Sainte-Marie-la-Mer, Coastal commune in Pyrénées-Orientales, France.
Sainte-Marie-la-Mer covers 110.29 square kilometers along the Mediterranean coast, positioned at just 4 meters above sea level with a small harbor, sandy beaches, and traditional Mediterranean architecture throughout the village.
This former fishing settlement evolved through centuries under various Catalan and Spanish influences, gradually developing its maritime trade and commercial activities before transforming into a modern seaside resort destination.
The commune preserves its Catalan heritage through Mediterranean-style architecture, traditional summer festivals, and regional culinary customs that reflect the Occitan and Catalan influences prevalent throughout the region.
Accessible from Perpignan via local roads, the commune features a post office (postal code 66470), a recreational harbor, beachfront cafes, and various accommodation options ranging from small inns to vacation rentals.
Local fishermen continue to practice ancient fishing techniques passed down through generations, maintaining a tangible connection to the centuries-old maritime traditions that have defined this Mediterranean coastal community.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.