Canet-Plage: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
The endlessly long sandy beach Canet-Plage has been awarded the Blue Pavilion, which stands for environmentally friendly beaches. It is located in the popular holiday resort Canet-en-Roussillon on the French Mediterranean coast. The magnificent, gently sloping coastal section in southern France is not far from the Spanish border.
Table of contents
Canet-Plage - Must-see attractions
Canet Beach
The Plage de Canet is located in the popular southern French seaside resort of Canet-en-Roussillon in Occitania. With over 9 km in length, the fine sandy beach offers many different sports and leisure activities such as diving, beach volleyball, beach soccer, kitesurfing, windsurfing, or sailing, in addition to swimming. There is also good infrastructure with restaurants, bars, and cafes within walking distance. Visit the Château Vicomtal and the Saint-Martin Chapel from the mid-11th century and discover relics of the medieval city fortifications in the old town.
Canet Aquarium
Embark on a discovery tour of the water cycle of the eastern Pyrenees at the Canet Aquarium and admire mountain water fish and Mediterranean inhabitants. A total of 83 tanks with over 600 different species from all the world's oceans live here. You can marvel at the tropical marine world and the deep sea and watch the feeding of the animals. Observe sharks through a huge panoramic window - experience various types of reef sharks up to tiger sharks up close.
Port of Canet
In France's Pyrénées-Orientales region, the port of Canet along with the nearby Canet Plage beach are among the most beautiful places to relax. At the port, you can enjoy a maritime atmosphere with traditional fish restaurants and the boats coming in and out. Look forward to good food and an idyllic walk to the lighthouse on the harbor mole. At the edge of the port, the golden beach stretches out. Sailing enthusiasts will also get their money's worth here and can book cruises.
Canet and Saint-Nazaire Nature Reserve
If you're looking for pure nature, the Canet-Saint-Nazaire nature reserve is the perfect place. Separated from the Mediterranean Sea, a brackish water lagoon with many leisure activities spreads out. Excursions to the small fishing village, where you can try regional cuisine, are popular. On the western shore of the Canet-Saint-Nazaire nature reserve lagoon, several observation points for bird watching await you. With a bit of luck, you might see flamingos, grey herons, and cormorants. Additionally, you can look forward to excellent swimming conditions at Canet Plage in southern France.
Castle of Canet-en-Roussillon
The castle of Canet-en-Roussillon, built by the Franks in the French Pyrenees, is an impressive testament to the past. Over time, numerous modifications and additions were made. The majority of the outer walls were constructed in the 13th century. Today, you can immerse yourself in history by visiting the fortress. When visiting the tower and the former parade ground, you can feel the medieval atmosphere. Additionally, from the historic building, you have a wonderful view of the town of Canet-en-Roussillon.
Le Castillet in Perpignan
The three-story brick building of the Castillet in Perpignan was meant to protect the northern side of the city's fortifications. The battlements in Moorish style, as well as the Porte Notre Dame, the northern city gate, have been preserved to this day. For two centuries, the Castillet served as a prison. In 1904, the dismantling of the city wall began to make room for the growing city. Today, the Castillet is the landmark of Perpignan. Since 1963, it has housed the Casa Pairal, a museum for Catalan art.
Canet-Plage - Secret spots
The old town of Canet
Southern France: The sun is shining and the turquoise Mediterranean Sea laps at the beach. Above the lively beach district of Canet-Plage lies the historic old town, which once defined the village in the Pyrénées-Orientales department. Ochre-colored house facades adorn the winding alleys, which lead past the Vicomte Castle to the remains of the medieval fortress on a hill.
Vineyard walk through Domaine Lafage
Not far from Canet-Plage lies the Domaine Lafage winery. It is known for its exceptional wines with strong or floral aromas like the Cotè Floral. Get advice or take part in a guided tour of the estate, which you can crown with a tasting. Delicious snacks are served with it.
Plants from all over the world in the arboretum
The Arboretum C.C.E.A.M.E at Canet-Plage opens its doors free of charge for visitors. They discover diverse biotopes such as a lily pond, where plants from all over the world thrive. Particularly noteworthy is the cactus garden with all forms of spiky plants. In between, sculptures of animals stimulate the imagination. Information boards complete the experience.
The winery Château de Rey
Not far from Canet-Plage, you can experience atmospheric hours at the Château de Rey winery with an informative tour of the vineyard. Thanks to the giant wine barrels with table football tops, even the children will have fun. You can participate in a wine tasting there and afterwards enjoy an evening event with delicious snacks and good wine.
Canet-Plage - In 3 days
Day 1
You will spend your beach vacation on the southern French Mediterranean coast in the seaside resort of Canet-en-Roussillon. The coast at Canet-Plage measures around 9 km in length. With its fine sandy beach, it is naturally the highlight of the holiday resort from the very first day of vacation, and that in every season. The pure holiday mood comes on with the first glance at the roaring waves and the first walk with bare feet in the sand. The marina of Canet-en-Roussillon is visible from afar. With its snow-white sailing ships, it is always worth a stroll. You have a particularly beautiful view of the incoming and outgoing ships as well as the long coastal strip during a walk along the pier. The Feu du port de Canet-en-Roussillon dominates as the harbor light at the head of the pier and offers fantastic photo opportunities with the Mediterranean in the background. End the day in one of the beach bars or restaurants along the promenade with French delicacies.
Day 2
The second day of vacation is all about lots of family fun. Right at the marina is Oniria, the aquarium of Canet-en-Roussillon. It's an impressive experience not only for young guests to get up close to the inhabitants of the Mediterranean. There are other themed areas with aquariums, such as those focused on the tropical marine world or the flora and fauna of the deep sea. A highlight is the aquariums with large sharks. In the afternoon, relax on the beach by swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. In the fall, you can fly kites and collect shells here. With Ludo Bulle, there is an adventurous bouncy castle paradise for kids right on the beach. If you like sports, Canet-Plage is also the right place for you. Kitesurfing, snorkeling, stand-up paddling, or sailing are just some of the options. If you're traveling with a four-legged friend, you'll find a wide and long dog beach at the northern section for shared swimming fun.
Day 3
The third day starts with nature-related excursions in the surroundings. Behind Canet-Plage stretches the Étang de Saint-Nazaire. The coastal lake can best be explored on the marked hiking trail about 2.5 km long. With a bit of luck, you might encounter cute pink flamingos. But many other bird species also attract ornithology fans to the lake. Cycling tours with the whole family are really fun on the coast of Canet-en-Roussillon. On flat paths, you can go along the kilometer-long promenade or the coastal road. The east side of the Étang de Saint-Nazaire, oriented towards the coast, is also easily accessible on two wheels. In the summer months, the Théâtre de la Mer on the beach invites you to end the day. Under the open sky, you can listen to free summer concerts. Alternatively, test your luck with a visit to the elegant Casino JOA de Canet with its many slot machines.