Argelès-sur-Mer is often referred to as the “European Camping Capital,” featuring 48 campsites spread across a seven-kilometer sandy beach. With approximately 13,500 pitches available, the area has long been a magnet for camping tourism.
While the town itself has a permanent population of just 10,000, this figure increases dramatically during the summer months, reaching as high as 180,000.
The region’s history with camping dates back to 1950 when local residents observed an influx of holidaymakers pitching tents on the beach.
However, its earliest known association with organized outdoor living goes back to 1938–1939, when French authorities built a concentration camp on the beach to house refugees from the Spanish Civil War, many of whom were Catalan and shared a cultural connection with the local population.
One of the region’s campsites is Les Criques de Porteils, located in Argelès-sur-Mer on France’s Mediterranean coast.
Purchased in 2005 by owner Laurent Raspaud, the site has been steadily redeveloped over four years to appeal to visitors seeking quiet, high-quality holidays in a natural setting.
Today, Les Criques de Porteils promotes itself as a destination for peaceful holidays, with “top standards offered free of charge as part of the pitch fees, from the yoga and guided hiking to extra staff to help make their holiday smooth,” according to a report by TNT Magazine.
With 248 pitches, the campsite now caters to a range of travelers, offering options for tents, campervans, RVs, and mobile home rentals.
Facilities include clean and well-maintained showers, changing rooms, and ample space between pitches to ensure privacy.
The campsite offers a selection of accommodation options ranging from standard pitches with electricity to premium pitches that include private sanitary facilities.
Additionally, guests can stay in a “star hut” or enjoy shaded terraces that highlight the Mediterranean surroundings. The site promotes an environmentally conscious approach to camping, combining comfort with nature-based living.
With seasonal population surges and a diverse clientele, Argelès-sur-Mer continues to serve as a case study in managing high-density tourism while preserving the area’s environmental and cultural integrity.
For outdoor hospitality professionals, Les Criques de Porteils offers a relevant example of repositioning a traditional campsite into an upscale experience while maintaining core elements of camping culture.
The success of the site demonstrates how investment in infrastructure, staff, and wellness-based amenities can help meet growing demand for higher-quality, nature-focused stays.
Featured image by Les Criques de Porteils via lescriques.fr