The Name Of Argeles

The name of Argelès is a derivative of the word “Clay”. It means “Fatty Ground exactly”, to take within the meaning of “Fertile Ground”.

Prehistory with Argelès on sea arises during the Neolithic era, more precisely the megalithic time. Two dolmens are on the territory of the commune: the “Collet of Collioure” and the dolmen state “Cova del Alarb”. They have every both summer classified historic buildings on November 3, 1958.

There are two possible explanations for the name of Argelès:
Place planted with broom (”argelac” or “argelaga” in Catalan).
This etymology, appearing on the town shield, accepts neither linguistic analysis nor comparison with the numerous towns having identical or similar names.
Clayey place (from the latin word “argila”, clay). Obviously, it’s the right explanation. The first mention dates from 879: “Villa de Argilariis”, then the name is used again with the forms “Argelarium, Argelaria, Argilaria” in the 10th century.
On Argelès-sur-Mer coat of arms, the mention “qui s’hi acosta, té resposta” can be seen. Which means “gather thistles, anticipate prickles” or “who rubs there, pricks himself there”.