Hi,
Have being to this area several times and certainly would'nt compare it to Blackpool !! There is a centre beach area which does have all the tourist type shops and restaurants, stay clear if that is not your scene. Its does however have a great promenade. The port area probably has better restaurants. Move a little further away to find the real 'France'. The old village of Argeles is really worth spending time around and has a great atmosphere, particularly on market days. Collioure ten minutes down the coast is a must, although very busy, is very scenic with a great buzz. Head further down the coast for a very scenic drive. The north beach in Argeles is a less commercial beach with lots of water sports. A little further out small villlages like Sorede, and Ceret in the Pyreneese are worth visiting as is Villefrance de Conflent and Castelnou. Central Perpignan, is also a nice place to visit, whixh is only 15 minutes drive. The country side is very scenic and impressive, if people bother to move away from the swimming pools ! Ther list goes on .....