaugurated in 1884. The laboratory welcomed scientists who wanted to advance marine science. The research structures were regularly expanded to welcome new researchers who contributed to the renown of the laboratory.
  • vue aerienne de Banyuls-sur-mer
    vue aerienne de Banyuls-sur-mer - Frédéric Hédelin
    Geology

    Le Dôme

    Located on the north face of the Cape of Abeille, the "Dome" owes its name to its configuration. This site has a large rocky outcrop approximately 70 meters long and 15 meters wide and has some major faults. The depth varies between 10 meters to the south and 19 meters to the north. The interest of the site is around and on the Dome (between 12 meters and 5 meters).
  • François-Xavier Hallé

    Vines

    Vineyards located along the coastline, where the land meets the sea. These vineyards often benefit from the unique climatic conditions, with the influence of the sea moderating temperatures and providing a distinct environment for grape growing. Coastal vineyards can be found in regions like Banyuls-sur-Mer, where the steep slopes near the Mediterranean help produce some of the finest wines. The view of the sea combined with the rows of grapevines offers a picturesque and often dramatic landscape, creating a perfect synergy between nature and viticulture.
  • www.tables-orientation-pyrenees.fr
    compass

    Viewpoint orientator of Cap Rederis

    Enjoy this panoramic point of view to observe the landscape.
  • CAP Port-Vendres
    shipwreck

    The José Illueca

    Cargo of 1922 built in Gdansk, it is bought in 1942 by José Illueca armament of Las Palmas. Sunk in 1944 in front of Port-Vendres by British fighters, it now lies 79 meters deep between Caps Peyrefitte and Canadell. Because of its depth, this wreck is only accessible to Trimix Hypoxic divers (diving beyond 70 meters).
  • Elisabeth Coste
    Small patrimony

    Solar Lighthouse of Cap Cerbère

    The last lighthouse before the French-Spanish border, this structure, built in 1982, replaced the old Cerbère lighthouse, which was decommissioned in 1980. Also known as the “Solar Lighthouse” due to its power source—photovoltaic cells—it has a range of 15 nautical miles. To preserve the landscape, all external electrical wiring was excluded from the site. Don’t miss this lighthouse, recognizable by its grey stones and tall red top.

Description

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The coastal trail offers a beautiful hike along the Côte Vermeille, between Argelès-sur-Mer and Cerbère. Stretching for 32 kilometers, it will take you through beaches, coves, villages, and stunning landscapes.

The different stages of the coastal trail allow everyone to enjoy the coast with varying levels of difficulty (easy, medium, and hard), different durations (from 20 minutes to 2h35), and multiple lengths (between 1 and 7 km).

Traversing the communes of Argelès-sur-Mer, Collioure, Port-Vendres, Banyuls-sur-Mer, and Cerbère in chronological order, the trail offers a variety of landscapes.

The sandy coastline is mostly found at the beginning of the trail, in Argelès-sur-Mer. From the tourist office to Racou, you will encounter several touristy beaches. After Racou, the landscape changes. The sandy coastline becomes rocky, and the beaches transform into coves, often more secluded and less frequented.

Passing by the Château de Collioure, the Port of Port-Vendres, and the Cap Béar lighthouse, the trail lets you explore the historical heritage of the area.

Between Port-Vendres and Banyuls-sur-Mer, the Anse de Paulilles, one of the most beautiful beaches in the region, invites you to swim in its crystal-clear waters. The trail continues in Banyuls-sur-Mer, an artistic hub where many artists have drawn inspiration.

The many capes (Cap l’Abeille, Cap Rédéris, Cap Peyrefite, and Cap Canadell) lead you through the Cerbère-Banyuls Marine Nature Reserve. Finally, just a stone's throw from the Spanish border, Cerbère and its solar lighthouse mark the end of the trail.

The coastal trail promises a hike with sea views, discovering the historical, natural, and artistic heritage of our region.
  • Departure : Behind the Luna Park in Argelès-sur-Mer
  • Arrival : End of the Customs Officers' Path in Cerbère
  • Towns crossed : ARGELES SUR MER, COLLIOURE, PORT-VENDRES, BANYULS SUR MER, and CERBERE

Altimetric profile

Transport

Too tired to go back?

Find all the €1 bus routes

You can also return by train: https://www.oui.sncf/

Access and parking

D81

Parking :

Luna Park Parking