Port-Vendres, Mediterranean port city in Pyrénées-Orientales, France
Port-Vendres is a Mediterranean harbor town in southern France with a natural inlet protected by rocky cliffs and historic fortifications. The waterfront bustles with fishing boats and commercial vessels, with narrow quays flanked by old stonework and modest buildings.
The settlement grew from a Roman port dedicated to Venus that became an important trading hub over centuries. In the 18th century, a marble monument was raised here to commemorate France's support during the American Revolution.
The harbor comes alive when fishing boats return with their catch, sold directly to buyers at the dock in a tradition that shapes daily life here.
The harbor is easily walkable, with waterfront promenades running along the quays where you can observe daily maritime activity up close. Morning visits are most rewarding, as fishing boats arrive and unload their catch before the day becomes warmer.
A 30-meter marble obelisk stands in the town with inscriptions honoring French officers who supported American independence, making it an unusual memorial to transatlantic solidarity. Few visitors realize this monument connects this small French port to a pivotal moment in world history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Côte Vermeille
3.1 km
Château Royal de Collioure
1.9 km
Tour Madeloc
3.9 km
Fort Saint-Elme
925 m
Cap Béar Lighthouse
2.6 km
Fort Béar
1.6 km
Plage de Paulilles
2.4 km
Place de l'Obélisque
323 m
Fort Dugommier
1.6 km
Sémaphore du cap Béar
2.3 km
Couvent des dominicains de Collioure
1.6 km
Modern Art Museum of Collioure
1.4 km
Feu métallique du môle
1.2 km
Port-Vendres War Memorial
322 m
Fort de la Moresca
797 m
Redoute Béar
814 m
Molí de Cotlliure
1.4 km
Fort del Fanal
790 m
Église Sainte-Marie de Cosprons
2.3 km
Fort de Mailly
1.1 kmViaduc du Douy
2.7 km
Croix de cimetière de Collioure
2.1 kmDouzans house
4.4 km
Sentier Littoral
3.7 km
Torre del Fanal
1.7 km
Fort Mirador de Cotlliure
3.9 km
Plage des Elmes
3.9 km
Ansa de la Valeta
1.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes