Barcares

Le Barcarès is a seaside resort in the Pyrénées-Orientales, on the Mediterranean coast, known for its long seafront and lively marina. The Lydia, a former ocean liner beached on the sand and turned into a quirky venue, remains one of the village's landmarks; nearby, Bar le Lydia makes the most of this unusual setting for an evening drink. The wide sandy beaches are ideal for relaxing, but also for water sports such as jet-skiing, boat hire, sailing and paddleboarding, all easily arranged from the harbour. In the evenings, night markets bring the village to life, complemented in summer by festivals such as Les Déferlantes. A mini-golf course and various family-friendly attractions round out the leisure offer. Le Barcarès also makes a convenient base for exploring the wider area: the Sigean African reserve, the aquarium in Canet-en-Roussillon, or the coastal villages of Collioure, Argelès-sur-Mer and Cerbère, not to mention a short trip across the border into Spain. For a meal out, restaurant Lamparo is well regarded. Between beach, port and day trips, the destination combines seaside relaxation with exploration of the Catalan coastline.