About the Area

Banyuls-sur-Mer is located on the Mediterranean coast of France 15 kilometers from the Spanish border. It nestles amid the foothills of Pyrenees, which grow the grapes from which local vintners produce the distinctive Banyuls dessert wine.

South of the town is a charming 363-berth marina with a full range of services and amenities. 

Perched alongside the marina is the Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls-sur-Mer. Founded in 1881, this marine research center also houses a small public aquarium. 

The local government is focused on maintaining Banyuls’ traditional facilities and look, while offering all the services of a popular seaside resort.

The sea around Banyuls is pristine thanks to the presence of the Cerbère-Banyuls Marine Nature Reserve, the first marine reserve in France, which was opened in 1974. The reserve stretches along 6.5 km of coastline between Banyuls-sur-Mer and Cerbère. The reserve is a magnet for scuba divers, and the town has several excellent scuba diving schools. 

Banyuls’ proximity to the mountains and the sea are an invitation to get outside, and all kinds of outdoor activities are available – from wind surfing to hiking and horseback riding.