Things To Do
in Elne

Toasted bread rubbed with ripe tomato and olive oil — a Catalan staple served as an appetizer or side. You'll find it in most cafés and restaurants.

Must-Try!

Catalan meatballs simmered in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce, often available at traditional restaurants or during village feasts.

Salted or marinated anchovies from nearby Collioure — excellent on tapas plates and at seafood-focused eateries along the coast.

A creamy custard dessert with a caramelized sugar crust — commonly offered at bistros and patisseries.

Small local market (days vary seasonally) with fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses and charcuterie — a great place to sample Roussillon olives and cured meats or pick up picnic supplies.

Larger weekly markets nearby where you can find seafood stalls, local wines, pastries and street-food style snacks during summer.

Start interactions with 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' in the evening) and a polite 'Au revoir' when leaving. A friendly handshake is common; acquaintances might exchange two cheek kisses (la bise) in social settings.

French is the official language; Catalan is part of local heritage. Learn basic French phrases and be polite — locals appreciate attempts to speak the language.

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and speak quietly. Casual wear is fine for town and beaches, but smart-casual is customary for nicer restaurants.

Meals are social. Avoid rushing; wait for everyone to be served and say 'Bon appétit' before eating. Tables rarely split the bill automatically in small restaurants — ask the waiter if needed.

Service is generally included in restaurant bills (service compris) — leaving small change or rounding up for good service is appreciated but not required. For exceptional service, a 5–10% tip is fine. Taxi drivers and hotel porters may expect small tips for assistance.

France uses the euro. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in towns but small cafés and market stalls may prefer cash. Chip-and-PIN and contactless payments are common; carry some euros for markets and smaller vendors.

Mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers and fewer tourists make spring a great time for walking, cycling and winery visits. Occasional rain is possible, but days are generally pleasant.

Hot, dry and sunny with peak tourist crowds along the coast; expect busy beaches and higher prices in July–August. Bring sun protection and book accommodation in advance.

Harvest season brings cooler days, colourful vineyards and good wine-related events; the weather is generally comfortable and crowds thin after summer.

Mild but wetter and quieter — some smaller businesses may have reduced hours. Snow can appear in the higher Pyrenees but coastal plains remain temperate.

A network of trails through the Albères foothills offering coastal and mountain views, suitable for short hikes and half-day walks; marked paths and varied terrain.

Iconic Pyrenean peak visible from the plain — full ascents require a day or more and are better attempted with proper equipment, but lower approach trails and viewpoints are accessible for day hikes.

Scenic cliff and shoreline walks between harbour towns with dramatic sea vistas, coves and beaches; easy to moderate difficulty depending on sections chosen.

Rolling hills north of Elne with rural trails through vineyards and olive groves — ideal for quieter walks and cycling routes.

Widely followed locally with amateur clubs and community matches; Perpignan area supports local teams and youth leagues.

Rugby has a strong following in southern France, and regional clubs and matches attract local supporters.

Road cycling and mountain biking are popular due to varied terrain — coastal roads and nearby hills attract recreational and serious cyclists.

Along the coast, sailing, paddleboarding and kayaking are common summer activities.

Vegetarian options are available but not always the focus. Market produce, salads, grilled vegetables (escalivada), and cheese-based dishes are reliable. Inform restaurants in advance for varied vegetarian plates.

Vegan choices exist but can be limited in traditional places; rely on markets, salads, vegetable tapas and some modern cafés. Calling ahead or checking menus online helps.

Smaller restaurants may be aware of gluten-free needs but cross-contamination can occur; bakeries and some traditional dishes often contain wheat, so communicate restrictions clearly.

Carry a translated note describing allergies in French (and Catalan if helpful) and check with chefs as many dishes use nuts, shellfish or dairy.