Argeles-sur-Mer
By Anna Lynn Sibal
Argeles-sur-Mer literally means “clay-filled place by the sea.” It is not clear why Argeles-sur-Mer was named as such, but the name probably refers to the brownish strip of sand found along this part of the Mediterranean coastline on which Argeles-sur-Mer is located.
Argeles-sur-Mer is a town in the south of France that sits at the foot of the Alberes mountain range. Because it is located only a few kilometers away from Spain, the place is often called the gateway to Spain and to Catalonia country. Argeles-sur-Mer is the first seaside resort to be established in the Pyrenees-Orientales region of France.
This town of Argeles-sur-Mer is an ideal place to spend an overseas beach holiday simply relaxing by the sea. The 75-kilometer stretch of sand is quiet and cozy and often not as crowded as the other seaside resorts along the French coastline by the Mediterranean Sea. You can spend the entire day just lazing about on the sand if that is what you wish. But if you are feeling a little more active, you can engage in diving, snorkeling and various water sports. The Marin and the Tramontane winds that blow by the Argeles-sur-Mer make this place more challenging surfing and windsurfing than the other seaside resort towns south of France.
One of the wonderful things about the beaches of Argeles-sur-Mer is that everyone can enjoy it, even those who are disabled and visually impaired. The beaches of Argeles-sur-Mer were recently given the title of Handiplage because of the town’s efforts to make its beaches a lot friendlier for the disabled. The town administration put up facilities that will aid the mobility of its disabled visitors, and the staff at its tourist office are especially trained to give assistance to these visitors when needed.
But if you do not want to spend all your holiday at Argeles-sur-Mer just getting baked on the sand, you can go and explore the natural beauties inland. The Park of Valmy is one such place. It is a haven of greenery and of Mediterranean flora a little away from the beach. It is a romantic place, with its waterfalls and fountains, and it is said to offer the most beautiful views of Argeles-sur-Mer, the Mediterranean Sea beyond, and the Alberes mountains.
A mood for hiking on nature trails will be quickly satisfied with a day at the Nature Reserve of Mas Larrieu, said to be the last wild natural site in the plains of Roussillon. This place is great for bird watching.
Another place that is perfect for walking under the grace of Nature is La Massane Nature Reserve, otherwise known as the Couloumates Forest. It is situated at the eastern part of the Alberes mountain range. Most of this forest is made up of beech trees.
And of course, a visit to Argeles-sur-Mer will not be complete without a walk around the town itself. The town is old; proof of its age is given by the remnants of medieval castles and forts such as the Castle of Ultrera and the Castle of Taxo d’Avall. There are also some museums, galleries and restaurants that showcase the Catalan culture of Argeles-sur-Mer.
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