Pyrenees Guide

As the only natural port along the cote Vermeille between the Mediterranean, the Pyrenees and Spain, Port-Vendres was known already to the Greek mariners of antiquity. The port flourished after the french conquest during the 17 th century. It was this maritime prosperity which led to the construction, in the 18 th century, of a splendid urban complex around the port, symbolised today by the place de l'Obelisque. Today Port-Vendres is both a deep-water commercial port and a fishing and yachting harbour open all year round. With its creek beaches it offers every seaside leisure facility. Set on the magnificent rocky slopes overlooking Port-Vendres are the prestigious vineyards of Banyuls, wich also produce the Collioure appelation. Come and discover Port-Vendres and the Cote Vermeille, under the radiant Catalan skies...

With magnificent and celebre local vineyard which extends of Collioure to Cerberes, its numerous beaches, Port-Vendres will propose you magnificent landscapes. This back country influenced the biggest painters as Picasso or Dali. Moreover, while by falling in love with these landscapes, Matisse and Derain have made movement "fauviste". You will discover landscapes which give force and depth to Catalan Countries .

Due to the presence of rocky fund, the Mediterranean Sea assures a fishing of excellent quality. The sardine is a celebrity, but their fishing is varied and it is usual that these fishermen catch shellfishes and the other products of the fishing, Tuna... The arrival of trawlers is at 16 o'clock and the sale of fishes usually begins at about 16. 30. You will discover this local fishing at the fishmongers of Port-Vendres.

Every Saturday in the mornings, Port-Vendres invites you to discover his market. Situated on the Place of the "Obelisque", he proposes you a festival of colours and flavors. You will can discover fresh products, spices, fruits and delicious vegetables and Catalan specialities. Furthermore, all Thursday, during the summery season, the craft market invites you to discover savours and products which the producers and the artisans of the region will do discover for you.

To Port-Vendres, you will appreciate " pêche du jour " and discover the good taste of a fish cooked in Planxa. You will again be able to feast on a beautiful plate of seafood. Your stay to Port-Vendres will also be the occasion of gouter some delicatessen from the traditional Catalan kitchen ( the Catalan's tuna, Bullinada, Stew of lobster in Banyuls, Suquet).

Under the sun, Port-Vendres invites you to discover his beaches. Sheltered in a multitude of creeks, beaches of Port-Vendres is ideal to ally bathing and relaxation. Situated in 3 km in the South of Port-Vendres, "Paulilles" is a beautiful beach of fine sand where you will find all the infrastructures for a pleasant moment ( pedal boats, windsurf , buvette, restaurant). In Port-Vendres's entry, on Collioure's road, the beach of "Oli" and the beach " d'en baux " are two small beaches who shall propose you one of these peculiar decorations which make the charm of the Cote Vermeille.