Port Vendres

Port Vendres, a commune in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, is a typical Mediterranean fishing port, situated near the Spanish border on the Côte Vermeille in south west France.

Scottish born Charles Rennie Mackintosh stayed in Port-Vendres during 1925 and 1926, where, inspired by the light, he painted many watercolours of the town. His last wish was to have his ashes scattered in the bay of Port-Vendres. During the summer, the tourist office organises guided tours of the port, local heritage and a tour around Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Port-Vendres and the surrounding area offer a wide range of walks and trails to enjoy either by foot or mountain bike. Maps are available to buy at the tourist office.

At Cap Béar, the lighthouse, built in 1904, towers 80m above sea level and provides unrestricted views.

The Madeloc Tower, a former Visigothic signal tower transformed in 1285 under the kingdom of Majorca, also offers a unique panorama on the Roussillon plain. A vast number of forts are to be found on the hills, to reach these sites, follow the ridge road or Routes des crêtes.

Cosprons is a picturesque hamlet high above the bay of Paulilles. Its 12th century church contains a 17th century statue of Christ on the cross (classified as historical monument).

The landscape is also punctuated with different buildings and a brick chimney 35m high is a trace of the history of Paulilles (3km from Port Vendres). The site used to be a dynamite factory and has now been restored. Stroll around to discover the site house (reception hall and exhibitions), the director’s garden, the big hall, the vigie (panoramic view over the site) and the chimney.

The Marine Reserve of Cerbère-Banyuls was created in 1974 and was the first of its kind in France.
Its role is to protect the diversity of sea species as well as the environment where they exist. Today, the reserve is home to an underwater discovery trail that welcomes snorkelers and divers to explore.

Paulilles has three sand and pebble beaches with watersports, restaurant and snack bar.

The weekly Saturday morning market of Port Vendres is located on the obelisk square, and is where you can find fresh fruit and vegetables, spices and Catalan specialities.

Fresh fish and seafood, especially sardines, tuna and sea perch are the local specialities here along with Catalan favourites - 'boules de picoulats' (meat balls), 'suquets' (stew) and
'croquants' (cookies).

Port-Vendres is one of the few deep-water ports in this part of the French Mediterranean coast, enabling it to take cruise ships. The cruise wharf is located in the main harbour, which is around 1.5km away from the town centre.

A tourist train departs close to the pier area and offers a pleasant way to discover the city and Collioure.