Restaurant near Le Boulou

A seaside restaurant 35 km from Le Boulou

Le Boulou lies at the foot of the Albères, where the Pyrenees slope down to the Roussillon plain. The sea is close as the crow flies, but you have to cross the plain to reach the coast. Port-Vendres, 35 km away, is the end of that journey: after the Tech valley vineyards and the plane-tree-lined Roussillon roads, you emerge onto a Mediterranean fishing port, with the red schist cliffs of the Côte Vermeille behind and the sea in front. Le France stands on that quay, its terrace open every day.

The speciality worth the trip: Le France's grill set menu. To start, foie gras ravioli with Banyuls sauce or a full Catalan platter. For the main, a mixed fish grill (sea bass, king prawns, grilled squid) or beef skewers with fries. For dessert, crema catalana or a homemade brownie. All for €26.50, facing the boats. From Le Boulou, it's the seaside outing that makes the 35 km worthwhile.