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Roussillon Itinerary – 15 days (the “let’s make the most of it” version)

Roussillon 15-Day Road Trip: Mediterranean Coast, Mountains, Vineyards & Charming Villages

Dreaming of a 15-day trip through the Roussillon region, exploring the Mediterranean coast, the Pyrenees mountains, Cathar castles, and wine estates? Here’s a Roussillon itinerary “make the most of it” edition, designed for a comfortable rhythm with varied stops and activity ideas for each day. To enjoy the region to the fullest, we recommend staying in comfortable holiday homes, ideally located between sea and mountains. That’s exactly the spirit of the accommodations offered by We Are Living.

Days 1–3: Côte Vermeille – Collioure, Port-Vendres & Banyuls-sur-Mer

Start this 15-day Roussillon road trip with the iconic Côte Vermeille. Collioure, Port-Vendres, and Banyuls offer a perfect blend of colorful seaside villages, wild coves, and wine tastings, with the unique light that inspired so many painters.

Top Things to Do on the Côte Vermeille

  • Wander the charming streets of Collioure: the port, Mouré district, and Notre-Dame-des-Anges church.
  • Visit Collioure Royal Castle with its seasonal exhibitions.
  • Hike the coastal trail between Collioure, Port-Vendres, and Banyuls-sur-Mer.
  • Explore Paulilles Bay, one of the most beautiful coves in the region.
  • Take a kayak, paddleboard, or boat excursion to admire the coast from the sea.

Wine Tastings & Local Cellars

The Roussillon is a major wine region. Use these first days to discover the wines of Collioure and Banyuls:
  • Wine estates and cellars around Banyuls-sur-Mer (famous for fortified wines).
  • Guided wine tastings of Collioure reds, whites, and rosés along the Côte Vermeille.

Evening Ideas

  • Dinner on a seaside terrace in Collioure or Port-Vendres.
  • Evening stroll in Collioure’s port — especially lovely in summer.

Where to Stay Near the Côte Vermeille

For this first stage, consider staying just a few minutes inland, in a quieter area. We Are Living homes located in the Catalan backcountry let you enjoy sea & mountain without the coastal crowds:

Days 4–5: Perpignan & the Vineyards of the Roussillon

Next on your Roussillon itinerary: Perpignan and the surrounding wine country. This is your chance to blend history, gastronomy, and wine tourism.

What to See in Perpignan

  • Palace of the Kings of Majorca with panoramic views.
  • The historic center: Castillet, Loge de Mer, St. John the Baptist Cathedral.
  • Stroll through lively pedestrian streets and squares.

Exploring the Roussillon Wine Region

Perpignan is a perfect starting point to discover the Roussillon vineyards. Plan a half-day or full-day for:
  • Visiting multiple wineries between sea and mountains.
  • Discovering local appellations: Côtes du Roussillon, Côtes du Roussillon Villages, fortified wines.
  • Enjoying a guided tasting or winery tour.

Suggested Pace

  • Day 4: Explore Perpignan + dinner in town.
  • Day 5: Full wine-tourism day in the vineyards.

Where to Stay to Explore Perpignan & the Vineyards

Staying slightly inland, close to the vineyards, lets you fully enjoy the Roussillon atmosphere. We Are Living homes offer the perfect base between towns, wineries, and the coast:

Days 6–7: Cathar Castles & the Roussillon Backcountry

The Roussillon is also home to dramatic castles and wild landscapes. These two days focus on the region’s iconic Cathar castles and spectacular gorges.

Must-See Cathar Castles

  • Peyrepertuse: perched on a rocky ridge with breathtaking views.
  • Quéribus: one of the last Cathar strongholds, overlooking the Corbières mountains.
  • You can add more Cathar sites depending on your pace.

Galamus Gorges & Scenic Villages

  • Walk or hike through the Galamus Gorges.
  • Explore charming villages in the Roussillon backcountry.

Suggested Itinerary

  • Day 6: Peyrepertuse + Quéribus.
  • Day 7: Galamus Gorges + villages & viewpoints.

Complete Your Visit with the We Are Living Blog

To prepare this part of the trip, check out our dedicated guide to the Cathar castles near the Roussillon:

Days 8–10: Sea & Mountains in the Albères

To continue your 15-day trip through the Roussillon, the Albères mountains — between Argelès-sur-Mer and the first ridges of the Pyrenees — are the perfect place to settle in.

Sea & Nature Activities

  • Hiking in the Albères massif with sea views.
  • Beach days in Argelès-sur-Mer or nearby coves.
  • Water sports: paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving.
  • Visit the village of Le Racou for a more intimate atmosphere.

Village Life & Gastronomy

  • Explore the typical villages of the Albères (narrow lanes, shaded squares, local markets).
  • Try Catalan cuisine or enjoy tapas restaurants.

Recommended Pace

  • Day 8: Arrival, beach time & village discovery.
  • Day 9: Hike + free time.
  • Day 10: Water activities or visit a seaside winery.

Where to Stay for a Sea & Mountain Experience

This is exactly the philosophy behind We Are Living – Sea & Mountain: holiday homes located in the Catalan backcountry, just minutes from the sea and the hiking trails.

Days 11–13: Haut-Conflent & Cerdagne – Fresh Alpine Air & Pyrenean Landscapes

The itinerary then continues into the mountains, through Haut-Conflent and Cerdagne, to enjoy the fresh Pyrenean air, lakes, and breathtaking scenery.

Highlights in Haut-Conflent & Cerdagne

  • Visit the Mont-Louis Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Ride the famous Yellow Train through the valleys.
  • Hike around the Bouillouses Lakes.
  • Relax in the natural hot springs.

Mountain Village Atmosphere

Use these days to enjoy mountain village charm, local specialties (cured meats, cheeses, hearty dishes), and wide-open spaces.

Recommended Pace

  • Day 11: Mont-Louis + Yellow Train.
  • Day 12: Hike at Bouillouses Lakes.
  • Day 13: Relaxation, hot springs & villages.

Days 14–15: Coastal Finale – Canet-en-Roussillon & Saint-Cyprien

To wrap up this 15-day Roussillon adventure, head back to the sea toward Canet-en-Roussillon and Saint-Cyprien. The perfect spot to unwind before heading home.

What to Do in Canet & Saint-Cyprien

  • Enjoy wide sandy beaches and coastal promenades.
  • Discover the Canet Lagoon and its birdlife (including flamingos in season).
  • Take a boat trip or sunset cruise.
  • Relax in a spa or beach club.

Last Moments in the Roussillon

These final days are ideal for slowing down, picking up local specialties (wine, olive oil, Catalan products), and enjoying the landscapes one last time.

Where to Stay in the Roussillon – We Are Living Homes

To fully enjoy this 15-day Roussillon itinerary, choosing the right accommodation is key. We Are Living offers stays in carefully selected holiday homes, located between sea, mountains, and vineyards.

We Are Living Homes – Roussillon

Staying in these homes gives you a perfect base to explore the entire region: Côte Vermeille, Perpignan, Cathar Castles, Albères, Haut-Conflent, and Cerdagne.

Practical Tips for a 15-Day Trip in the Roussillon

Best Time to Visit

The Roussillon is great year-round, but the ideal seasons for combining beach time, mountain activities, and sightseeing are late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October).

How Long Should You Stay?

A 15-day trip is perfect to explore the Côte Vermeille, Perpignan, Cathar castles, the Albères, Haut-Conflent, and Cerdagne, all at a relaxed pace.

Transportation & Getting Around

  • A car is the most practical option for a Roussillon road trip.
  • Roads are generally good, though some mountain sections are more winding.
  • Plan regular stops to enjoy the viewpoints.

FAQ – Traveling in the Roussillon

Why choose the Roussillon for a 15-day trip?

The Roussillon offers a compact mix of sea, mountains, vineyards, and charming villages. In 15 days, you can enjoy beaches, hikes, cultural visits, wine tastings, and Catalan cuisine.

Is 15 days in the Roussillon too long?

Not at all — the itinerary covers several distinct areas: Côte Vermeille, Perpignan, backcountry villages, and the Pyrenees mountains. You can adjust each stage depending on your preferences.

Is this itinerary family-friendly?

Yes, this 15-day Roussillon itinerary is great for families. Beaches, easy hikes, mountain lakes, and castle visits are fun for kids and teens alike.

Stay in the heart of the Catalan Country and the Roussillon

Two unique retreats between sea and mountains: design, comfort and Mediterranean light. Choose your home — we’ll handle the rest.

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