The Banyuls Aquarium

 

The Banyuls Aquarium of the Laboratoire Arago, run by the biology and land ecology department of the Paris IV University, is housed in the imposing building at the end of the marina. The glimpse it offers of local underwater life: bright corals, octopus, eels, fish of all shapes, sizes and hues, plus showcases of seabirds should inspire you to head off south along the coast road to the Sentier Sous-marin at Peyrefite.
The Réserve Marine Naturelle, opened in 1974 and covering 650 hectares of sea between Banyuls and Cerbère was the first to be created in France. It has successfully provided a protected space for threatened species of sea-life to flourish and to allow the public to appreciate and enjoy the richness of the 12000 fish and shellfish, plus 500 sea-plants that live in its 6.5 x 2 km coastal strip.

The Sentier Sous-Marin (Underwater Trail), organised by the Conseil General, is a sub–marine paradise. The area is marked off, no boats may enter and no fishing is done. Masks and snorkels can be hired and the trail of 250 metres has bouys at intervals, each with an underwater notice listing the different species that may be seen.

Cliffs shelter the bay of Peyrefite from the Tramontane wind and the slope is gentle, making the start of the route well within one’s depth. The beach itself is delightful, on one side the vineyards run to the edge of the cliff, on the other, cork trees provide shady picnic spots. Advice and information is available in the summer from a Reception Hut.

Back in Banyuls sur Mer more information about the Marine Reserve can be obtained from their office on the Quai Georges Petit.

 

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