The Pyrénées-Orientales region has a landscape as diverse as its history. Bordering Northern Catalonia, it sweeps from the high peaks of the Pyrenees, through sunny foothills dotted with vines, to medieval walled towns and the glittering Mediterranean Sea. Once the centre of Cathar revolt, and with close ties to both Spain and France, the area has a distinct identity — and terrific Catalan cuisine. Whether you’re dreaming of a restful farmhouse B&B or a gorgeous coastal hotel, the best places to stay in the Pyrénées-Orientales promise a fascinating flavour of a very special part of France.

Sunny and clement throughout the year, the area is ideal for hiking, through the rolling hills of Cerdanya, the verdant valleys of the Cathars and the towering peaks of the Pyrenees. Picturesque medieval villages — such as Castelnou, Villefrance-de-Conflet or Céret — dot the countryside, whilst the palm-shaded squares and intriguing museums of the buzzy little city of Perpignan are perfect for summer strolls. For beach breaks, venture to the beautiful Vermillion Coast, where towns such as Collioure and Saint Cyprien have long inspired artists. The birthplace of Fauvism, Collioure has a particularly brilliant Modern Art Museum, as well as older highlights — such as the seaside Château Royale and the Fort Saint Elme. Like family-friendly Saint Cyprien, it’s a top spot for sailing, wind surfing, kayaking and fishing trips.

If you have time, we’d suggest combining a stop in Perpignan with a few nights amidst the vineyards or the coast during your trip. The best places to stay in the Pyrénées-Orientales await!

The Best Places to Stay in the Pyrénées-Orientales

FOR A Charming B&B

• Le Mas Trilles is a charming 14th-century sandstone farmhouse close to Céret. Secluded and surrounded by verdant gardens, this is a relaxed B&B choice for couples, friends or families, who can book individually designed traditional rooms, some of which have space for little ones. Expect striking terraces, a large swimming pool and beautiful views. Very restful.
• Château d'Ortaffa was once a bishop's home. It now offers antique-filled rooms and a great location for exploring nearby Cathar castles. A great B&B for history buffs.
• L'Hostalet has five characterful guestrooms overlooking a historic square in Argelès-sur-Mer. Tuck in to big breakfasts before exploring the town on foot, or heading to the beach. Restful, tranquil and intimate, this is a lovely B&B for couples, friends or independent travellers.
• Clos des Aspres is a family-run B&B set in a Catalan-style farmhouse. Surrounded by vineyards and boasting its own swimming pool, this is a lovely choice for an outdoorsy break. Rooms are decorated in warm tones, and beds topped with cosy linen bedspreads.
• Casa9 Hôtel offers nine chic, monochromatic rooms in a stone mas dating back to the 11th Century. A swimming pool, lush gardens and indulgent breakfasts complete the picture. A laid-back and intimate rural retreat for romantics and fans of great design.
• Castell de Blés is an elegant rural B&B with five rooms in a restored mansion close to Saint-Genis-des-Fontaines. Expect large bucolic gardens, a swimming pool, riverside strolls and a big suite for families.

FOR Art & History Buffs

• Hôtel Les Templiers is a Collioure gem. Owned by the same family for almost a century, this charming hotel has the feel of an eclectic private art gallery, with pieces by the early 20th-century artists who came to be inspired by this corner of the Vemillion Coast. Choose an elegant room in the original hotel — just 50m from the sea — for heaps of quirky character, or book the apartment for a family trip. The restaurant is not to be missed, and the owners are fascinating.

FOR FAMILIES

• Les Bulles de Mer is a chic, family-friendly beach hotel with an airy, bohemian feel in Saint-Cyprien. Choose spacious rooms clad in shades of blue and white, with private alcove spaces for little ones or two adjoining rooms if travelling as a family. Gather at the bar or swimming pool after days of cycling, paddle boarding and yoga. There's a soothing spa, too.
• La Fauceille is a friendly choice for families, with 35 modern rooms and suites set around a courtyard swimming pool and garden. There's a gym, a very good restaurant, and a relaxed atmosphere. Just south of Perpignan, the hotel is ideal for city explorations as well as active days in the countryside with older children.
• Hôtel Le Cottage has 34 rooms and suites, many with flexible, family-friendly configurations. Expect bright textiles and private terraces, as well as shared access to a bar, lounge, swimming pool, gym and spa. Partnerships with local activity operators make organising everything from canyoning to windsurfing easy. A family favourite in Céret.

FOR FOODIES

• Relais des Trois Mas is a chic coastal spot on the southern side of Collioure's bay. Airy, contemporary rooms and suites have private terraces with ocean views, there's a great swimming pool and direct access to a pebble beach. The highlight, however, is Chef Laurent Lemal's Le Balette Restaurant, awarded a Michelin star for its creative flavours. Seven-course 'Curiosité' is a lunchtime favourite.
• Riberach is an ultra-modern hotel set beneath the medieval Bélesta Castle. Contemporary rooms have artsy flourishes; there's a gourmet French restaurant, a trendy bar, sun-terrace and swimming pool. Surrounded by vines, this is a luxurious bolthole for foodies and romantics. Speak to the restaurant team about wine pairings and seasonal dishes — their selection is superb.
• Château de Riell is a beautiful luxury hotel overlooking Mount Canigou. Expect sumputous rooms and suites with beamed ceilings and gorgeous textiles. There's an excellent, hacienda-style restaurant, as well as a superb spa, swimming pool, hot spring bath and Baroque folly in the gardens. Served on Sundays at lunchtime, the "Retour de Marché" menu showcases local producers and is a real highlight.

For Couples

• Hôtel & Spa Les Mouettes, on the dramatic Vermillion Coast, promises superb ocean views. Set between Argelès-sur-Mer and Collioure, this luxurious hotel has modern rooms and suites, a swimming pool, snack bar and spa with hammam, hot tub and wide range of massage treatments. Families are welcome, but this is a chic choice for a romantic escape.
• La Villa Duflot is a romantic oasis on the edge of Perpignan. You'll find 52 stylish, Art Deco-inspired rooms and suites with bold terracotta tones set within leafy gardens. Many rooms have private terraces, plus there's a fabulous swimming pool, alfresco restaurant and a soothing Nuxe spa. Event spaces make this a great wedding venue, too. A vibrant couples' choice.
• Le Relais des Chartreuses is a chic 17th-century stone farmhouse conversion near Le Boulou, with airy, contemporary interiors featuring white-on-white decor in attractive rooms and suites. Highlights include a swimming pool, verdant gardens and a great restaurant. Elegant and intimate.
• La Casa Païral is a historic, family-run hotel, tucked within a gorgeous 1870-built townhouse. Unwind in splendid gardens with a refreshing pool, or retreat to rooms filled with vintage finds and family heirlooms. A charming, indulgent choice for discovering the magic of Collioure as a couple.
• Mas Latour Lavail has superb rooms and suites in a restored Catalan farmhouse set amidst vineyards. Interiors blend traditional charm with striking modern design. Owned by a winemaker, this is a top spot for those looking to taste the fruits of the region before kicking back by the pool or enjoying rural walks. Stylish and romantic.

FOR AN ISLAND ESCAPE

• Hôtel Ile de la Lagune is a swish little hotel on its own island in glossy St Cyprien's lagoon. Step beyond the hotel's pale-pink façade for cool, 1950s-inspired spaces, including a trendy cocktail lounge, two restaurants and indulgent rooms with private terraces, big tubs and lagoon views. Throw in a seawater pool, exceptional Carita spa, two restaurants and a private beach, and you won't want to leave.

For Great Value

• Hôtel De La Loge sits in a 16th century building opposite Perpignan's town hall. Expect Art Deco-inspired interiors, family rooms for those travelling with little ones, and classic white-on-white decor. Some rooms have balconies and free-standing bathtubs. Close to all the main sights, this is an affordable choice for culture vultures and keen on-foot explorers.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

• Fly to Perpignan Airport and journey to your destination by car or shuttle bus. Visitors from regional hubs — such as Paris, Toulouse or Marseille — can travel to Perpignan by train, and on to smaller town stations, such as Argelès-sur-Mer or Collioure.
• The Pyrénées-Orientales region is wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Visit between May and September for temperatures ranging from 22°C - 30°C, but do be aware that this is also peak season. For fewer crowds, great hotel deals and cooler temperatures, travel in April or October.

Still not sure?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Perpignan.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in nearby Aude.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

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