POPULAR AND FESTIVE: A SUMMER IN ARGELES-SUR-MER | M6 | 66 minutes

10,000 residents year-round, rising to as many as 150,000 at the height of summer! In July and August, the seven kilometres of beach in this small seaside resort in the Pyrénées-Orientales are overrun by holidaymakers. And for good reason: Argelès-sur-Mer has earned its nickname as “the European capital of camping.”
From the Albères mountain range to the Mediterranean, there are tents, mobile homes and caravans as far as the eye can see. No fewer than 52 campsites compete for the attention of tourists. The luckiest are less than 200 metres from the sea; those further inland have other selling points, such as state-of-the-art water parks and budget-friendly weekly rates.
For years, families have travelled across France to spend their holidays here — and nowhere else. Local shopkeepers eagerly await this time of year too. Among them is André Setti, known as “Dédé”, the founder and owner of the famous Luna Park, which occupies one hectare at the northern end of the beach. He runs around forty rides. But at 69, he has decided it is time to hand over the reins.
This season, he is counting on Michaël, the fairground operator taking over from him, and above all on their new attraction, “Crazy Dance Royal Pirate,” to entertain visitors and keep the park at the top of the rankings among the 27 amusement parks along the coast.
But the fairground community is not the only one taking a gamble. Bébert, owner of the private beach “La Merveilleuse,” has decided to move slightly upmarket this year. This traditionally popular destination is looking to attract a somewhat more affluent clientele. With attractive Polynesian-inspired décor, a trendy restaurant, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, he believes he has found the winning formula for a successful holiday.
An inside look at this lively little seaside town, where there is never a dull moment.