Natural swimming, freshness and freedom
Staying at the La Tour de France nature campsite, the few kilometres that separate you from the fine sandy beaches of the Mediterranean Sea should not be too much of a problem. Indeed, the Catalan hinterland abounds in natural bathing spots, each one more beautiful than the next. The coolness of the water contrasts with the sometimes dull summer temperatures and the calm that reigns in these places is conducive to relaxation.
Adjacent to the campsite, the Agly river is the busiest in the summer season. The best sites for bathing are often those that can be discovered during a short hike. Gorge of Galamus, the gully or the Verdouble, the magic of the rock of and water should seduce you.
The Galamus Gorge(20 min from the campsite)
Vertiginous, sinuous, majestic, intriguing and even mysterious, there is no lack of adjectives to describe the site of the Gorges de Galamus. It is a must during your stay with us.
A listed and protected natural site, the Gorges de Galamus will surprise you with its particular relief. The waters of the Agly have carved out these limestone walls over 500 metres deep to reach the Mediterranean. As the water flows through the rock, it has created deep natural hollows but also translucent pools of water fed by small waterfalls, to the delight of canyoning enthusiasts.
The Gorges de Galamus can be discovered on foot, following the hiking trails, which will lead you to the hermitage of Saint-Antoine de Galamus. You can also let yourself be carried away by the waters of the gorges by practising canyoning (read our article on this subject). Finally, it is possible to cross the gorges by car, although we advise you not to do so in the middle of the summer season. Indeed, the small winding road that crosses the gorges is not wide enough to allow two cars to pass each other at the same time.
SOME HISTORY
It should be noted that the site of the gorges has long remained impassable. It was in 1890 that a small road was carved with a crowbar by acrobatic workers. Their aim, to link the villages of Cubières and Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet, to open a road between the Cathar Country and the Catalan Country.
INFO +
- 20 min from the campsite
- Accessible from the village of St-Paul de Fenouillet
- To be well shod
- Canyoning practice
- Unsupervised bathing
- Dogs accepted
- Hiking circuit distributed by the tourist office Fenouillèdes Sud Cathares
Gorge du Verdouble(30 min from the campsite)
Another place, another landscape, the Gorges du Verdouble, also known as the Moulin de Ribaute.
On the outskirts of the village of Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse, the Gorges du Verdouble offer a dazzling spectacle in a picturesque setting. The Verdouble river has carved its way through the limestone of the Cretaceous period. Transparent water flows through a succession of waterfalls, potholes and small natural lakes dug into the rock. Children particularly like the place. They can swim and jump from small pools in small water holes in a truly extraordinary setting.
This bucolic site is also a pleasant place for a walk. It is possible to reach the village of Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse and, for the more sporty, the Cathar castle of the same name by taking a path from the gorges.
Swimming is forbidden except in the season when it is only allowed in the lake area and during the days and hours when the lifeguard is on duty. (see municipal by-laws posted on the signs at the entrance to the site)
Gorge du Gouleyrous, Tautavel
Bucolic and shady, the site of the Gorges du Gouleyrous is undoubtedly the easiest to access. This explains why it is very popular during the summer period. But be aware that with young children, this place of bathing will be perfect. Located in the commune of Tautavel, you will discover the large beach of the Gorges du Gouleyrous. Feel free to stop your stroll here or to continue your walk a little further into the gorges in search of a quieter spot.
The Mediterranean Sea
One of the great advantages of the Catalan Country is that you can change scenery in a few minutes.
Here, the sea and the mountains combine perfectly.
In the middle of summer, it takes 25 minutes by car to reach the beaches of the Mediterranean. Canet-en-Roussillon, Saint-Cyprien, Argeles-sur-Mer or more family-oriented Torreille and Sainte-Marie, there is no shortage of beach destinations in the Pyrénées-Orientales (66) for a day of swimming, relaxation and sunbathing.
Then, it is with pleasure that you will return to the nature campsite La Tour de France in the evening, to find calm, serenity and freshness.
Spain is 60 km away from the nature campsite La Tour de France. A privileged situation that will allow you to discover the most beautiful places of the Spanish coast, starting with Cadaquès.
It is the city of Salvador Dali. A small fishing village which has become in a few years a tourist city not to be missed.
Cadaquès and its starry alleys, its houses with white-washed facades, its artists’ stalls, its small restaurants hidden in the heart of the village and its fishing boats on the beach. A Spanish city which, like its French neighbour Collioure, is well worth a few hours of your time.
To deserve Cadaquès, you will have to be patient. It is reached by a single road… sinuous moreover! Count 1h30 from the campsite
If the beaches of the Catalan coast are not necessarily your passion, you can always push your trip a little further on towards Spain and make a stopover on the Côte Vermeille. Collioure awaits you there.
50 km separates you from the jewel of the Rocky Coast. Whether you want to stroll through its colourful lanes or swim in its creeks, Collioure is a must when you take a holiday in the Pyrénées Orientales. The only drawback is that you have to flee from the hustle and bustle of the coast and the crowds. In summer it is very difficult to get around and park in Collioure. Such a setting is well deserved. You should therefore consider leaving very early to take full advantage of a beautiful day in Collioure.
Still on the Côte Vermeille, the Anse de Paulilles also deserves all your attention. It is certainly the easiest cove to reach. A beautiful pebble beach, a pontoon for the children, a small restaurant with a sea view and the day becomes magical.
For the more adventurous, the coastal path which leaves Argeles-sur-Mer to reach Spain will allow you to reach creeks which are much less frequented in the middle of summer. Wild creeks which can only be reached by boat or after a few minutes walk.
