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The destination in nine steps
Thuès-entre-valls
This is the starting point for the Carança Gorge hike, which follows footbridges and walkways along ledges above the water. These passages were dug in 1943 to provide access to the construction site during the boring of the tunnel that would capture the waters of the Carança to supply the Thuès hydroelectric plant. It is also a station on the Yellow Train.
Villefranche-de-conflent
Villefranche is a fortified town in Catalonia whose defensive system, built by Vauban in the 17th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Sights to visit include the ramparts, the Viguerie Tower, and Fort Libéria , as well as the shops and houses of prominent citizens and wealthy merchants, and the Romanesque church of Saint-Jacques with its rich furnishings. Nearby are the caves of Petites and Grandes Canalettes and the Cova Bastera cave . It is also a station on the Yellow Train.
Saint Martin du Canigo Abbey
In the commune of Casteil , the former Benedictine abbey of Saint-Martin-du-Canigou is perched like an eagle's nest in the heart of the Canigou massif. It boasts over 1,000 years of history and unique architecture. After a brisk hike to the summit of the rocky peak, discover this jewel of regional Romanesque art with its Lombard bell tower, marble capitals, abbey church, and 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'll find it as you travel up the Boulès valley, in the heart of the Aspres region and the eastern foothills of the Canigou massif. The road winds its way until it opens onto one of our heritage treasures: the Serrabona Priory . Perched at an altitude of 600 meters in a verdant setting in the commune of Boule d'Amont, this 10th-century priory houses an exceptional rood screen made of pink marble from Villefranche. The sculpted capitals of its columns are of rare detail and contribute to the renown of this important site 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 its church. Overlooking the city, Fort Lagarde is attached to it by underground galleries.
To visit : His church Saints Juste and Ruffine, The Fort Lagarde built by Vauban, the Mir Tower and the hermitage of Our Lady of Coral
