Port-Vendres, France

Few travelers have discovered the small Catalan fishing town nestled between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees. The town’s name comes from Venus (Portus Veneris) and was part of the kingdom of Majorca during the Middle Ages. The natural beauty of Port-Vendres comes alive in its sandy beaches, pebble coves, and many hiking trails, offering views of the Catalan coast and nearby vineyards. You can hike to Fort Saint-Elmo for panoramic views and to learn about the region's military history. Relax and watch fishing boats arrive at port with their daily catch, served up in the town’s many beachfront restaurants. Explore the town’s rich history by visiting the Obelisk, a 100-foot monument in the center of Royal Square—built in1783 to commemorate U.S. independence, supported by France and declared at the Treaty of Versailles that year. Explore the works of Scottish watercolorist Charles Rennie Mackintosh at his namesake museum, or stroll the gardens of the Dynamiterie de Paulilles, a former explosives factory and today a museum and nature preserve.