Thinking about a family holiday in the south of France? If you’re after a spot that’s easy to reach, family-friendly and a little less crowded than the big-name resorts, Canet-en-Roussillon is worth a look. We asked Phil Davies, owner of family holiday resort Imagine Roussillon, to share his top reasons why Canet-en-Roussillon makes such a great base for a family holiday.
#1. Canet-en-Roussillon is accessible via various airports
One of the big perks of this area is choice. Because Canet-en-Roussillon sits within reach of several airports, you can shop around for the best flight deals for your family rather than being tied to one route.
Nearby airports include:
- Carcassonne (70 minutes)
- Béziers (70 minutes)
- Perpignan (20 minutes)
- Girona (80 minutes)
- Toulouse (2 hours)
- Montpellier (1 hour 45 minutes)
#2. Child-friendly beaches
There are safe, sandy beaches in and around Canet-en-Roussillon, all just a few minutes’ drive away, including Canet Plage, Argelès-sur-Mer and St Cyprien.
Torreilles Beach, with its sand dunes and views of the Pyrenees, is a lovely option too, and tends to be quieter than some of the more popular spots.
#3. Small resorts with plenty to do
Dotted around Canet-en-Roussillon are several small resorts with lots for kids to enjoy, from merry-go-rounds to boat trips to fabulous home-made ice cream. Some family favourites in the area, all with good restaurants nearby, include:
- Sainte-Marie-la-Mer
- Collioure
- Torreilles
- Banyuls-sur-Mer
#4. Exotic Perpignan
Perpignan is the largest city near Canet-en-Roussillon, just a 15-minute drive away. Thanks to its closeness to the Spanish border, Catalan culture is everywhere here. Head into the old town for narrow streets, pavement cafés and restaurants.
It’s also worth visiting the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, once a royal residence dating back to the twelfth to fourteenth centuries. Kids will enjoy exploring the gardens and courtyard of this impressive castle.
#5. Scenic mountains
This corner of France has fabulous views of the nearby Pyrenees.
For a train journey the kids will love, book a trip on the Train Jaune (The Little Yellow Train), which runs from Villefranche-de-Conflent — itself a historic walled town and UNESCO World Heritage site — to Latour-de-Carol, near the Spanish town of Puigcerdà. Puigcerdà has a lively shopping promenade and plenty of lunch options.
The ride gives spectacular views of the mountain scenery, with fortresses, villages and old buildings perched along the slopes.
#6. Easy access to Spain
Canet-en-Roussillon also works as a gateway to the Costa Brava and Barcelona — the Spanish border is just 35 minutes away, making day trips to Spain simple and enjoyable.
Cadaqués is a pretty coastal town with a waterfront lined with restaurants and steep, narrow streets to wander. If you fancy some culture, the Casa Salvador Dalí in nearby Portlligat — his former seaside home and studio — is well worth a visit. Top tip: admission is by advance ticket only, so book a time slot online before you go.
Recommended Reading: Top 10 Things to Do in Barcelona with Teens or Tweens
#7. The food
France is renowned for good food and wine, and Canet-en-Roussillon doesn’t disappoint — you’ll find plenty of choice when it comes to fresh food and restaurants.
Local specialities show a real Spanish influence, with dishes like tapenades, salads, sardines, fresh fish and tapas alongside French classics such as cassoulet and steak. For a special treat, the seafood and oysters at Leucate are a highlight.
#8. Horrible history
For anyone who loves a bit of “horrible history,” the area around Canet-en-Roussillon has plenty to offer. Medieval villages such as Collioure make for a delightful afternoon out.
Or take a day trip to see some of the region’s Cathar castles, such as Château de Peyrepertuse, one of the most striking castles from the old defensive line known as “the five sons of Carcassonne.”
And of course, there’s the must-see Carcassonne citadel, known as La Cité. It’s enormous — 53 towers, two huge walls, a moat and drawbridges, like something from a fairytale. Inside the fortifications you’ll even find a castle, a church and a small town.
#9. Vineyard routes the whole family will enjoy
A day trip to Collioure and on to the Costa Brava, with stops for wine tasting along the way, is a lovely option — and more family-friendly than it might sound. Many vineyards sit close to beaches or villages with play facilities, and some even have on-site play parks or colouring stations to keep kids entertained while the grown-ups taste the wine.
Someone will have to stay sober to drive, of course! If you’d rather stay closer to base, Château de Rey, right next to Imagine Roussillon, has a giant bench the kids love and a family-friendly walking route around the vines.
#10. It’s less crowded than the Côte d’Azur
You’ll find Canet-en-Roussillon and the surrounding area much less crowded and less built-up than the Côte d’Azur, while still offering beautiful scenery, great weather, easy beach access, delicious food and plenty for the whole family to enjoy.
Designed with families in mind, Imagine Roussillon is a real hidden gem for family holidays. Set among vineyards and just seven minutes’ drive from sandy Mediterranean beaches, it’s based in a former wine estate.
Kids’ club and babysitting are included, along with heated pools, a play park, fitness classes and a gym — making it a relaxing getaway for parents and children alike.
Have you visited Canet-en-Roussillon? We’d love to hear about your family holiday experience in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Canet-en-Roussillon?
Canet-en-Roussillon is within reach of several airports, including Perpignan (around 20 minutes away), Girona, Béziers, Carcassonne, Montpellier and Toulouse, so families can compare flight options to find the best deal.
Are the beaches near Canet-en-Roussillon suitable for young children?
Yes — there are several safe, sandy beaches nearby, including Canet Plage, Argelès-sur-Mer, St Cyprien and Torreilles Beach, all within a short drive.
Can we take day trips to Spain from Canet-en-Roussillon?
Yes, the Spanish border is around 35 minutes away, making it easy to visit spots like Cadaqués or head further on to the Costa Brava and Barcelona.
Is Canet-en-Roussillon busy in peak season?
It’s generally quieter and less developed than the Côte d’Azur, while still offering lovely beaches, scenery and family activities.
More Family Holiday Ideas
- Top 10 Things to Do in Barcelona with Teens or Tweens
- Family-Friendly France: Ideas Beyond the Usual Tourist Spots
- Planning a Multi-Generation Family Holiday in Europe
Before You Go
Love the sound of Canet-en-Roussillon? Save this article so it’s handy when you start planning, and browse our other European family holiday ideas for more inspiration.
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