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Circuit of the essentials

EusVincaTrinityPalaldaAmelie-les-BainsArles-sur-Tech- Sainte-Marie Abbey- Moulin-des-ArtsPrats-de-mollo-la-preste-Fort Lagarde- Fortified town- Tower of MirSaint-Laurent-de-Cerdans- House of memory and heritage- Weaves of the Sun- Catalan creationIlles-sur-TetVillefranche-de-Conflent- Fortified town- Fort Liberia- Stage Yellow TrainSaint-Martin Abbeyof the CanigoPriory of SerrabonaBelestaPradesVernet-les-BainsThuès-Entre-Valls- Gorges-de-la-Carença- Stage Yellow TrainForca Real

Thuès-entre-valls

This is the start of the hike Caranca Gorge via footbridges and ledge passages above the water. These passages were dug in 1943 to serve the construction site during the drilling of the tunnel capturing the waters of the Carança to supply the hydroelectric plant of Thuès. It is a station of Yellow train.

Villefranche-de-conflent

Villefranche is a fortified city in Catalonia whose defensive system, erected by Vauban in the XNUMXth century, is listed as a World Heritage Site UNESCOTo visit : the ramparts, the Viguerie tower and the Fort Liberia, or even the stalls and houses of notables or wealthy merchants, the Romanesque church of Saint-Jacques and its rich furnishings. Nearby is the caves of the Petites and Grandes Canalettes and the cave Cova Basera. It is a station of Yellow train.

Saint Martin du Canigo Abbey

In the town of casteil, the former Benedictine abbey Saint-Martin-du-Canigou is perched on an eagle's nest in the heart of the Canigó massif. It is home to over 1 years of history and unique architecture. After an invigorating walk to reach the top of the rocky peak, discover this jewel of regional Romanesque art with the Lombard bell tower, the marble capitals, the abbey church and the vaulted crypt.

Belesta

Parallel to the path of the North Balconies of Canigó, falls on the castle of Caladroy. Old stones marry with the wine passion of this domain against a backdrop of panorama opening on the plain of Roussillon and the birth of the Pyrenees. Want more? Push on to Força Real and its impressive 360° panorama over the whole department. This lookout offers a unique view of the Canigó massif.

Ille-sur-Tet

Going down the Têt valley, the horizon opens onto the Roussillon plain with Ille sur Têt in the foreground. Medieval town reveals its secrets as one walks through the alleys of its old center. The Saint Etienne church sits proudly in the heart of the old Ile. From the northern walls, the gaze falls on the other side of the river on a natural jewel: Les Orgues d'Ille sur Têt. In a mineral cathedral / "fairy chimneys" / the result of meticulous work with the elements. Rain and wind have sculpted sand and clay for nearly 5 million years. A timeless stroll in the middle of this Catalan Cappadocia.

Priory of Serrabona

You will find it by going up the Boulès valley, in the middle of the Aspres and the eastern foothills of the Canigó massif. The road meanders until it comes to one of the treasures of our heritage: the priory of Serrabona. Perched 600 meters above sea level in lush greenery in the town of Boule d'Amont, this priory founded in the XNUMXth century houses an exceptional rood screen in pink Villefranche marble. The sculpted capitals of its columns are of rare meticulousness and have made the reputation of this high place of Romanesque Art.

Arles-sur-Tech

A medieval village, Arles-sur-Tech was built around its Benedictine abbey.
To visit : Sainte-Marie Abbey with a pre-Romanesque lintel, the altarpiece of the Patron Saints Abdon and Sennen, the Rodella, the Gothic cloister, the Holy Tomb. The workshops of Mill of Arts and Crafts and the conservatory of Catalan weavings.

Saint-Laurent-de-Cerdans

Nestled in a green setting where know-how and traditions mingle. It is here that the Catalan espadrilles (vigatanes) and the Toiles du Soleil (canvas for deckchairs, household linen, etc.) are still made.
To visit : the House of Heritage and Memory, the Espadrilles factory: Catalan creation and the Catalan weaving factory: Les Toiles du Soleil.

Prats-de-Mollo-La-Presta

City fortified by Vauban. It is surrounded by a rampart and built around the church of Stes Juste et Ruffine. Overlooking the city, Fort Lagarde is attached to it by underground galleries.
To visit : Its church Saintes Juste et Ruffine, Le Fort Lagarde, the Tower of Mir and the Hermitage of Our Lady of Coral