Location
The fishing village Banyuls sur mer is located in the Languedoc Roussillon area, on the cost ” Côte Vermeille”. It is neighbored by Cerbère, Port Vendres, Collioure and Argelès sur mer. There are beaches all along the cost of Côte Vermeille with both sandy beaches and cliffs.
The population in Banyuls sur mer is approx 6000. The center is fairly small and is characterized by beautiful old houses and narrow streets.
For nearly two centuries, the smuggling of goods such as salt, tobacco, silver, sugar, rice, textiles and leather to and from Spain was a major activity in Banyuls sur mer. Otherwise the inhabitants lived mainly from fishing and viticulture. Today the wine industry plays a significant economic role and there are about twenty wineries in the village; Domaine Mas Blanc, Domaine Traginer, Banyuls l’Etoile and Cellier des Templiers for naming a few. Banyuls is know for its red sweet Grenache wine “Banyuls” and under the Collioure appellation, the town is also a center of quality dry reds, rosés and whites, with a number of producers of natural wines.
The foothills of Pyrenees, the Monts Albères, run into the Mediterranean Sea in Banyuls sur mer, creating a steep cliff line. The grapes therefore need to be picked by hand and some winemakers are using donkeys to transport the grapes… In October the Wine festival in Banyuls takes place and people from all over France are coming to enjoy the wines and the festival.
Banyuls sur mer has the first natural marine reserve in France with the cleanest water of the Mediterranean Sea. Villa Ey is located within the marine reserve with a beautiful secluded beach only steps away from the house. The Marine Laboratory with its aquarium and the port is only 10 minutes walk from our house. Banyuls is perfect for snorkeling, diving, sea kayaking, fishing, boating etc. There are several diving centers and boat rentals in the village.
Banyuls village with its stores, bars, restaurants and its beach is only within 10-15 minutes walk from our villa. You can find most things in Banyuls. There are bakeries, a butcher, a fish store, grocery stores, a supermarket, fruit and vegetable stores, flower shops, pharmacies, clothing stores etc. Every Thursday and Sunday all year around is the local market.
There are several bars and restaurants along the waterfront in Banyuls and there are often performances or activities on the main square. Along the boardwalk you will also find a nice playground and the tourism office.