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TOP 3 ACTIVITIES TO DO WHEN IT RAINS in Argelès-sur-Mer

In Argelès-sur-Mer, the weather is good and the sky is blue at least 300 days a year… So what about the remaining 65 days? Yes, even here, Mother Nature can’t help tinting the landscape with a few clouds. But no pressure! Even when it’s raining, Argelès-sur-Mer has a few bright spots to offer you: activities to keep you out of the rain.

Family leisure activities, lively games or cultural sites, come to Argelès-sur-Mer all year round… Even when it rains!

It's raining, it's wet, it's a celebration of family activities!

Are the weather forecasts predicting rain for your family holiday in Argelès-sur-Mer?
If you don’t want to find yourself under the ruixat* as we say back home, head for one of our activities to share with all the family.

Here, throw your bowling balls as hard as gusts of wind, try to get out of an escape game through a fog of traps, take the temperature of the pool water with a dive… Or make predictions about the end of your film at the cinema!

Whatever you choose, rain is a good excuse to bring the whole family closer together!

*thunderstorm

Place your bets when it rains!

When it’s raining in Argelès-sur-Mer, why not try your luck at the casino*?

Situated between the forest of hundred-year-old pines and the fine sandy beach, it’s the perfect spot to spend a great day out, even when the rain’s on its way.

Slot machines, Black Jack or electronic English Roulette, there’s a wind of fun blowing through Argelès-sur-Mer!

*Not authorised for minors. Identity card required on entry (even for the restaurant!).

The weather programme for Argelès-sur-Mer

☔️ Wondering how wet you’re going to get?

In Argelès-sur-Mer, and more generally in the Pyrénées-Orientales, different types of storms punctuate the seasons:

💦 Summer thunderstorms: if summer is your favourite season, it’s also thunderstorm season! Argelès-sur-Mer often sees them appear at the end of the day. Short but intense, they are accompanied by heavy rain, gales and sometimes hail. You can put away your parasol and towels, the beach session won’t be for a while!

💦 Tramontane storms: a north-westerly wind, the tramontane plays a vital role in the development of thunderstorms in Argelès! Although it is often dry and refreshing, it can create particularly unstable weather conditions when it meets hot, humid air masses. What a susceptibility… To protect yourself, head for the museums!

💦 Autumn thunderstorms: the autumn season also brings its share of thunderstorms! The warmth of the Mediterranean Sea and the first atmospheric cool-downs are the winning combo for creating thermal contrasts… And we’ll give it to you straight: impressive thunderstorms to take photos of!

We rush to discover the culture !

When the skies over Argelès-sur-Mer turn fickle and the rain comes, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the town’s cultural riches!

When a visit rhymes with art
The rain is an opportunity to showcase local and regional talent. Great news! The seafront promenade is waiting to welcome you to the sunshine! With your umbrella in hand, take a stroll along the promenade and discover a new theme every year. Then wander over to the Jean Ferrat multimedia library, just a stone’s throw away. It’s a veritable haven of culture where you can immerse yourself in a multitude of books, films and themed exhibitions!

Our predictions: museums and discoveries galore!
What better way to discover Argelès-sur-Mer’s heritage secrets than on a rainy day?

To immerse yourself in local culture, head to the Casa de l’Albera – Maison du Patrimoine! A historical exploration of the Albères awaits you, with exhibitions on the life and past of the region. Our enthusiastic guides will be delighted to tell you all about the area’s historical secrets.

Nearby, there’s one building you won’t want to miss: thechurch of Notre Dame del Prats! Its southern Gothic style may charm you at first sight, but don’t delay in rushing inside to discover it (and get out of the rain!). At the heart of the church is a vast collection of paintings and works from the Catalan Renaissance. Bad weather is good, isn’t it?

Finally, don’t miss a visit to the Camp d’Argelès-sur-Mer Memorial. This museum, dedicated to the history of the camp for refugees who fled the Spanish Civil War in 1939, offers a moving insight into a dark period in history. The programme includes photo exhibitions, documents and poignant testimonies. An unmissable visit to Argelès-sur-Mer!

 Church of Notre Dame del Prats

A church a little closer to the ̶é̶t̶o̶i̶l̶e̶s̶ clouds

If you’re not afraid of raindrops, look up as you approach the church of Notre Dame del Prats. Its bell tower stands 34 metres high: the highest in the département!

Bonus feature: checklist of things to do when it rains in Argelès-sur-Mer

  • Discover the church of Notre Dame dels Prat
  • Spend an evening for two at the casino
  • Soak up some history on a visit to the city’s museums (like Casa de l’Albera!)
  • Enjoy the views from the beachside restaurants (and the taste!)
  • Stroll through an art gallery
  • Take part in family games: bowling or escape games?
We answer all your questions about Argelès-sur-Mer!
  • Where is Argelès-sur-Mer?

    Argelès-sur-Mer is in the south of France, in the Occitanie region. More precisely, it lies in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, around 20 kilometres south of Perpignan.

  • How do I get to Argelès-sur-Mer?

    Argelès-sur-Mer is easily accessible:

    By bike :

    From the Tourist Office to Euro Vélo 8
    Join the Tourist Office from the Vélittorale EV8 via Saint-Cyprien
    Take the cycle paths on the Route du Littoral and Avenue du Tech
    (2 kilometres)

    Join the Tourist Office from the Voie Verte EV8 via Saint-André
    Take the Avenue de Montgat towards the town centre
    Use the Route Nationale cycle path to go through the village
    Follow the cycle paths (avenue du 8 Mai 1945 and avenue du Général de Gaulle) towards the beaches At the Arrivée roundabout, take the last exit
    Continue along the Avenue des Platanes cycle path (4 kilometres).

    Calculate your cycling itinerary right here!

    By train :
    Argelès-sur-Mer station is served by regional trains (TER) from Perpignan, which itself is accessible by TGV from many major French cities including Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and even Barcelona in Spain. The journey from Perpignan to Argelès-sur-Mer takes around 20 minutes.

    By plane:
    The nearest airport is Perpignan-Rivesaltes (about 30km away). From here, you can hire a car or take a taxi to Argelès-sur-Mer. Shuttle services and bus links are also available.

    By car:
    Argelès-sur-Mer is well served by the motorway network. If you are coming from the north, take the A9 motorway (La Catalane) and exit 42 (Perpignan Sud). Then follow the signs to Argelès-sur-Mer via the D914.

  • What's the climate like in Argelès-sur-Mer?

    Argelès-sur-Mer enjoys a Mediterranean climate. This means hot, dry summers and mild winters:

    • Summer: Summer temperatures in Argelès-sur-Mer are often high, with averages around 28-30°C in July and August. Sunny days are the norm, perfect for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities!
    • Autumn: Temperatures start to drop slightly, but remain pleasant, hovering between 18 and 25°C in September and October. This is also the season when rainfall can increase slightly, but sunny days are still frequent.
    • Winter: Winters are mild, with average temperatures around 10 to 15°C. Rainfall is more frequent than in summer, but sunny days are not uncommon.
    • Spring: Spring is a pleasant season, with temperatures gradually rising from 15 to 22°C. The days become increasingly sunny, offering a foretaste of the summer to come.
  • Where to spend the night during your stay in Argelès-sur-Mer?

    Argelès-sur-Mer offers a variety of accommodation to suit all tastes! From seaside hotels overlooking the Mediterranean to family campsites with swimming pools and waterslides, from friendly bed and breakfasts to rural gîtes immersed in nature, you’re sure to find the perfect accommodation for your stay!

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