Planning Argeles sur Mer Day Trips will afford you the opportunity to see more of the country and the continent during your stay in France on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. If you can fit a day or two into your travel itinerary, make plans to visit any of the following locations:

Perpignan

Start your day trips only about 15 miles north of Argeles sur Mer in Perpignan, a slightly larger metropolitan area from which you can take train rides to other areas in France and Europe. Driving to Perpignan from Argeles sur Mer takes only about 20 minutes each way.

Perpignan's architecture is unique in that it mixes French, Spanish and Catalan styles. You can see this in sites such as the Cathedrale St-Jean, which dates back to the 14th century but had some 17th century additions. Shopping in Perpignan is another highlight, particularly if you like the Catalan style that permeates the pottery, furniture and carpets for sale in the markets along the Rue Sant-Vicens.

Toulouse

Only about 150 miles northwest of Argeles sur Mer is Toulouse, which you can drive to in about 2 and a half hours or get to via train if you start in Perpignan, which is just a bit north of Argeles sur Mer. The high speed rail takes a little over 2 hours to get the distance for about €20 each way.

Toulouse, situated alongside River Garonne, is the 6th largest metropolitan area in all of France. Visit the food market in Place Victor Hugo, the Cite de L'Espace museum of space travel and the Chateau de Launaguet and its world-renowned flower gardens. There are also a number of art museums featuring classics and modern pieces alike.

Barcelona, Spain

Since Argeles sur Mer is so close to the France/Spain border, you'll regret not spending at least a day in the neighboring country. Barcelona, the capital of Spain and the country's second largest metropolitan city, is only a little more than 90 miles from Argeles sur Mer on the Mediterranean coastline. You can drive there in about 2 hours and 15 minutes or save yourself the hassle of driving that far and head slightly north to Perpignan, France, where you can catch a train to Barcelona. The train ride takes about 2 hours 30 minutes and costs about €30 each way.

In Barcelona, visit one of almost 70 landscaped parks dotting the city, such as the Ciutadella Park, which is beautifully landscaped and is home to a zoo, museums, the Parliament building and an old military citadel. Take in an opera at the world-famous Gran Teatre del Liceu opera theater and visit the architectural accomplishments of Antoni Gaudi, which are considered World Heritage sites.