Rivesaltes is located in the Roussillon plain, between the Mediterranean Sea and the foothills of the Pyrenees. The town lies about 10 kilometers east of Perpignan, the main city in the region.

Rivesaltes is renowned for its vineyards and its production of natural sweet wines, notably the famous natural sweet wine of the same name, Rivesaltes. The vineyards extend around the town and contribute to the local economy.
The city has a rich historical heritage. The town is notably home to the Camp de Rivesaltes Memorial, a former French internment camp which was used during the Second World War and during the Algerian War. Today, the site is a place of memory and houses a museum dedicated to the history of the camp.​

Access: Rivesaltes is easily accessible by road, thanks to its proximity to the A9 motorway which connects Perpignan to other major towns in the region and beyond. The town also has a railway station which provides connections to other regional destinations.

The Red Train parks on track 4. In order to reach this track, you have to cross a footbridge with numerous steps. Lane 4 does not have access for people with disabilities.

To remedy this problem it is possible to go to the next station, Espira de l'agly where the platform has been adapted.​