Barcelona to Perpignan - Collioure. Source: Depositphotos.com
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Last Updated: 20 September 2023

There are memorable trips to be made in France. Some are in "la France profonde" (deep France), others in the country's farthest reaches. Under a radiant sun, let's head for French and Spanish Catalonia, on an epic road trip from Barcelona to Perpignan!

In this article, I take you to a region we have not explored much on the French Moments blog. This is the border between Spain and France, specifically the Roussillon and the Côte Vermeille. I am pleased to introduce you to this beautiful country and its breathtaking coastal landscapes.

Cap Béar. Source: Depositphotos.com

Cap Béar. Source: Depositphotos.com

Barcelona to Perpignan: A Road Trip

The most direct route from Barcelona to Perpignan (192 km/119 mi) is via the motorway over the Perthus Pass via Girona and Figueres. The journey takes just over 2 hours in regular traffic.

Barcelona. Source: Depositphotos.com

Barcelona. Source: Depositphotos.com

However, the motorway runs away from the coast and does not directly serve the seaside resorts. Above all, it is not the most scenic route to follow. That's why I suggest you leave it at Figueres to reach the port town of Roses.

Let's focus on a 'Roses to Elne' itinerary

To avoid overwhelming you with information (and publishing a long, very long article), I will limit the tourist details of this road trip from Barcelona to Perpignan to one particular stretch: the Costa Brava and the Vermeille coast, from Roses in Spain to Elne in France.

Barcelona to Perpignan - Collioure. Source: Depositphotos.com

Barcelona to Perpignan: Collioure. Source: Depositphotos.com

The itinerary described below will successively take the GI-614, GI-613, GI-612 and N-260 (Spain), D914 and D114 (France) roads.

The main towns and villages crossed by the route are :

Map Barcelona to Perpignan via Collioure

Click here to view the Barcelona to Perpignan road trip on Google Map.

Renting a car in Barcelona

To start this road trip, you will need a car. If you are leaving the airport or train station, I recommend the DiscoverCars website, which will allow you to compare car rental offers from Barcelona.

DiscoverCars.com

Where to stay in Barcelona

Click here to get a list of accommodations in Barcelona or simply browse the map below:

Booking.com

What to do and see in Barcelona

Below you will find many activities to help you explore the fascinating city of Barcelona:

Barcelona to Perpignan: The Stages

When you first discover the region from Barcelona to Perpignan, you may be confused by the names of the different geographical territories. Where does the Costa Brava begin? Where does the Côte Vermeille end? What is the Alt Empordà? What about Roussillon? Here are some explanations to help you better understand the region from Barcelona to Perpignan!

The Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is the name given to the Catalan coast on the Mediterranean Sea, located in the northeast of Catalonia, in the province of Girona. It starts in Blanes, at the mouth of the river Tordera, and stretches for 160 kilometres (255 kilometres along the jagged coastline) to the French border at Portbou.

Tossa de Mar. Source: Depositphotos.com

Tossa de Mar in the Costa Brava. Source: Depositphotos.com

The Costa Brava includes the regions of Alt Empordà and Baix Empordà, Gironès, Pla de l'Estany and La Selva.

From the French border, the Costa Brava gives way to the Vermeille coast, which is its geomorphological continuation (i.e. the formation of the relief).

The Alt Empordà

The Alt Empordà is a comarca (county) in the province of Girona in Catalonia that includes the Gulf of Roses, Cap de Creus and the coastline to the French border at Portbou.

Barcelona to Perpignan - Around El Port de la Selva. Source: Depositphotos.com

Barcelona to Perpignan - Around El Port de la Selva. Source: Depositphotos.com

The Côte Vermeille

The Vermeille coast is a beautiful area of the French Mediterranean coast between Argelès and the Spanish border. It is where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean. This coastal area has spectacular scenery: steep cliffs, hillside vineyards, secluded coves, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.

Peyrefite. Source: Depositphotos.com

Peyrefite. Source: Depositphotos.com

The Côte Vermeille is also known for its picturesque towns, such as Banyuls-sur-Mer, Port-Vendres and Collioure, with colourful houses, bustling fishing ports and charming narrow streets. Visitors can enjoy many activities in the area, such as swimming, scuba diving, hiking along the coastal paths, or tasting the local wines produced in the region's vineyards.

Côte Vermeille. Source: Depositphotos.com

Côte Vermeille. Source: Depositphotos.com

This part of the Roussillon coastline was named the "Côte Vermeille" in the 19th century when the first or last rays of sunlight colour the rock a rosy red hue.

The Albera Massif

The Albera Massif (in Catalan: Serra de l'Albera, in French: massif des Albères) is the mountain range that forms the easternmost part of the Pyrenean chain.

Albera massif. Source: Depositphotos.com

Albera massif. Source: Depositphotos.com

The Albera massif is bounded on the west by the Perthus pass and the river Rome, which separate it from the Salines massif, and on the east by the Mediterranean Sea between Argelès-sur-Mer in France and Port-Bou and Llançà in Spain.

The Albera dominate the lower valley of the Tech and the Roussillon Plain to the north and the Empordà Plain to the south. In the south, the massif of Cap de Creus is sometimes considered part of the Albera.

The massif reaches an altitude of 1,256 metres at Puig Neulós. Its summit ridge forms the border between France and Spain, specifically between the département of Pyrénées-Orientales in France and the province of Gerona in Catalonia (Spain).

The Roussillon

The region of Perpignan was once part of the Kingdom of Majorca and the Crown of Aragon (as part of the Principality of Catalonia).

Roussillon Provence © Ty's Commons - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

The province of Roussillon © Ty's Commons - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

The territory covered the three vigueries (counties) of Roussillon, Conflent and Cerdagne and was attached to the French crown in the Treaty of the Pyrenees signed on 7 November 1659. The former French province of Roussillon existed from 1659 until the creation of the département of Pyrénées-Orientales in 1790.

The Roussillon Plain

The fertile Roussillon Plain covers an area of about 350 km² and is famous for its thriving agriculture. It comprises various crops, including vineyards, olive groves, orchards and cereal fields. The Roussillon Plain is also known for its cultural and historical heritage, with charming towns such as Perpignan, the regional capital, and Elne, with its 12th-century cathedral. Visitors can enjoy the fine sandy beaches and popular seaside resorts, such as Canet-en-Roussillon and Saint-Cyprien.

The plain of Roussillon. Source: Depositphotos.com

The plain of Roussillon. Source: Depositphotos.com

Barcelona to Perpignan: The Region

Let's explore the Mediterranean coast in 12 stages.

Costa Brava, Girona, Figueres

On your way from Barcelona to Perpignan, you will undoubtedly want to stop in the two intermediate towns of Girona and Figueres.

Girona. Source: Depositphotos.com

Girona. Source: Depositphotos.com

Figueres. Source: Depositphotos.com

Figueres. Source: Depositphotos.com

The beaches and resorts of the Costa Brava are also a popular destination...

Tossa de Mar. Source: Depositphotos.com

Tossa de Mar in the Costa Brava. Source: Depositphotos.com

However, let's leave these great destinations aside and stick to our northbound route.

1. Roses

Barcelona - Roses 🚘 157 km / 97 mi

The small town of Roses is located in a unique natural setting, in the north of the Costa Brava, 21 km / 13 mi east of the city of Figueres.

The beach of Roses. Source: Depositphotos.com

The beach of Roses. Source: Depositphotos.com

Thanks to its location on the northern coast of the Gulf of Roses and south of Cape Creus, Roses has become a major tourist centre with hotels and a marina since the mid-20th century. Roses has the most important fishing port on the northern coast of Catalonia.

The long sandy beach to the south gives way to a steep terrain to the east with a large number of coves, including Canyelles Petites, L'Almadrava, Cabo Norfeu, Punta Falconera and Monjoi.

The cove of Monjoi. Source: Depositphotos.com

The cove of Monjoi. Source: Depositphotos.com

The origin of Roses dates back to 333 BC when families from the Greek city of Massalia (now Marseille) settled here.

The gulf of Roses. Source: Depositphotos.com

The gulf of Roses. Source: Depositphotos.com

Must-see in Roses
  • The neoclassical Santa Maria church (late 18th-19th century).
  • The Citadel of Roses, remains of the fortifications of the ancient city and of the 17th century.
  • The Castillo de la Trinidad (or La Poncella), a 16th century coastal fortification
  • The Belvedere of Santa Rose de Puig Rom, at 225 metres above sea level, with its magnificent views of the Gulf of Roses, the Ampurdán plain and the Medes Islands.
Find out more

🛌 Find your accommodation in Roses

ℹ️ Learn more about what to see and do in Roses > Tourist Office website

🤩 Click on the image below to get access to a wide range of activities:


2. Cadaqués

Roses - Cadaqués 🚘 17 km / 11 mi

Cadaqués is the easternmost town on the Iberian Peninsula. Its municipal territory occupies most of the eastern coast of the Cap de Creus massif.

Cadaquès. Source: Depositphotos.com

Cadaquès. Source: Depositphotos.com

In the past, the fishing village was isolated from the rest of the Empordà by the mountains of Puig de Paní and Puig de Bufadors. Cadaqués thus faced the sea and was practically separated by land from the rest of the country until the end of the 19th century. 

Cadaqués has attracted many artists, writers and painters: Salvador Dalí (his family had a summer residence there), Federico García Lorca, Eugenio D'Ors, Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, Richard Hamilton...

Cadaquès. Source: Depositphotos.com

Cadaquès. Source: Depositphotos.com

Must-see in Cadaqués
  • The church of Santa María, built in the 17th century at the highest point of the old town, is Gothic. Its magnificent altarpiece is in the Baroque style. The church hosts the International Music Festival of Cadaqués.
  • The old town occupies a rocky hill on top of which stands the characteristic white church of Santa María. Cadaqués consists of steep, narrow streets and alleys paved with flagstones, slates, and quiet squares.
  • The Salvador Dalí Museum House is one of the most visited places in Cadaqués, and is considered an essential visit to discover the painter's world. It is located in the bay of Portlligat, north of the town, surrounded by the magnificent landscape that captivated the artist. The museum consists of fishermen's huts the painter and his wife Gala acquired. It was opened to the public in 1997, and inside, it exhibits memorabilia of the painter, his studio, the library, his rooms, the garden and the pool.
Cap de Creus

Cadaqués - Cap de Creus 🚘 8 km / 5 mi

The Cap de Creus is the easternmost point of the Pyrenean massif and is part of the Albères massif. The cape separates the Gulf of Lion to the north and the Gulf of Rosas to the south and is included in the perimeter of a natural park created in 1998. The park covers an area of 1,386 hectares and is home to a wealth of vegetation, typical of Mediterranean moors and scrubland.

Cap de Creus. Source: Depositphotos.com

Cap de Creus. Source: Depositphotos.com

Creus is the plural of creu which means "cross" in Catalan. According to legend, Cap de Creus was carved by Hercules.

The lighthouse and restaurant can be reached in less than 20 minutes from Cadaqués via a tarmac road.

Find out more

🛌 Find your accommodation in Cadaqués

ℹ️ Learn more about what to see and do in Cadaqués > Tourist Office website


3. El Port de la Selva

Cadaqués - El Port de la Selva 🚘 13 km / 8 mi

This fishing village lies at the foot of the Sierra de Rodas, the foothills of the Pyrenees, with its peaks of San Salvador (671 m) and Puig de Queralbs (621 m).

El Port de la Selva © MrCarbohydrate - licence [CC BY-SA 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons

El Port de la Selva © MrCarbohydrate - licence [CC BY-SA 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Must-see in El Port de la Selva
  • The seaside of El Port de la Selva and its four beaches.
  • The old medieval village of La Selva de Mar (2.8 km / 1.8 miles).
  • The monastery of San Pedro de Roda. Built on the eastern side of the Verdera mountain, the Benedictine monastery overlooks the bay of Llançà and El Port de la Selva. It consists of a 12th-century cloister and a Romanesque abbey church. The monastery can be reached from El Port de la Selva by the mountain road GIP-6041 (7.5 km / 4.7 miles)
  • The ruins of the old medieval town of Santa Cruz de Roda, of which only the pre-Romanesque church dedicated to Santa Elena remains.
  • Verdera Castle is a medieval fortification from the 12th and 13th centuries located at the top of the Verdera mountain, at an altitude of 670 metres. The spectacular view extends over the Gulf of Roses, Cap de Creus, the Eastern Pyrenees (including Canigou) and part of the Roussillon Plain in France.
El port de la Selva © Jorge Franganillo - licence [CC BY 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons

El port de la Selva © Jorge Franganillo - licence [CC BY 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Sant Pere de Rodes © Gabriele Delhey - licence [CC BY-SA 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Sant Pere de Rodes © Gabriele Delhey - licence [CC BY-SA 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Santa Helena © Alan Mattingly - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Santa Helena © Alan Mattingly - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Castell de Verdera © SBA73 - licence [CC BY-SA 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Castell de Verdera © SBA73 - licence [CC BY-SA 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Find out more

🛌 Find your accommodation in El Port de la Selva

ℹ️ Learn more about what to see and do in El Port de la Selva > Tourist Office website


4. Llançà

El Port de la Selva - Llançà 🚘 9 km / 6 mi

This small coastal town of 4755 inhabitants is recognisable by its church and tower, the two emblematic monuments of Llançà.

The town is organised around two districts:

  • The old town is located away from the sea (which allowed the inhabitants to remain hidden from the coast during the Norman incursions in the Middle Ages).
  • The port of Llançà with its fishermen's houses and its marina.
Llançà. Source: Depositphotos.com

Llançà. Source: Depositphotos.com

Find out more

🛌 Find your accommodation in Llançà

ℹ️ Learn more about what to see and do in Llançà > Tourist Office website


5. Colera

Llança - Colera 🚘 8 km / 5 mi

Colera is a small seaside resort ideally located between Llançà and the border town of Portbou.

Colera © Jcb-caz-11 - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Colera © Jcb-caz-11 - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

If you stay several days in the region of Llançà, the hinterland of Colera offers excellent ideas for walks, such as:

  • the ghost village of Molinàs
  • the ruins of Molinàs castle
  • the 11th-century hermitage of San Miquel de Colera,
  • and the magnificent view from the summit of Puig d'Esquers (586 m) with its dolmen.
Sant Miquel de Colera © Gas Mountain Team - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Sant Miquel de Colera © Gas Mountain Team - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Find out more

🛌 Find your accommodation in Colera

ℹ️ Learn more about what to see and do in Colera > Tourist Office website


6. Portbou

Colera - Portbou 🚘 5 km / 3 mi

Portbou is the most northerly town on the Costa Brava and the most northern Spanish village on the Mediterranean Sea. The landscape of Portbou is quite rugged, and due to its location, facing the Gulf of Lion, it suffers from strong tramontana winds.

Portbou has been a border area between Spain and France since the Treaty of the Pyrenees was signed on 7 November 1659.

Barcelona to Perpignan. Source: Depositphotos.com

The French-Spanish border on the road from Barcelona to Perpignan. Source: Depositphotos.com

An international railway station

The railway line from Barcelona to Perpignan that passes through the village was inaugurated in 1872. The railway disappears into tunnels on either side: to the north, towards Cerbère (France) and to the south, towards Colera. An international station was built in 1929 with a large iron and glass canopy.

The enigmatic church of Santa Maria was built in 1878 by the railway company. The neo-Gothic sanctuary impresses with its size.

Portbou. Source: Depositphotos.com

Portbou. Source: Depositphotos.com

The sea-side

Along the beach promenade, shops, cafés, restaurants and beach bars attract many tourists, especially from France.

The coastline of Portbou comprises of a series of beaches suitable for scuba diving:

  • Platja del Pi
  • Les tres platjetes
  • Platja Gran (the main beach)
  • Platja del Claper
Portbou. Source: Depositphotos.com

Beach near Portbou. Source: Depositphotos.com

Find out more

🛌 Find your accommodation in Portbou


7. Cerbère

Portbou - Cerbère 🚘 7 km / 4 mi

Between Portbou and Cerbère, the road crosses the French-Spanish border at 165 metres at the Col des Balitres (or Coll dels Belitres). Nearly 100,000 people crossed this pass to seek refuge in France and Latin American countries. A memorial recalls the exodus of Spanish republicans after the victory of Franco's troops in 1939.

Below, Cap Cerbère is the first French cape after the Spanish border. It marks the beginning of the Vermeille coast.

Cap Cerbère - Puig de Cervera © Bertrand GRONDIN - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Cap Cerbère - Puig de Cervera © Bertrand GRONDIN - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

The cape protects Cerbère, the southernmost seaside resort of mainland France.

Cerbère. Source: Depositphotos.com

Cerbère. Source: Depositphotos.com

When Cerbère became French

The first mention of Cerbère dates back to 981 in a deed of King Lothaire, as Vall de Cervera or the valley of Cerbère. Cerbère is part of the former province of the kingdom of France, Roussillon, which existed from 1659 until the creation of the département of Pyrénées-Orientales in 1790.

Cerbère. Source: Depositphotos.com

Cerbère. Source: Depositphotos.com

If you are staying in the Cerbère area for several days, be sure to climb to the ruins of the castle of Querroig at an altitude of 670m. This medieval fortification stands on the border between Spain and France and offers spectacular views over the Pyrenees and the coastline.

Find out more

🛌 Find your accommodation in Cerbère

ℹ️ Learn more about what to see and do in Cerbère > Tourist Office website


8. Banyuls-sur-Mer

Cerbère - Banyuls-sur-Mer 🚘 11 km / 7 mi

The second most southern seaside resort in mainland France, Banyuls-sur-Mer is popular in all seasons. It groups around its bay the old town, the port, a beach and a jetty resting on a rocky islet: the Grosse Island, where the 1914-1918 war memorial is located.

Banyuls-sur-Mer. Source: Depositphotos.com

Banyuls-sur-Mer. Source: Depositphotos.com

Outside the old town is the 12th-century Romanesque church of La Rectorie.

The town gives its name to the Banyuls wine region, which has had an AOC (appellation d'origine contrôlée) since 1936. Banyuls wine comes from old vines cultivated in terraces on the slopes of the Eastern Pyrenees.

Banyuls-sur-Mer. Source: Depositphotos.com

Banyuls-sur-Mer. Source: Depositphotos.com

Find out more

🛌 Find your accommodation in Banyuls-sur-Mer

ℹ️ Learn more about what to see and do in Banyuls-sur-Mer > Tourist Office website


9. Port-Vendres

Banyuls-sur-Mer - Port Vendres 🚘 7 km / 4 mi

Port-Vendres is a busy fishing port on the Côte Vermeille, built around a cove where galleys found shelter.

Port Vendres. Source: Depositphotos.com

Port Vendres. Source: Depositphotos.com

Tradition has it that the Phoenicians founded Port Vendres in the second century BC and was the first trading port in Roussillon and used to link the western and eastern worlds.

It is often said that Port-Vendres derives from the Port of Venus.

Port Vendres. Source: Depositphotos.com

Port Vendres. Source: Depositphotos.com

Vauban at Port-Vendres

Port-Vendres developed mainly from 1679 onwards under the impetus of Vauban, who turned it into a military port and a fortified place. In the 1690s, Vauban built three fortifications for the defence of Port-Vendres:

  • The starboard lighthouse of the Fanal Redoubt marked the entrance to the port and was built by Vauban between 1673 and 1700.
  • The Béar Redoubt is a Vauban-type fortification built in 1694.
  • The Presqu'Île Redoubt of which the Clock Tower (Tour de l'Horloge) is the only vestige.
Cap Béar. Source: Depositphotos.com

Cap Béar. Source: Depositphotos.com

The Obelisk of Port-Vendres

As its name suggests, the Place de l'Obélisque houses the Port-Vendres obelisk.

Port Vendres Place de l'Obélisque © Fabricio Cardenas - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Place de l'Obélisque © Fabricio Cardenas - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

One of the bas-reliefs on the Port-Vendres obelisk refers to the American independence gained in 1781 at Yorktown thanks to the troops who left from Port-Vendres.

Surrender of Lord Cornwallis in Yorktown

Surrender of Lord Cornwallis in Yorktown

It reminds us that Port-Vendres was the port of embarkation for French regiments sent by Louis XVI to help the American insurgents against the British during the siege of Yorktown. This explains why Port-Vendres has been twinned with Yorktown (Virginia) since 1990. 

Finally, the obelisk is the only French monument dedicated to Louis XVI that survived the Revolution without too much damage.

Port Vendres. Source: Depositphotos.com

Port Vendres. Source: Depositphotos.com

Paulilles Cove

To the south of Port-Vendres, the cove of Paulilles (anse de Paulilles) was for a long time the site of a dynamite factory, which was closed in 1991. The site has since been redeveloped for the public and offers a superb beach.

Anse de Paulilles. Source: Depositphotos.com

Anse de Paulilles. Source: Depositphotos.com

Find out more

🛌 Find your accommodation in Port-Vendres

ℹ️ Learn more about what to see and do in Port-Vendres > Tourist Office website


10. Collioure

Port Vendres - Collioure 🚘 3 km / 2 mi

Thanks to its historical heritage, Collioure is undoubtedly the most touristic place of the Côte Vermeille.

Collioure. Source: Depositphotos.com

Collioure. Source: Depositphotos.com

The site is very picturesque with its two small ports separated by the old royal castle, its ancient streets with flowered balconies, its seaside promenade, not to mention its shops, cafés and restaurants.

Collioure. Source: Depositphotos.com

Collioure. Source: Depositphotos.com

A bit of history

In the time of the kings of Aragon, trade was intense in Collioure: fine cloth from Perpignan, oil, wine, almonds, hazelnuts, cattle, skins and iron were exported. Spices, madder, woad, gold, silver and enslaved people were imported in return.

From the 19th century onwards, many artists and photographers came to Collioure for inspiration: Henri Matisse, André Derain, Paul Signac, Henri Martin, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí...

Collioure. Source: Depositphotos.com

Collioure. Source: Depositphotos.com

The old town

The church of Notre Dame des Anges dates back to the 17th century. Its atypical bell tower was built in an old Majorcan watchtower. The sea practically surrounds the church on three sides.

Collioure. Source: Depositphotos.com

Notre-Dame des Anges, Collioure. Source: Depositphotos.com

The old quarter of Mouré is located near the church. Take a stroll through its steep, flowery streets.

Collioure. Source: Depositphotos.com

Collioure. Source: Depositphotos.com

The Saint-Vincent chapel was built in 1701 on a rocky islet which was later connected to the mainland by a dike. It houses a magnificent baroque high altar.

Chapelle Saint Vincent © BlueBreezeWiki - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Chapelle Saint Vincent © BlueBreezeWiki - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons

The royal castle of Collioure (château royal) served as a summer residence for the kings of Majorca before being remodelled by the Habsburgs and the Bourbons.

Collioure. Source: Depositphotos.com

Castle of Collioure. Source: Depositphotos.com

The windmill

The Cortina windmill stands on a hill overlooking Collioure. This windmill was built in 1337 to grind grain. It was later abandoned and fell into disrepair before being restored and converted to olive oil production.

Collioure. Source: Depositphotos.com

Windmill of Collioure. Source: Depositphotos.com

Fort Saint-Elme

Fort Saint-Elme was built in the 16th century under Charles V from a watchtower constructed by the Moors in the 8th century.

Fort Saint-Elme, Collioure. Source: Depositphotos.com

Fort Saint-Elme, Collioure. Source: Depositphotos.com

Fort Saint-Elme, Collioure. Source: Depositphotos.com

Fort Saint-Elme, Collioure. Source: Depositphotos.com

Tour Madeloc

For a breathtaking view of the Côte Vermeille, you must ascent to the Madeloc tower, perched at 650 metres in the Albères massif. The 13th-century watchtower is accessible on foot, by bike or by car (car park below the site).

Tour Madeloc. Source: Depositphotos.com

Tour Madeloc. Source: Depositphotos.com

Find out more

🛌 Find your accommodation in Collioure

ℹ️ Learn more about what to see and do in Collioure > Tourist Office website


11. Argelès-sur-Mer

Collioure - Argelès 🚘 9 km / 6 mi

Argelès-sur-Mer marks the boundary between the rugged terrain of the Côte Vermeille and Roussillon's flat, sandy coast.

Barcelona to Perpignan - Port Argelès © Alan Mattingly - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Port Argelès © Alan Mattingly - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

The beach of Argelès

Argelès-Plage is famous for its seven kilometres of fine sandy beaches. A 2 km long green promenade runs alongside the sea with maritime pines, palm trees and Mediterranean plants.

Argelès-Plage. Source: Depositphotos.com

Argelès-Plage. Source: Depositphotos.com

The marina of Argelès. Source: Depositphotos.com

The marina of Argelès. Source: Depositphotos.com

The old sanctuaries of Argelès

The church of Notre Dame del Prat is the parish church of Argelès, and its construction dates back to the 14th century.

Barcelona to Perpignan - Argelès © Palauenc05 - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Argelès: Notre-Dame del Prat © Palauenc05 - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

On the slopes of the Albères massif stands the pre-Romanesque chapel of Saint Jerome, built in the 10th century. From the chapel, there is a beautiful view over the Roussillon plain (4 km / 2.5 mi)

Argelès Chapelle Saint Jérome © F123 - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Chapelle Saint Jérome © F123 - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Nearby is another pre-Romanesque church also dating from the 10th century: the church of Saint-Ferréol de la Pava (6.3 km / 3.9 mi)

Château de Valmy

On the heights of Argelès stands the fabulous Valmy castle. The Art Nouveau-style monument is typical of the Belle Époque. It is the work of the Danish architect Viggo Dorph-Petersen who built it between 1888 and 1900 for the wealthy industrialist Pierre Bardou from Perpignan. Today, the castle has guest rooms and a restaurant opening onto a unique panorama from the Albères to the Mediterranean.

Barcelona to Perpignan - Argelès © Binnette - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Argelès - Château de Valmy © Binnette - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Tour de la Massane

The Massane Tower is 793 metres high and was first mentioned in writing in 1293. It was originally a watchtower, like the Madeloc tower, set up by the kings of Majorca. From the tower base, there is a spectacular view over the Eastern Pyrenees and the Roussillon Plain.

Argelès Tour de la Massanne © Jean Paul Alandry - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Tour de la Massanne © Jean Paul Alandry - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

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🛌 Find your accommodation in Argelès

ℹ️ Learn more about what to see and do in Argelès > Tourist Office website


12. Elne

Argelès - Elne 🚘 9 km / 5 mi

Built on a small hill 65 metres high, the ancient episcopal city of Elne is surrounded by rural landscapes, vineyards, market gardens and peach and apricot orchards.

Elne Source: Depositphotos.com

Elne and Mount Canigou. Source: Depositphotos.com

Elne owes its present name to the memory of the empress Helena, mother of Constantine I. Until 1602, Elne was the spiritual capital of Roussillon as it had the privilege of housing the episcopal see.

Elne Cathedral © Florent Pécassou - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Elne Cathedral © Florent Pécassou - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Must-see in Elne
  • The old town is divided into two parts: the upper and lower towns, each with its own fortified walls. It is interesting to stroll along the cobbled streets of these old districts, with their intertwined housing. 
  • The cathedral of Sainte-Eulalie-et-Sainte-Julie. The cathedral's austere western façade gives the building a fortress-like appearance. Its construction dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries, and the church is a significant monument of Catalan Romanesque art.
  • The cathedral's cloister (12th to 14th centuries) is known for its Romanesque and numerous Gothic sculptures, including magnificent historiated capitals.
  • The remains of the medieval fortifications and the city gates (Balagué gate, Collioure gate, Perpignan gate).
Elne. Source: Depositphotos.com

The cathedral cloister of Elne. Source: Depositphotos.com

Elne Fortifications © Palauenc05 - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons

The medieval fortifications of Elne © Palauenc05 - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Elne and Mount Canigou © Jcb-caz-11 - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Elne and Mount Canigou © Jcb-caz-11 - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

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🛌 Find your accommodation in Elne

ℹ️ Learn more about what to see and do in Elne > Tourist Office website


Perpignan

Elne - Perpignan 🚘 14 km / 9 mi

Perpignan, the final stop on our journey from Barcelona, is a vibrant and colourful city that offers visitors a unique experience. Its historic city centre has cobbled streets, ancient buildings and charming squares.

Perpignan. Source: Depositphotos.com

Perpignan and Mount Canigou. Source: Depositphotos.com

The capital of Roussillon is also famous for its Catalan heritage, which is visible in its local cuisine, architecture and culture.

The city's bustling markets offer a variety of fresh produce, local specialities and regional wines, while museums and art galleries celebrate the history and culture of the region.

Perpignan. Source: Depositphotos.com

Perpignan. Source: Depositphotos.com

Must-see in Perpignan
  • The Palace of the Kings of Majorca: Built in the 13th century, this palace is a rare example of Catalan Gothic architecture. It was built for the kings of Mallorca and offers a panoramic view of the city from its terrace.
  • The Cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste: this 14th-century Gothic cathedral is an important historical monument in Perpignan. It houses a former cloister-cemetery (Campo Santo) and an ancient Romanesque collegiate church (Saint-Jean-le-Vieux).
  • The Castillet: the former city gate is now a museum dedicated to the history of Perpignan. The 14th-century city gate is also considered one of the symbols of the city.
  • La Loge de mer: a Gothic building built in 1397 that served as the city's civic centre (town hall, court, etc.)
  • The Hyacinthe Rigaud Art Museum: located in a 17th-century mansion, the museum houses a collection of paintings and sculptures by local and international artists. It also has works by the Perpignan-born artist Hyacinthe Rigaud.
Perpignan. Source: Depositphotos.com

The Castillet of Perpignan. Source: Depositphotos.com

Perpignan. Source: Depositphotos.com

The cathedral of Perpignan. Source: Depositphotos.com

Barcelona to Perpignan Palace of the kings of Majorca © Fernandopascullo - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Perpignan: Palace of the kings of Majorca © Fernandopascullo - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Perpignan. Source: Depositphotos.com

Shopping street of Perpignan. Source: Depositphotos.com

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🛌 Find your accommodation in Perpignan

ℹ️ Learn more about what to see and do in Perpignan > Tourist Office website

🤩 Click on the image below to get access to a wide range of activities:

Back to Barcelona via the Pyrenees

The route from Perpignan to Barcelona through the Pyrenees is an excellent way to escape the sea and discover a breathtaking mountain landscape. The icing on the cake is the passage through Andorra, one of the smallest states in the world!

Perpignan - Andorra

Perpignan - Andorra 🚘 160 km / 101 mi

This route along the N116 is ideal for discovering the varied landscapes and cultural treasures of the region, while enjoying a pleasant and scenic drive.

Map Barcelona to Perpignan via Andorra

Departure from Perpignan, the regional capital with its remarkable historical and cultural heritage, including the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste cathedral, the Castillet and the Hyacinthe-Rigaud museum.

Perpignan. Source: Depositphotos.com

The Castillet, Perpignan. Source: Depositphotos.com

Continue to the medieval village of Prades, located at the foot of the Canigou massif, where you can visit the beautiful church of St Peter and the local market.

Prades © Jordi Gili - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Prades © Jordi Gili - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Then you will drive through the fortified town of Villefranche-de-Conflent, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its ramparts, fortified gate, cobbled streets and Saint-Jacques church.

Villefrance-de-Conflent © Balu62 - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Villefrance-de-Conflent © Balu62 - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Make a stop at Mont-Louis, another fortified city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its military architecture and its Vauban fort.

Mont-Louis © Calips - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Mont-Louis © Calips - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons

After visiting Mont-Louis, head for the Puymorens pass, which rises to an altitude of 1,915 metres and offers a breathtaking view of the Pyrenees mountains.

Col de Puymorens from Pic de l'Estanyol © Alan Mattingly - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Col de Puymorens from Pic de l'Estanyol © Alan Mattingly - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Then cross the Franco-Andorran border to Pas de la Casa, a ski resort and border town known for its duty-free shopping and festive atmosphere.

Pas de la Case © Pierre Bona - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Pas de la Casa © Pierre Bona - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons

The Port d'Envalira is the highest pass in the Pyrenees, crossed by road (2408 m). It marks the watershed between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean. The view of the Andorran mountains is spectacular.

Port d'Envalira © Jcb-caz-11 - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Port d'Envalira © Jcb-caz-11 - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Finally, you will reach Andorra la Vella, the capital of the Principality of Andorra, where you can explore the pedestrianised city centre, the covered market, the Casa de la Vall and the Andorran National Museum.

Andorra. Source: Depositphotos.com

Andorra. Source: Depositphotos.com

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🛌 Find your accommodation in Andorra

ℹ️ Learn more about what to see and do in Andorra > Tourist Office website

🤩 Click on the image below to get access to a wide range of activities:


Andorra - Barcelona

Andorra - Barcelona 🚘 191 km / 119 mi

This route will allow you to discover the beautiful mountainous landscapes of the region as well as the historical and cultural treasures of La Seu d’Urgell, Riu de Cerdanya, Berga, Manresa and Barcelona.

La Seu d’Urgell is the first Spanish town. Discover the historic Old Town and its picturesque street of la calle dels Canonges. La Seu d’Urgell is famous for its cathedral of Santa Maria d'Urgell, a masterpiece of Catalan Romanesque architecture with Italianate-style features on its west front.

La Seu d'Urgell Cathedral © Krzysztof Golik - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

La Seu d'Urgell Cathedral © Krzysztof Golik - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

La Seu d'Urgell Cloister © Krzysztof Golik - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

La Seu d'Urgell Cloister © Krzysztof Golik - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

We then head for Bellver de Cerdanya, a picturesque village in a green valley surrounded by mountains.

Bellver de Cerdanya © Maria Rosa Ferre - licence [CC BY-SA 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Bellver de Cerdanya © Maria Rosa Ferre - licence [CC BY-SA 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Continue to Berga, a medieval town at the foot of the Queralt massif, famous for its church of Santa Eulalia and the castle of San Fernando.

Berga - Plaça de Sant Pere © Enfo - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Berga - Plaça de Sant Pere © Enfo - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons

The medieval towns of Gironella and Puig-reig are worth exploring.

Gironella © Jorge Franganillo - licence [CC BY 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Gironella © Jorge Franganillo - licence [CC BY 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons

We then continue to Manresa, a historic town on the banks of the Llobregat River, with its Basilica de la Seu, the Convent of Sant Ignasi and the Sèquia Park, a unique natural area.

Manresa © Jorge Franganillo - licence [CC BY 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Manresa © Jorge Franganillo - licence [CC BY 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Finally, you will reach Barcelona, the Catalan capital, famous for its emblematic monuments such as the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Cathedral, Barri Gòtic (Gothic district), Plaça Reial and Park Güell.

Barcelona. Source: Depositphotos.com

Barcelona. Source: Depositphotos.com

Here's the complete itinerary from Barcelona to Perpignan via Collioure and Andorra!

Map Barcelona to Perpignan
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Barcelona to Perpignan Pinterest copyright French Moments
About the illustrations in the article

Most of the photos published on this site are ours (© French Moments). However, I have selected some photos (including the Featured Image of this article) from Depositphotos, a commercial platform that brings authors of high-quality licensed stock photos, graphics, vectors and videos together with appreciative buyers. 

Gems of Paris by French Moments
About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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