Canet-en-Roussillon, a pretty holiday destination

Between Canet-Plage and Canet-Village my heart swings. These are the two very different entities from Canet-en-Roussillon, the second largest city in the Pyrénées-Orientales.

For the beaches and all the entertainment that goes with it, head for the seaside part of the city, with its beach clubs, its long promenade by the sea but also its port where old rigs softly swing but also magnificent colorful Catalan boats.

In summer, it is obviously very lively, especially since these are the closest beaches to Perpignan. But on the 7 kilometers of white sand you can also find a little peace! Or take a seat on the deckchairs of Les Toiles du Soleil. This reading area by the beach offers a selection of more than 1,500 books for adults and children to read on site (until the first days of September, free access).

Among the essential visits, at least for nature lovers, there is the pond of Canet-Saint-Nazaire and its fishing village. A dozen wooden huts and canes have been rehabilitated but are now only used as a storage place for nets and fishing equipment.

The pond is a magnificent lagoon which offers a protected space to a multitude of birds: marsh harrier, black stilt, squacco heron and other kingfishers.
With more than 246 species recorded locally and nearly 200 species of migratory birds, the pond is a great observation site. To better understand the diversity of the pond's fauna and flora, it is best to explore the site on a guided tour.

Change of atmosphere in Canet-Village. The old town clings to a hillside, a strategic place to watch over the sea, in former times a source of profit but also of danger. After visiting the Saint-Jacques church with its red brick bell tower,

stroll along the winding alleys, to pass in front of some old houses, with cayrous facades (local red brick) and river pebbles, to discover the remains of the fortified enclosure including three towers. At the very top of the village stands the viscount's castle with its river pebble facades, dating from the 11th century.

Few tourists find their way to the arboretum. This wonderful green setting is home to more than 600 plant species including century-old trees, a collection of camphor trees and even cacti and other xerophyte plants.

Very nice, the possibility of picking fruit in its orchard, apricots, peaches, nectarines or even figs.

The Canet Club card offers guided tours and numerous discounts on sports and leisure activities.
Prices: €8/€5 (3 to 12 years old) or €20 (2 adults, 2 children).
Canet-en-Roussillon is also an excellent starting point to visit Perpignan, the hinterland, to follow the coast towards Collioure and the Spanish borders.