Renting a holiday apartment in Rivesaltes is one option for staying in this area.
Culture and history
The Mémorial du Camp de Rivesaltes was built among the surviving barracks of the former camp. The former Camp de Rivesaltes was the setting for the fate of more than 60,000 people. Video guides for the Mémorial’s outdoor tour and permanent exhibition are available in six languages: French, English, Spanish, Catalan, German and French Sign Language.
The Musée-Maison Natale du Maréchal Joffre is located in Joffre’s birthplace in the centre of the old town of Rivesaltes and covers 200 m² over three floors. On the ground floor, panels from the historical service of the French armed forces explain Joffre’s career and life. The Musée Joffre is dedicated to the Battle of the Marne and features an animated relief map and a slideshow.
The Église Saint-André is a fortified church built between 1657 and 1683 on the site of the former Sainte-Marie church. Its bell tower was completed in 1709. The Chapelle Saint-André has been mentioned since 923 and was probably rebuilt in the 12th century for the abbots of Lagrasse. A side chapel was added around 1545.
The Beffroi dit Tour de l'Horloge was built in 1755 by the mason B. Cornet on the site of a gate in the town fortifications. In 1827, the Tour de l'Horloge was extended upwards and fitted with an iron campanile.
Wine and regional products
Rivesaltes is known for its naturally sweet wines. Maison Cazes offers wine tastings accompanied by experts, including advice on suitable food and wine pairings. The offer also includes tours of the ageing cellar for Vins Doux Naturels and the centuries-old large wooden casks.
At the tasting cellar of Domaine Boudau, a short tour provides information about the terroirs, grape varieties and stages of winemaking. Regional producers offer fresh products at the weekly market in Rivesaltes.
Geographical location
Camp Joffre occupies a very large area north of the municipality of Rivesaltes, separate from the urban area; the Mémorial was built at its eastern end.
