Paulilles

Paulilles is a bay and former dynamite factory site located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of southern France, in the Languedoc-Roussillon region (now part of Occitanie). Situated between the towns of Port-Vendres and Banyuls-sur-Mer on the Côte Vermeille (Vermilion Coast), it is a site of significant historical and environmental importance.

Historically, Paulilles was the location of the Nobel Dynamite Factory, founded in 1870 by Paul Barbe, a student and associate of Alfred Nobel. The factory produced dynamite and other explosives for nearly a century, playing a crucial role in mining, quarrying, and construction projects. The location was chosen for its secluded nature, accessibility by sea, and the proximity of natural resources. Production ceased in 1984.

Following the factory's closure, the site underwent extensive rehabilitation and restoration efforts. Today, Paulilles is a protected natural area managed by the Conseil Départemental des Pyrénées-Orientales. The site features preserved factory buildings, exhibition spaces detailing the history of dynamite production and the site's industrial past, walking trails, beaches, and protected marine areas. It serves as a popular destination for tourism, recreation, and environmental education.

The natural environment of Paulilles is characterized by Mediterranean scrubland, rocky cliffs, and the bay itself. The marine environment is rich in biodiversity, making it a valuable site for conservation and scientific research. The bay is also used for recreational activities such as swimming, kayaking, and diving.