Classified site of anse de Paulilles

for a beautiful escape

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Escape to the great outdoors at the Anse de Paulilles (Bay of Paulilles) classified site. The protected natural environment invites you to relax on the beach and to discover the history of this former industrial site. 

Nature excursion at anse de Paulilles

On the coast, between Cap Béar and Cap Oullestrell, the classified site of Anse de Paulliles reveals landscapes that’ll take your breath away.

Between sea and mountains, terraced vineyards and cork-oak forests, venture onto the signposted paths and into the heart of this protected nature park.

Walking enthusiasts can start at the beach and follow the coastal path, or aim for the heights where an ancient water tower now serves as an observation post and offers panoramic views of the site and all the way to the coast.

See the webcam of Paulilles

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A patchwork of landscapes

During your getaway, you’ll enjoy a whole array of panoramic views. In one direction, the little beaches separated by rocky headlands and, in the other, a landscape of sensational colours. Now we understand why it’s called the Vermilion Coast!  Remember to look around you for the many protected plants hiding in the landscape, such as Roussillon Armeria, Catalonian Polycarpon and the Pyrenean carnation.

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Appreciate the coves of the vermilion coast

For those who prefer relaxing on the beach, the Anse de Paulilles bay offers the most beautiful beaches and sandy coves, at the foot of the Albères mountains.

You’ll probably notice along the way the great German wall built to prevent the allies from landing here in 1943. A chance for the family to talk about the great moments of History!

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Visit the Catalonian boat workshop

Sea enthusiasts can take the time to venture into the Catalonian boat restoration workshop. 

The shipwrights will explain that these fishing boats, more commonly known “barques catalanes”, were once used along Mediterranean shores to fish with nets for sardines and anchovies.

Nowadays, the craftsmen who restore these authentic items of local maritime heritage, will demonstrate their expertise and explain how they renovate these traditional multicoloured vessels. A unique experience guaranteed!

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The old dynamite factory: labour heritage in the heart of nature

As you explore the bay of Paulilles, you also explore the past of a site that once housed one of France’s most sensitive industries. For a better understanding of this long history of labour spanning 115 years, head for the park that has been developed over 17 hectares!

A tour of the site will take you back to 1870 when Alfred Nobel and his associate, Paul Barbe, decided to establish a large dynamite factory next to the Mediterranean sea, making this place home to hundreds of labourers as well as thousands of tonnes of dynamite, a church, a school and some shops.

Today, 7 of the factory’s 32 buildings are open to the public for a tour of this exceptional industrial heritage.

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Site de PaulillesLACOMBE L

A tour of the site’s museum

Thanks to the site’s museum with its original museography and collections of photographs and testimonies, you can discover the Paulilles of yesteryear and gain a better understanding of the life of the workers who lived here.