Port Vendres and Area
Port Vendres is in France near to the Spanish border about 30 kilometres from Perpignan. There are daily trains taking five hours from Paris, or you can fly to Perpignan from London Stansted, Birmingham, Charleroi and Dublin.The town is well served by local buses all at 1€, and trains. There is a good range of local shops, boulangeries, specialist greengrocers and several larger supermarkets. The quayside is well supplied with a variety of bars and restaurants.
Port Vendres is a thriving and historic port with a long history dating back to the Phoenecians, the Greeks and the Romans. It is still an active fishing port, with fresh fish on sale every day on the quay and historic boats are regular visitors too.Visits to Perignan, Narbonne and Carcassonne are easily organised by train or car.
Charles Rennie Mackintosh lived in the town for some years, and there is a centre dedicated to him and his work. From the house it is a 2km walk, or a 1€ bus to the picturesque tourist town of Collioure, associated with artists such as Matisse, Derain and Picasso. Salvador Dali's house in Port Llegat is two hours away by car and worth a visit.
There is spectacular coastal and hill walking straight out of the door.Paths are well signed, but the slopes are steep and rocky, so bring your boots. There are many small beaches and creeks close to the house, where you can avoid the crowds. Snorkelling and scuba are popular and there is a large marine reserve and underwater trail a few kilometres down the coast. Sailing, boat hire and fishing are popular and available in the port.
The area is much influenced by Spain and Catalan culture. There are festivals , music and dancing throughout the year, and the food too has Catalan influences. Rick Stein explored the "secret" cuisine and restaurants of Port Vendres in his 2019 series about French cuisine. And then there is the wine, strong fruity reds and more delicate rosé and whites, as well as the sweet and strong Banyuls wines.
We know the area well and can give you advice, as well as providing maps and tourist guides.You will find more pictures of the area in the gallery.
Port Vendres is a thriving and historic port with a long history dating back to the Phoenecians, the Greeks and the Romans. It is still an active fishing port, with fresh fish on sale every day on the quay and historic boats are regular visitors too.Visits to Perignan, Narbonne and Carcassonne are easily organised by train or car.
Charles Rennie Mackintosh lived in the town for some years, and there is a centre dedicated to him and his work. From the house it is a 2km walk, or a 1€ bus to the picturesque tourist town of Collioure, associated with artists such as Matisse, Derain and Picasso. Salvador Dali's house in Port Llegat is two hours away by car and worth a visit.
There is spectacular coastal and hill walking straight out of the door.Paths are well signed, but the slopes are steep and rocky, so bring your boots. There are many small beaches and creeks close to the house, where you can avoid the crowds. Snorkelling and scuba are popular and there is a large marine reserve and underwater trail a few kilometres down the coast. Sailing, boat hire and fishing are popular and available in the port.
The area is much influenced by Spain and Catalan culture. There are festivals , music and dancing throughout the year, and the food too has Catalan influences. Rick Stein explored the "secret" cuisine and restaurants of Port Vendres in his 2019 series about French cuisine. And then there is the wine, strong fruity reds and more delicate rosé and whites, as well as the sweet and strong Banyuls wines.
We know the area well and can give you advice, as well as providing maps and tourist guides.You will find more pictures of the area in the gallery.
