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The best campsites in Canet en Roussillon: your holiday between sea and sun

Canet-en-Roussillon, dans les Pyrénées-orientales
Canet-en-Roussillon, dans les Pyrénées-orientales

The campsites in Canet-en-Roussillon offer you a unique experience where the Mediterranean Sea meets the majestic Pyrenees, creating the ideal setting for your outdoor holiday. This popular Roussillon destination, with its 9 kilometres of fine sandy beaches and authentic Catalan village, promises unforgettable moments of swimming, cultural discovery and water sports activities. Whether you're looking for a luxurious seaside establishment or a peaceful family haven in the heart of nature, the campsites in Canet-en-Roussillon are sure to meet all your requirements for a successful holiday under the Mediterranean sun.

3 to 5 star campsites in Canet-en-Roussillon, near Perpignan

Situated in the Pyrénées-Orientales, between Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and Saint-Cyprien and 12km from Perpignan, the seaside resort of Canet en Roussillon has 5 campsites ranging from 3 to 5 stars. We recommend the following campsites:

 A campsite in an exceptional setting 400m from the sea
A campsite in an exceptional setting 400m from the sea© La Marina de Canet, Canet en Roussillon (66)

Camping La Marina de Canet**** : a haven of peace

Just 400 metres from the seafront of this dynamic seaside resort, La Marina de Canet campsite welcomes you to a perfectly landscaped setting. Its water park with heated pool and waterslides promises unforgettable moments of relaxation, while the more sporty will appreciate the multi-sports pitch and table tennis tables.

Families are particularly well catered for, with spacious pitches and comfortable accommodation just a stone's throw from the Sardinal beach, accessible by a pleasant walk. Discover this 4-star campsite that perfectly combines summer entertainment with Mediterranean tranquillity.

Camping Le Brasilia***** : luxury campsite rentals by the sea

Nestling in a 17-hectare Mediterranean park facing the sea, Le Brasilia campsite epitomises 5-star camping excellence on the Catalan coast. This jewel of the open-air hotel industry boasts direct access to the beach and a breathtaking view over the Roussillon plain and the Etang de Canet.

Its Papillon wellness area and Seychelles-coloured water park create a unique paradise atmosphere. Holidaymakers particularly appreciate its privileged location, within walking distance of the village of Canet and its viscount castle.

Camping Les Fontaines***: nature and conviviality

The educational mini-farm at Les Fontaines campsite offers a unique experience for families, allowing children to discover animal life in an unspoilt natural setting. Situated 5 minutes from the fine sandy beaches of Canet en Roussillon, this 3-star campsite has a family atmosphere and a large green area.

Its new 200m² pool area with solarium is a delight for young and old alike, while its proximity to the Etang de Canet-Saint-Nazaire nature reserve makes it an ideal base for birdwatchers and nature walkers.

A 9 km beach with crystal-clear waters

The Canet-en-Roussillon coastline rolls out its ribbon of golden sand over 9 kilometres, offering an imposing natural spectacle where the Mediterranean draws its azure curves. This exceptional beach, with lifeguards on duty from mid-May to mid-September, captivates visitors with its crystal-clear waters and the luminosity so typical of the south of France.

The beach at Canet-en-Roussillon, between sea and pond
The beach at Canet-en-Roussillon, between sea and pond© iStock

Between the Sardinal beach to the north and the Grand Large beach to the south, the coastline is divided into several sectors, each with its own unique character. The Grau des Basses area, preserved by the Conservatoire du Littoral, protects remarkable dune areas, precious witnesses to the original Mediterranean ecosystem.

Bathing enthusiasts particularly appreciate the gentle slope of the beaches and the ideal water temperature, which reaches 26°C at the height of summer. This makes it a favourite spot for families and swimmers of all abilities.

What to do during your holidays and weekends in Canet: activities and entertainment

Water sports and exceptional scenery

The Canet-Saint-Nazaire lake and view of Mont Canigou
The Canet-Saint-Nazaire lake and view of Mont Canigou© iStock

Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do at the marina, where accredited schools offer introductory courses in kitesurfing, windsurfing and stand-up paddling.The Etang de Canet-Saint-Nazaire, classified Natura 2000, offers an exceptional natural spectacle. More than 200 species of birds can be seen on the footpaths, including the majestic pink flamingos for which the site is famous, with Mount Canigou as a backdrop.

The marina at Canet-en-Roussillon
The marina at Canet-en-Roussillon© iStock

Visit the Oniria Aquarium

The Oniria aquarium, an architectural gem in Canet-en-Roussillon, invites you on a fascinating journey into the depths of the Mediterranean. This unique multi-sensory experience will delight young and old alike, with its 3,000m² of exhibition space and spectacular pools.

An authentic village to visit

The Viscount's castle, with its impressive pink pebble ramparts, proudly dominates the old village of Canet. This medieval fortress, partly ruined after being used as a stone quarry for many years, is home to a remarkable ice well, a unique testament to the ingenuity of the builders of yesteryear. Not far away, the church of Saint-Jacques, a jewel of southern Gothic architecture, boasts magnificent stained-glass windows and red brickwork typical of the region.

In the old village, the cobbled streets wind between the medieval remains, revealing architectural treasures at every turn, such as the Romanesque chapel of Saint-Martin, nestling in the heart of the Viscount's castle walls. The Tour de la Bascule, a former 14th-century defensive structure now converted into an artist's studio, offers a breathtaking view of the Roussillon plain, shaped since the 19th century by the development of winegrowing.

Services and markets at the heart of the city

Canet-en-Roussillon's markets bring the town to life with their colourful stalls and local produce. The main market, in Place Charles Trenet, brings together around fifty traders every Monday morning, selling fruit, vegetables and Catalan specialities.

During the summer months, the night market of arts and crafts at the Espace Méditerranée becomes a not-to-be-missed event.

Fans of local gastronomy will particularly appreciate the small, authentic Saturday morning market in Place Saint-Jacques, where producers share their passion and culinary tips. These markets are great places to meet and socialise, and offer an excellent opportunity to discover Mediterranean flavours to bring back to your campsite.

What villages are worth visiting around Canet-en-Roussillon?

From your campsite in the seaside resort of Canet-en-Roussillon, set off to discover the magnificent villages dotted around the Catalan hinterland. Collioure, the pearl of the Côte Vermeille, 25 km to the south, will enchant you with its colourful streets and royal castle overlooking a picturesque bay.

To the west, the medieval village of Castelnou, listed as one of France's Most Beautiful Villages, reveals its ramparts and warmly-coloured local stone houses. Its castle, a strategic point since the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659, offers an uninterrupted view over the Roussillon plain.

Don't miss Elne, 15km away, where the Romanesque cloister and cathedral bear witness to a rich historical past. Villefranche-de-Conflent, a town fortified by Vauban, takes you back to the heart of the Middle Ages, with its ramparts and craftsmen perpetuating Catalan traditions.

 

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