Cerbère-Banyuls Marine Reserve & Underwater Trail
Réserve naturelle marine de Cerbère-Banyuls
France's earliest marine nature reserve, where you can snorkel along a buoyed underwater trail in summer and see Mediterranean fish and seagrass meadows.
The reserve was established in 1974 and covers the rocky coastal waters from Banyuls to Cerbère. The roughly 250-meter 'underwater trail' in Paulilles Bay has surface buoys linked to underwater interpretive markers. In summer, masks and snorkels can be rented for free, making it suitable for family snorkeling. The town of Banyuls is known for its sweet wine and for the former home of sculptor Aristide Maillol, and the two can be visited together.
Opening hours
July–August 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Nearby sights
- Cap Béar
- Port-Vendres
- Fort Saint-Elme
- Château Royal de Collioure
- Notre-Dame-des-Anges, Collioure
- Collioure
- Argelès-sur-Mer Beach
- Elne Cathedral & Cloister