Vermillion and Amethyst Coast (France)

Vermillion (Côte Vermeille) and Amethyst (Côte d’Améthyste) Coast

The length of the Mediterranean coast in Occitan is approximately 250 kilometers. There are many good beaches and marinas on the coast. This part of the coast is not as famous among tourists as the eastern part of the Mediterranean coast of France. Montpellier, Perpignan and Narbonne are the largest cities on this stretch of coast.

The Côte Vermeille (Catalan: Costa Vermella, meaning “vermilion coast”) is a region in the French department of Pyrénées-Orientales, near the border with Spain. The Côte Vermeille stretches from Argelès-sur-Mer to the border village of Cerbère. The towns of Collioure, Port-Vendres and Banyuls-sur-Mer are nested along a 20 km stretch of beaches, small bays, creeks and coves.

The Amethyst Coast (Côte d’Améthyste) is the name given to a portion of the French coast. It stretches from Port Leucate in the south to Sète in the north. It owes its name to amethyst, a variety of purple quartz.

Many beaches and interesting sights are available on these parts of the Mediterranean coast. Among the best:

Vermillion Coast (Côte Vermeille):

Collioure – a place of inspiration for Picasso, Matisse, Dali

Port-Vendres – beaches and fortifications

Argelès-sur-Mer and its beaches

Amethyst Coast (Côte d’Améthyste):

Port Leucate – the cheapest oysters in France and the center of European land windsurfing 

Mèze resort on the lake de Thau

Sète – the “Venice of Languedoc”

Agde – leading tourist resort in Europe by its accommodation capacity

See here Azure Coast resorts

See here best sea and ocean resorts of France and Spain (223 objects)

Read more: Interesting places in the Pyrenees and around with Jane Cautch ...