✦ The best things to do in Barcarès in summer
- Enjoy the beaches to suit your style — the lively central beach, the quieter Marina beach, or the lagoon side for children
- Try paddleboarding or kitesurfing on the Leucate lagoon, one of the most popular watersports spots on the Mediterranean coast
- Stroll around the harbour and seafront, especially in the evening
- Plan a family outing: cycling along the lagoon, night market, rockpooling
- Head out for a day trip to Collioure (40 min), Perpignan (17 min) or explore the Gorges de la Carança
The best choice for your trip
Written and updated by Jonathan Marc, local host in Barcarès. This guide is based on first-hand experience — not written from a desk.
Table of Contents
- Which beaches suit your profile?
- Which watersports can you try?
- What to do depending on the weather?
- Things to do in Barcarès with children?
- What to do when it rains?
- What to do in the evenings in Barcarès?
- Where to eat in Barcarès?
- Day trips from Barcarès without going too far?
- Where to park in Barcarès in summer?
- How many days to visit Barcarès?
- Practical Info
- Frequently Asked Questions
Le Barcarès sits between the Mediterranean Sea and the Leucate lagoon — a rare position that makes it both a lively seaside resort and one of the most renowned watersports spots on the Mediterranean coast. This guide brings together everything you need to know, with the practical details that larger sites don't provide: opening hours, prices, parking, distances from the accommodation.
1. Which beaches in Barcarès are right for you?
Le Barcarès has a long strip of fine sandy beaches — the Pyrénées-Orientales tourism board lists over 15 km of beaches, among the most extensive on the Catalan coast. All are free to access with lifeguard posts in season — but they're not all the same. Here's the local guide to help you choose the right one for your situation.
Which area is accessible without a car?
Our apartments are located on the lagoon shore — you can walk there directly. For the sea, allow 8 min by car for the central beach, 5 min for the Marina beach. In peak season, car parks fill up by 9:30am: leaving early or cycling is the best option.
Where to watch the sunset?
Le Barcarès faces east — the sun sets on the land side, not the sea side. The best spot to enjoy it is the jetties on the lagoon shore, just below the residence. The lagoon water reflects the colours of the sky at end of day: oranges, pinks, reflections across the Leucate lagoon. The sweet spot is between 7:30pm and 9pm in July.
Arrive before 9:30am or after 5:30pm to find a parking space and enjoy ideal light. Between 11am and 5pm in full August, the central beach is packed and the car park is full. Early in the morning, the water is often clearer. Before you leave, the bakery on Quai des Pyrénées is a 2-minute walk from the residence — perfect for a morning croissant.
2. Which watersports can you try in Barcarès?
Le Barcarès is renowned for its wind. The tramontane regularly blows at 30–50 km/h, making it one of the most popular watersports spots on the French Mediterranean coast.
Kitesurfing and Windsurfing
The Leucate–Barcarès lagoon site is recognised by the Fédération Française de Vol Libre (FFVL) as one of the major kitesurfing spots on the Mediterranean coast. The lagoon is shallow (1–2 m on average), flat and safe — ideal for learning. Several schools offer lessons:
- DPC Ecole de kitesurf & Wingfoil — group lessons and intensive 3–5 day courses
- SKY FLY Kiteschool — state-qualified instructors, kite and wingfoil
- Brian Sensations — Ecole de kite et wing — private lessons and equipment hire
- Kite School Leucate — kitesurfing, wing-foil, e-foil and paddleboarding
Expect to pay €250–350 for a 3-day beginner course. Equipment hire alone (for experienced riders) is around €60–80/day.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Kayaking
The Leucate lagoon is ideal for flat-water paddling, sheltered from the swell. Several hire shops are located along the lagoon road. Expect to pay €15–20/hour for a SUP, €10–15 for a kayak. For lagoon-side outings, the Lakeside Apartment is the perfect starting point — the lagoon is on your doorstep. The Marina View Apartment has a terrace overlooking the marina directly — ideal for storing your paddle and getting on the water in seconds.
Jet-Ski and Towed Inflatables
Available directly on the central beach. Jet-ski rides are accompanied by an instructor (coastal regulations). Indicative prices observed in season: €50–80 for 30 minutes — check on-site as prices vary by operator. The main hire operator is located at the exit of Barcarès harbour. For towed inflatables, Bouées-Tractées Barcarès offers family outings at sea.
3. What to do in Barcarès depending on the weather?
The weather in Barcarès can change quickly — sudden tramontane, an overcast day, morning rain. Here's a quick guide so you're never short of ideas.
- Kitesurfing / windsurfing on the lagoon
- Watch the riders from the breakwater
- Swimming on the lagoon side (flat water)
- Village market (Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)
- Day trip to Perpignan (17 min) or Collioure (40 min)
- Sailing from Port-Leucate
- Cycling to Port-Leucate (wind at your back)
- Lagoon-side beach (sheltered by dunes)
- Lunch on a covered seafront terrace
- Perpignan (17 min) — Palace of the Kings of Majorca, Les Halles, Musée Rigaud
- Canet Aquarium (13 min) — great with children, allow 2 hours
- Restaurants and tapas bars on the seafront
- Shopping in Perpignan city centre
- Spa / wellness break at a village hotel
- Central beach early morning (before 9:30am)
- Paddleboarding or kayaking on the lagoon
- Téléski Nautique Barcarès — wakeboarding and water-skiing, ideal on calm water
- Leucate oyster village (12 min) — oysters and seafood direct from producers, tasting facing the lagoon for under €10. Open daily in season.
- Day trip to Collioure (40 min) — morning, before the crowds
- Sunset from the lagoon jetties
4. Things to do in Barcarès with children?
Le Barcarès is a very family-friendly destination, whatever the age group. From the apartments, some activities are accessible on foot or by bike on the lagoon side; others require 5 to 30 minutes by car.
🧒 With children aged 5–10, the ideal itinerary: morning at the central beach (supervised swimming + games), afternoon rockpooling on the lagoon side (crabs, shells, net), evening at the night market (in season). No car needed for this day — everything is reachable by bike or on foot from the apartments.
Here are the activities by age group, with travel times from our accommodation:
| Activity | For whom | Cost | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Beach — supervised swimming, beach games | All ages | Free | 8 min by car |
| Rockpooling — lagoon side, crabs and shells | From age 4 | Free | On-site |
| Lagoon cycle path — Barcarès → Port-Leucate | From age 6 | ~€15/bike hire | On-site |
| Village mini-golf | From age 4 | ~€8/person | 5 min by car |
| Karting Rivesaltes | From age 7 | ~€15/session | 10 min by car |
| Canet-en-Roussillon Aquarium | From age 3 | ~€12/child | 13 min by car |
| Aqualand Perpignan — slides, wave pools | From age 5 | ~€30/person | 17 min by car |
| Kitesurfing taster — Leucate lagoon | From age 12 | ~€80/half-day | 5 min by car |
The cycle path along the lagoon is completely flat, safe and offers beautiful views over the lagoon. It's the ideal activity for a family morning, even with very young children in a bike seat.
Playground — La Goélette
La Goélette is Barcarès's iconic playground, free to access. Play structures, slides and a shaded area — ideal for children after the beach.
5. What to do in Barcarès when it rains?
Rainy days are rare in summer in the Pyrénées-Orientales (the 66 département is one of the sunniest in France), but it does happen. Here are the best options:
In Perpignan (17 min)
- Palace of the Kings of Majorca — guided tour, impressive medieval Gothic architecture
- Musée Hyacinthe Rigaud — Catalan art from the 14th to 20th century, recently renovated
- Les Halles de Perpignan — lively covered market, Catalan specialities, great for lunch
- City centre shopping — plenty of shops between the Castillet and Place de la République
In Canet-en-Roussillon (13 min)
- Canet Aquarium — many marine species, great with children, allow about 2 hours
In Barcarès
- Restaurants and tapas bars along the seafront — covered terraces stay lively
- Spa and wellness — a few massage and fitness centres in the village hotels
☀️ Good news: in Barcarès, rainy days in July–August are rare (fewer than 3 on average per month). And often, the rain only lasts a few hours in the morning before the sun returns.
Staying in Le Barcarès?
Book an apartment or the docked sailboat directly — no Airbnb service fees.
View available properties →6. What to do in the evenings in Barcarès?
Le Barcarès really comes alive from 10pm in season. The seafront becomes a long festive promenade with bars, concerts and entertainment for all ages.
Les Déferlantes Festival
A hugely popular music festival in the South of France. Held in mid-July in Barcarès, Les Déferlantes features top French and international artists every year. Recent editions sold out quickly — check the official website for dates and tickets. Book your tickets as soon as they go on sale.
Beach Bars and Guinguettes
Along the seafront, several beach bars stay open until 2am in July–August. Cocktails, DJ sets and sand between your toes — the vibe is relaxed and family-friendly until 11pm, then more festive.
Night Market
In July and August, night markets set up across three sites: the Village (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday evenings), la Coudalère (Friday, Sunday evenings) and la Grande Plage (Tuesday, Thursday evenings). Local crafts, Catalan specialities, street entertainment. Perfect for an evening stroll with or without children.
7. Where to eat in Barcarès — the best addresses
Catalan cuisine takes centre stage: grilled fish, seafood, tapas and the famous pa amb tomàquet (bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil). A few good local addresses:
Fish and Seafood
- Le Lamparo — fish specialities, sea view, a local favourite in Barcarès
- Parc des Ostréiculteurs (Leucate, 12 min) — oysters and mussels direct from producers, tasting facing the lagoon for under €10. Open daily in season.
Brasserie
- Le Front de Mer — located on Barcarès's main square, burgers, mussels and chips, pizzas — ideal for a relaxed family meal
- La Casa — generous cuisine in a convivial atmosphere in Barcarès
Beach Bars & Feet in the Sand
- Ginette Plage — beach bar open in peak season, meals with your feet in the sand
Café & Ice Cream
- L'Apéro Iberico — great for a coffee or an ice cream in Barcarès
- Hôtel de la Plage — ideally located on the main square, right opposite the recently refurbished children's play area. Perfect for a coffee on the terrace while keeping an eye on the kids.
- Le Melba — artisan ice creams, homemade crepes and waffles
15 min away — Fine Dining
- Le Grand Cap — gastronomic restaurant perched on the Leucate cliffs, exceptional sea view. Ideal for dinner away from the summer bustle of Barcarès. Reservation essential.
- La Table d'Aimé (Rivesaltes) — refined and elegant, budget €40–50 per person. Reservation recommended.
15 min away — La Franqui
- Le Bleu Surf Café — brasserie and surf shop facing the sea, relaxed beach and watersports atmosphere
15 min away — Leucate village
- La Closerie — meat and seafood in old Leucate, budget €40–50 per person. Reservation recommended.
In peak season (14 July – 15 August), book your table even for lunch. Restaurants fill up from the first sitting, especially seafront terraces. Best lunch slot: 12pm or 1:30pm (between two sittings, better chance of a table without a reservation). In the evenings, terraces fill up from 7:30pm — book the day before at minimum.
Barcarès Market
The weekly market takes place on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings on the village square. Local produce, cheeses, Catalan charcuterie, seasonal fruit and vegetables. A 5-minute drive from the apartments.
8. Day trips from Barcarès without going too far?
Barcarès's location is ideal for exploring the whole region. Here are the best excursions, with travel times from our accommodation:
Collioure — the essential day trip
Set off in the morning (before 10am) to enjoy the village before the tourist crowds arrive. Visit the Château Royal, wander through the colourful streets that inspired Matisse and Picasso, and taste the tinned anchovies direct from a producer. Have lunch there and head back in the early afternoon.
Leucate village — the oyster tasting
12 minutes away, the village of Leucate perched on its cliff offers an exceptional panorama over the lagoon. The oyster shacks at the Parc des Ostréiculteurs sell oysters and mussels direct to visitors — a tasting facing the lagoon for under €10. Open daily in season.
Leucate cliffs — a family walk
At the end of the cape, the Leucate cliffs offer a coastal path accessible to all, with panoramic views over the sea and lagoon. It was in front of the Leucate lighthouse that a scene from the film Tout le Bleu du ciel was shot — a striking backdrop 15 minutes from Barcarès. You'll also find a beach accessible by hiking or by boat, via a path cut into the cliff face.
Peyriac-de-Mer — the pontoon walk for families
About 40 minutes from Barcarès, Peyriac-de-Mer and its pontoon walk on the Bages-Sigean lagoon makes a lovely family outing, followed by a visit to the medieval village. You cannot park in the centre — two car parks at the village exit: Car park 1 and Car park 2. Not all cafés and restaurants in the village take card — bring cash.
Gorges de la Carança — for hikers
A suspended path above torrents, metal footbridges clinging to cliff faces and breathtaking mountain scenery. Accessible from Thuès-Entre-Valls (1h15). Allow a full day and wear sturdy shoes — the path is exposed but well-marked.
La Franqui — wild beaches and the Mondial du Vent
La Franqui is an authentic seaside village 20 minutes north of Barcarès, known for its sea-view restaurants and windy beaches. Every year in late April, it hosts the Mondial du Vent — one of Europe's great watersports gatherings: kitesurfing, windsurfing, wingfoil, in a uniquely festive atmosphere.
Ille-sur-Têt — the geological organs
Ille-sur-Têt is home to a spectacular geological site: fairy chimneys and ochre earth columns reminiscent of the American Bryce Canyon. A uniquely breathtaking landscape, easily accessible for families, about 45 minutes from Barcarès.
Wine tasting — Vingrau
About 30 minutes from Barcarès, the village of Vingrau is nestled in the Corbières hills. Domaine Vents du Sud offers natural wine tastings in an authentic setting — a lovely escape for lovers of Catalan terroir.
Your Base for Exploring the Region
Marina View Apartment, Lakeside Apartment or Docked Sailboat — book direct, no service fees.
Check availability →9. Where to park in Barcarès in summer?
Parking is one of the real challenges in Barcarès during peak season. Here's everything you need to know to avoid spending 30 minutes looking for a space.
The main car parks
- Tourist Office Car Park (free) — closest to the central beach. Full by 9:30am in peak season. Aim to arrive before 9am or after 6pm.
- Lydia Car Park (free) — a good alternative, generally available even in midsummer.
- North Barcarès Car Park (free) — on the wild beach side, ideal for those wanting space and peace.
- Barcarès Market Car Park (free) — ideally placed for the market, direct access.
Parking tips
- From Barcarès Séjours apartments, the Lydia beach is 5 min by bike — you don't need a car for the beach.
- For excursions, go on a weekday rather than the weekend — tourist site car parks (Collioure, Gorges de la Carança) are also under pressure on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Hiring a bike is the best way to get around the village. Coudalere Bike offers daily rates (€15–20).
The Tourist Office car park is handy as it's close to the central beach, but it fills up quickly in peak season. For more peace of mind, the Lydia or North car parks are often better alternatives.
10. How many days do you need to visit Barcarès?
It all depends on what you want to do:
- 1 weekend (2–3 days) — beaches, village, 1 excursion (Collioure or Perpignan). Perfect for getting a feel for the place.
- 1 week (5–7 days) — the ideal formula. Beaches, watersports, 2–3 excursions in the Pyrénées-Orientales, night market, lively evenings.
- 2 weeks — to truly explore the region: Canigou, Gorges de la Carança, Cerdagne, the full Côte Vermeille (Collioure, Banyuls, Cerbère).
📅 Tip: June and September offer the best value for money. Warm sea (22–24°C), less crowded beaches, cheaper accommodation and all activities available. Ideal for families and kitesurfers.
11. Practical Info
When to go?
Peak season runs from mid-July to end of August. For good weather without the crowds, June and September are ideal: warm sea, quieter beaches, lower prices.
Getting There
- By car: A9 motorway towards Perpignan, exit Le Barcarès. From Paris, allow 8 hours.
- By plane: Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport, 20 min away. Direct flights from Paris, Lyon, Nantes in season.
- By train: TGV to Perpignan (3h from Paris), then bus line 10 (Sankeo) to the La Coudalère stop — 17 min, or taxi (around €30) — to reach our Lakeside and Marina apartments.
All official transport information at lebarcares.fr.
Getting Around
Barcarès is easily explored by bike. The cycle path along the lagoon connects the village to Port-Leucate in 40 minutes without any effort. For excursions around the region, a car is necessary — public transport is limited outside Perpignan.
Shops & Amenities
A bakery is located on Quai des Pyrénées, a 2-minute walk from the residence — open from April to October. Supermarkets and local shops in the village, 5 minutes by bike or car.
Weather
July and August: 28–32°C, almost constant sunshine, possible tramontane. June and September: 22–27°C, ideal for outdoor activities. The sea reaches 24–26°C in midsummer.
By booking directly with the owner (bypassing Airbnb), you save an average of 15% in service fees and get direct contact for any practical questions about the area.