Rivesaltes offers a range of discoveries: the Mémorial du Camp de Rivesaltes among preserved barracks, a museum in the center of the old town, historic churches and towers, and wine-related experiences. The weekly market is also part of the town’s character. During your stay, you can focus on remembrance and history, on wine, or on both.
The MĂ©morial and the history of the camp
The MĂ©morial du Camp de Rivesaltes was built among the preserved barracks of the former camp. Camp Joffre occupied a very large site north of the municipality, separate from the urban area; the MĂ©morial is at its eastern end. The memorial site is therefore clearly distinct from the urban area. The former camp was the setting for the fate of more than 60,000 people.
Video guides for the outdoor tour and permanent exhibition are available in six languages: French, English, Spanish, Catalan, German, and French Sign Language. This allows you to choose the language that suits you best for both areas. The memorial site brings together the location among the barracks and an exploration of the camp’s history; these are two different parts of a visit.
Museum, churches and towers
The Musée-Maison Natale du Maréchal Joffre is located in Joffre’s birthplace in the center of old Rivesaltes. The museum covers 200 square meters over three levels. On the ground floor, panels by the French armed forces’ historical service explain Joffre’s career and life. Another exhibition focus is the Battle of the Marne: the Musée Joffre presents an animated relief map and a slideshow on the subject.
The history of the buildings can also be explored at several distinct sites. The fortified Église Saint-André was built between 1657 and 1683 on the site of the former Sainte-Marie church. Its bell tower was completed in 1709. The Beffroi dit Tour de l’Horloge was added in 1755: the mason B. Cornet built it on the site of a gate in the town fortifications. In 1827, the tower was raised and fitted with an iron campanile.
The Chapelle Saint-André has a longer recorded history: it has been mentioned since 923 and was probably rebuilt for the abbots of Lagrasse in the 12th century. A side chapel was added around 1545. These dates mark different building phases; the presumed rebuilding in the 12th century remains probable rather than definitively established.
Discover wine and regional produce
Rivesaltes is known for its naturally sweet wines. Maison Cazes offers guided tastings that also explore food and wine pairings. Tours of the ageing cellar for Vins Doux Naturels and its centuries-old large wooden casks are also available. The focus there is on the cellar and the ageing process.
At Domaine Boudau, a short tour of the tasting cellar shares insights into the terroirs, grape varieties and stages of winemaking. The two experiences therefore have different focuses: Maison Cazes centers on tastings, food pairings and the ageing cellar, while Domaine Boudau focuses on the subjects behind the vineyards and production. A visit to the weekly market offers another perspective on regional produce: local producers sell fresh products there. The market is held weekly; no specific market day is given here.
If you are planning your stay around your interests, these experiences offer a clear choice: the memorial and museum for history, cellars and tastings for wine, and the weekly market for regional produce. Check the current dates and arrangements for each experience before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Rodes, Saint-Jean-Pla-De-Corts, Lamanère, Campoussy, Palau-Del-Vidre, Puyvalador, Ur, Villeneuve-La-Rivière.
For the broader travel guide: Pyrénées-Orientales.
