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- Category: Night 4 Camping car
What to do in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer ?
All the events, festivals, markets and outings not to be missed during your stay — a stone's throw from the site, and a little further along the Catalan coast.
Not to be missed this summer!
The must-see events coming up. The countdown is running live.
In Sainte-Marie-la-Mer
The village's events programme (Town Hall & Tourist Office). Past dates disappear automatically: you only see what's still ahead.
All season & free access
Simple pleasures, available every day of your stay.
Nearby — the Catalan coast
Envie de bouger un peu ? Voici une sélection de sorties dans toute la communauté Perpignan Blue : Perpignan, Le Barcarès, Tautavel… à moins de 30 minutes.
Encore plus d'idées ?
The Perpignan Méditerranée Tourist Office updates the calendar continuously. Find all the details, times and latest news there.
Data from the “Spring 2026” municipal programme of Sainte-Marie-la-Mer and the Perpignan Méditerranée Tourist Office calendar. Events may be modified or cancelled without notice.
- Details
- Category: Night 4 Camping car
- Details
- Category: Night 4 Camping car
Motorhome stopover beforeEspagne: why stop inSainte-Marie-la-Mer
The ideal stop before crossing the Spanish border
Heading down to the Costa Brava, Barcelona or Andalusia by motorhome? Driving back from Spain towards northern France? The Night 4 Camping-Car aire, in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer (66), is the perfect strategic stopover just 50 km from the Spanish border.
Just 13 min from exit 41 (Perpignan Sud) on the A9 motorway — only 16 km —, our aire welcomes you 24/7, all year round, with no booking required. Shops and restaurants open until 8 pm are within walking distance: enough to do your shopping, have dinner and take a break after the road. And just 40 min from Le Perthus, your feet are already in the sand.
Why stop here before or after Spain?
Four good reasons to break your journey here rather than driving straight through.
Halfway between France and Spain
Sainte-Marie-la-Mer sits in the heart of French Catalonia, exactly halfway between the major stops of the Rhône valley (Avignon, Montpellier) and the Costa Brava (Roses, Cadaqués, L'Escala, Tossa de Mar).
Whether you're heading down or back up, this stopover spares you from crossing the Pyrenees without a proper break.
Recharge before the border
Before crossing the border, take the time to top everything up:
- Fill up with drinking water (free during your stay)
- Empty your waste water (grey/black)
- Recharge your batteries with peace of mind
- Hot shower and a little laundry before setting off
- Free Wi-Fi: route planning and online shopping (Mercadona, Lidl)
Settle by the great blue sea
Why drive straight through? You're on the Côte Radieuse here, facing the Mediterranean French-style. At dawn, treat yourself to a sunrise with your feet in the sand, as the sea slips out of the waterline, before hitting the road again.
Steps away: shops and restaurants, the old village and its medieval 12th-century heart; a little further, Collioure, Port-Vendres and the Côte Vermeille (under 30 min). Many motorhomers regret not staying an extra day.
See our 50 excursion ideas →
Safe day and night
Site lit at night, video surveillance, spacious pitches suited to large vehicles and trailers.
You sleep soundly, before or after a long stage.
The aire in pictures
A glimpse of your stopover before Spain.
← swipe →
Stopover rates
No booking, no commitment — you only pay for the nights you stay.
Coordinates for your GPS
Night 4 Camping-Car
15 rue Gustave Eiffel
66470 Sainte-Marie-la-Mer
GPS: 42.732525, 3.025429
Tel: +33 (0)7 60 22 92 18
For motorhomers travelling between France and Spain, our aire in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer combines a strategic location, complete services, security and a reasonable price. A night with us means starting (or finishing) your Spanish trip in the best possible conditions.
Safe travels! 🚚🌅
Frequently asked questions: your motorhome stopover before Spain
How far is the aire from the Spanish border?
The Night4CampingCar aire in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer (66) is about thirty minutes from the Le Perthus border — roughly 45 km via the A9 motorway, then La Jonquera on the Spanish side. It's the last seaside stopover before crossing into Spain, and the first place to unwind on the way back.
Can I arrive late in the evening or at night?
Yes. The aire is open 24/7: you can arrive at any time, settle in for the night and leave whenever you like, with no time constraints.
Do I need to book for a one-night stopover?
No, access is free and no booking is required. In peak summer season, simply aim to arrive early enough in the day to be sure of a spot.
What services are available to refill before Spain?
On site: drinking water, a waste-water and chemical-toilet dump station, 16 A electricity, showers and a laundry. Everything you need to refill, freshen up and head off fully self-sufficient.
How much does a one-night stopover cost?
From €9.50 per night depending on the season, all included for parking. Full pricing is shown in the 'Stopover rates' section above.
Are there shops nearby for stocking up?
Yes: shops are 50 m from the aire and the beach is 900 m away. Perfect for shopping, grabbing a bite and enjoying one last Mediterranean swim before the border.
The beach,900 metres away. Right there.
Step out of the van. Slip on your sandals. Ten minutes' walk later, your feet touch the sand of the Mediterranean. It's as simple as that.
✨ Fewer than 5% of French motorhome sites are within 1 km of the sea.You're in the right place.
🌊 The beach in figures today
The paradise forbike ridesstarts here
Over 30 km of cycle paths and greenwaysdirectly accessible from the site,without getting back in your motorhome. From your pitch, set off and ride between beach, harbour, nature and Catalan villages at your own pace.
Plane-tree avenue
Reach Perpignan easily along a pleasant avenue lined with plane trees and enjoy a cooler ride on sunny days.
Coast towards Canet
Following the coastline southwards, discoverCanet-en-Roussillon, its harbour, its beaches and the lagoon with its typical landscapes between sea and nature.
Adventure to Leucate
Heading north, push the adventure on toLeucatefor a gourmet break and to savour the famous local oysters by the water.
Here, the journey doesn't begin at the wheel: it begins the moment you step off your pitch.
Welcome to our beautiful region of thePyrénées-Orientales, between the Mediterranean, nature and the good life. 🚐✨
BlueMediterranean, mindfultravel
A seaside site is a place of freedom, but also a place to protect. Even on holiday, a few simple habits can have a real impact on our environment… and sometimes on your wallet too.
Enjoy without wasting
Water and energy are precious, especially near the Mediterranean coast. Here, everyone uses only what they need.
Consumption that adapts to you
Each pitch has its own electrical terminal. You activate your socket, manage your consumption and pay only for what you actually use.
Travel lighter
Consuming wisely isn't going without: it's avoiding waste, preserving resources and fully enjoying what matters.
One action multiplied by thousands of travellers
When a site welcomes travellers all year round, small habits can make a big difference.
"Nature already puts on the show: it's simply up to us to take care of it."
— The team at the Sainte-Marie-la-Mer motorhome site
🚐 Fancy coming to discover the site?
Motorhome site 900 m from the Blue Flag beach, shops 50 m away, open 24/7 all year round.Sainte-Marie-la-Mer, Pyrénées-Orientales.
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- Category: Night 4 Camping car
Motorhome site near the beach: 6 reasons to chooseSainte-Marie-la-Mer
Why this site 900 m from the Blue Flag beach makes the difference
Motorhome site near a Mediterranean beach: calm 10 minutes from the sea
Looking for amotorhome site near the beach, practical, quiet and well located in the Pyrénées-Orientales? Welcome to theNight 4 Camping-Car site in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer, about900 metres from the beach, by the Mediterranean sea.
Here, you enjoy the beach, the shops, the walks, the Catalan sun… without the constraints of a big campsite.
1. The beach on foot: park once, truly enjoy
From the site, you can reach the beach in about10 to 12 minutes on foot. No more moving the motorhome, looking for a space or manoeuvring in peak season.
- 🏖️ Sandy beach nearby
- 🚶 Easy access on foot
- 🚲 Bike rides possible
- 🌅 Exceptional sunrise over the Mediterranean
Our tip: head to the beach early in the morning. Thesunrise over the seaoffers a unique view, calm and bright, perfect to start the day.
2. The calm of a motorhome site, without late-night entertainment
Unlike a traditional campsite, our site offers no entertainment, musical evenings or activities organised until late at night.
That's exactly what many motorhomers are looking for: a simpler, freer and generally more peaceful atmosphere.
- 🌙 More chance to sleep in peace
- 😴 A more restful night after the beach
- ☕ Quiet mornings
- 🚐 An atmosphere geared towards travel and relaxation
After a day in the sun, a walk or a meal on the terrace, you can simply settle in front of your motorhome… and go to bed at your own pace ;-)
3. A practical site for real motorhome life
A good motorhome site isn't just a pitch. It's also useful day-to-day services.
- ⚡ Electricity available
- 🚰 Drinking water
- 📶 Free Wi-Fi
- 🚻 Toilets and waste disposal
- 🚿 Hot shower available
- 🌙 Site lit at night
- 📹 CCTV
- 🚐 Access suited to large motorhomes and trailers
4. Everything nearby: shops, beach and real local life
One of the great advantages of Sainte-Marie-la-Mer is being able to park the motorhome and enjoy the surroundings without getting behind the wheel again.
- 🥖 Bakeries
- 🛒 Shops and mini-market
- 🍴 Restaurants, terraces and ice-cream parlours
- 🚲 Cycle paths
- ⚓ Harbour and seafront
- 🛍️ Markets depending on the season
- 🏥 Medical centre and pharmacy
- 🎣 Fishing spots
- ☕ Betting shop and cafés
- 🌾 More natural beaches to discover
- 👋 A friendly local atmosphere: here, people still say hello when they pass each other
That's also what motorhome holidays are about: getting the bread in the morning, chatting for a few minutes, setting off to walk to the beach, then heading quietly back to the site.
5. An ideal starting point to explore the Pyrénées-Orientales
From Sainte-Marie-la-Mer, you enjoy the sea while staying close to many must-see places in the department.
- 🏖️ Canet-en-Roussillon
- 🎨 Collioure
- 🏰 Perpignan
- ⛰️ The Pyrenees
- 🇪🇸 Espagne
- 🌿 The Catalan villages and local markets
You can easily alternate between beach, walks, sightseeing, markets and rest.
6. The Mediterranean seaside all year round
The site is accessible24/7 all year round. Each season has its charm.
- 🌸 Spring: calm, sun and mild weather
- ☀️ Summer: beach, swimming and long days
- 🍂 Autumn: soft light and pleasant temperatures
- 🌊 Winter: vast quiet beaches and a restful atmosphere
For lovers of simple moments, the morning stays magical: walking to the sea, watching the sun appear on the horizon and enjoying a still-silent beach.
When are you coming?
📍 GPS coordinates:42.732525, 3.025429
🚐 Arrivals possible 24/7 subject to available spaces.
In pictures: the aire, 900 m from the beach
A few views of the Sainte-Marie-la-Mer motorhome aire and its immediate surroundings: the Mediterranean on foot, shops 50 m away and green space for cycling.
Handy distances around the aire
| Destination | Distance | How to get there |
|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean beach | 900 m | ≈ 10 min on foot (direct access) |
| Shops & restaurants | 50 m | on foot |
| Canet-en-Roussillon | ≈ 6 km | by bike on the cycle path |
| Perpignan centre | ≈ 12 km | bus, bike or car |
| A9 motorway (exit 41) | ≈ 8 km | by car / motorhome |
| Spanish border | ≈ 40 km | by car / motorhome |
Frequently asked questions
How far is the beach?
Is the aire open all year round?
Are there shops nearby?
How much is one night?
Can I come off-season?
What is there to do around the aire?
Where can you park a motorhome by the sea, open 24/7, near Perpignan?
The beach,900 metres away. Right there.
Step out of the van. Slip on your sandals. Ten minutes' walk later, your feet touch the sand of the Mediterranean. It's as simple as that.
✨ Fewer than 5% of French motorhome sites are within 1 km of the sea.You're in the right place.
🌊 The beach in figures today
The paradise forbike ridesstarts here
Over 30 km of cycle paths and greenwaysdirectly accessible from the site,without getting back in your motorhome. From your pitch, set off and ride between beach, harbour, nature and Catalan villages at your own pace.
Plane-tree avenue
Reach Perpignan easily along a pleasant avenue lined with plane trees and enjoy a cooler ride on sunny days.
Coast towards Canet
Following the coastline southwards, discoverCanet-en-Roussillon, its harbour, its beaches and the lagoon with its typical landscapes between sea and nature.
Adventure to Leucate
Heading north, push the adventure on toLeucatefor a gourmet break and to savour the famous local oysters by the water.
Here, the journey doesn't begin at the wheel: it begins the moment you step off your pitch.
Welcome to our beautiful region of thePyrénées-Orientales, between the Mediterranean, nature and the good life. 🚐✨
🚐 Fancy coming to discover the site?
Motorhome site 900 m from the Blue Flag beach, shops 50 m away, open 24/7 all year round.Sainte-Marie-la-Mer, Pyrénées-Orientales.
- Details
- Category: Night 4 Camping car
Motorhome site near Perpignan: visiting the city by motorhome
Ourmotorhome site near Perpignan, in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer (12 min from the centre), is the ideal base for visiting Perpignan by motorhome without the hassle of city-centre parking.
Visiting Perpignan by motorhome: where to park, what to see, how to get around
Visiting Perpignan by motorhome: the right strategy
Perpignan, the French Catalan capital, is a must-see for any motorhomer heading south or exploring thePyrénées-Orientales. But how do you visit it without the struggle of finding parking suited to your vehicle? The solution:base yourself in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer (10 km) and reach Perpignan by bus, bike or accompanying car.
Why NOT park directly in Perpignan?
Historic city centre, narrow streets, limited heights, underground car parks inaccessible to motorhomes — Perpignan isnot suitedto motorhome parking right in the centre. Official motorhome sites in Perpignan itself are rare, often full in season and not very secure.
The best strategy: a secure motorhome site nearby, like ours in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer (66), and making round trips to Perpignan by transport.
How to reach Perpignan from Sainte-Marie-la-Mer?
🚌 By bus (the easiest)
The regional bus line connects Sainte-Marie-la-Mer to Perpignan in ~30 minutes, at a very affordable fare. Ideal for leaving the motorhome at the secure site and exploring the city with a free mind. See the tranquille. Voir notre bus access guidefor the timetable.
🚴 By bike
ThePyrénées-Orientales cycle pathslet you reach Perpignan by bike (~1h, 12 km) along canals and fields. Bikes available to rent in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer.
🚗 By accompanying car
If you travel in a motorhome with a towed or accompanying car, allow 15-20 minutes via the A9 motorway (exit 41 Perpignan Sud) or the D617.Accompanying car: €1/24hat the Night 4 Camping-Car site.
Top 10 must-see sights in Perpignan
1. The Palace of the Kings of Majorca
A 13th-century medieval fortress, former seat of the kingdom of Majorca. Panoramic view over Perpignan, the Canigou and the Mediterranean Sea. Allow 2h.
2. Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral
A southern Gothic cathedral, a 14th-century gem. Free entry. Adjoining cloister to visit.
3. The Castillet
An emblematic medieval gate of the city, today home to the Casa Pairal museum (Catalan arts and traditions).
4. Place de la Loge and Place de la République
Historic heart with café terraces, market, events. A typical southern atmosphere, perfect for an aperitif.
5. The Saint-Jacques district
A typical Roma district, lively and colourful. Discover authentic Catalan culture. Best done during the day.
6. The Hyacinthe Rigaud Museum
Fine arts in an 18th-century palace. Permanent exhibition + quality temporary ones. Modest admission.
7. The Halles market
Fresh produce, Catalan charcuterie, cheeses, fruit from the Roussillon. Mornings only.
8. The Saint-Mathieu district
Narrow lanes, craftsmen's workshops, bohemian atmosphere. Perfect for strolling and lunch.
9. The TGV station (a Salvador Dalí artwork!)
Salvador Dalí declared Perpignan station« Centre of the world »in 1965. A surprising artwork on the square. Painting and commemorative plaque to see.
10. The Promenade des Platanes and the banks of the Têt
A shaded walk along the river, perfect for digesting after the restaurant.
Where to eat in Perpignan?
Catalan specialities to try:
- Cargolade(grilled snails)
- Boles de picolat(meatballs in tomato sauce)
- Catalan cream
- Maury, Banyuls, Côtes du Roussillon wines
Go for therestaurants of the Saint-Jean districtand theterraces of Place de la Logefor the atmosphere.
How long to visit Perpignan?
- 👉 1 day : old town, Castillet, cathedral, lunch, stroll
- 👉 2 days : + Palace of the Kings of Majorca, Rigaud Museum, tapas evening
- 👉 3 days : + excursion to Collioure / Côte Vermeille or the Maury cellars
Conclusion: the winning combo
Secure motorhome site in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer + visits to Perpignan by bus / bike / accompanying car. It's the relaxed strategy to enjoy the Catalan capital without stressing about parking. And you combine it with beach, sun and premium services.
Book my motorhome stopover (no booking needed, free access)
Everything you need: Sankéo line 5
From Sainte-Marie-la-Mer, line 5 of the Sankéo network takes you straight into the centre of Perpignan in about thirty minutes, at a small price. Leave the motorhome at the aire and explore the city with peace of mind — map, routes and timetables are all online.
Perpignan in pictures
Three must-see landmarks, 12 km from the aire: the Castillet, Saint-Jean-Baptiste cathedral and the Loge de Mer.
Your base camp, 12 km from Perpignan
The smart strategy: sleep by the sea in peace at Sainte-Marie-la-Mer and reach Perpignan during the day. In the evening, back to the water’s edge.
Bus, bike or car: how to reach Perpignan
| Mode | Duration | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 By bus | ≈ 25–30 min | The easiest: no parking to manage, small budget. |
| 🚴 By bike | ≈ 45 min | Along paths and minor roads, for the sporty. |
| 🚗 Accompanying car | ≈ 20 min | Handy if you tow a car; park on the outskirts. |
Frequently asked questions
Can you park a motorhome in Perpignan?
How do you get to Perpignan from the aire?
How long to visit Perpignan?
What must you see in Perpignan?
Can you go all year round?
And after Perpignan?
The beach,900 metres away. Right there.
Step out of the van. Slip on your sandals. Ten minutes' walk later, your feet touch the sand of the Mediterranean. It's as simple as that.
✨ Fewer than 5% of French motorhome sites are within 1 km of the sea.You're in the right place.
🌊 The beach in figures today
The paradise forbike ridesstarts here
Over 30 km of cycle paths and greenwaysdirectly accessible from the site,without getting back in your motorhome. From your pitch, set off and ride between beach, harbour, nature and Catalan villages at your own pace.
Plane-tree avenue
Reach Perpignan easily along a pleasant avenue lined with plane trees and enjoy a cooler ride on sunny days.
Coast towards Canet
Following the coastline southwards, discoverCanet-en-Roussillon, its harbour, its beaches and the lagoon with its typical landscapes between sea and nature.
Adventure to Leucate
Heading north, push the adventure on toLeucatefor a gourmet break and to savour the famous local oysters by the water.
Here, the journey doesn't begin at the wheel: it begins the moment you step off your pitch.
Welcome to our beautiful region of thePyrénées-Orientales, between the Mediterranean, nature and the good life. 🚐✨
🚐 Fancy coming to discover the site?
Motorhome site 900 m from the Blue Flag beach, shops 50 m away, open 24/7 all year round.Sainte-Marie-la-Mer, Pyrénées-Orientales.