Majestic mountains, clear lakes, lush forests, untouched beaches and wild rivers: so many wonders that make up the beauty of the Pyrénées-Orientales. This exceptional setting, located in a very popular region, constitutes a destination of choice for many vacationers. However, this place would not be complete without its charming, picturesque villages. Little anecdote: five of them are part of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”, a distinction awarded to around 180 municipalities in the country. Discover the must-see attractions of this region with its rich heritage through this article.
The Catalan village of Eus
Nestled in the heart of French Catalonia, Eus is a village of striking beauty, ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages in France. With its cobbled streets, ancient stone houses and picturesque gardens, it offers preserved medieval architecture that appeals to artists and visitors.
Its exceptional sunshine, one of the highest in France, creates a bright and warm atmosphere, even inspiring the “Lizard Race”, a sporting competition which attracts locals and tourists every year in August.
Visitors can explore the Saint-Vincent Church, admire works in the artisan workshops, stroll through the gardens and enjoy the hiking trails offering panoramas of the surrounding mountains. At the end of the day, welcoming terraces offer the opportunity to savor local specialties in this unique and sunny setting.
The sumptuous village of Villefranche-de-Conflent
Villefranche-de-Conflent has nothing to envy of Eus and is even one of the 50 most visited sites in France. Its fame rests on its ramparts and its fort, restored in the 17th century by Vauban, the military engineer of Louis XIV.
This village is also famous for its iconic yellow train, linking Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour-de-Carol, offering passengers spectacular views of the Cerdagne plateau, adding to the charm of this historic destination.
Villefranche-de-Conflent offers many activities to appreciate its heritage. Visitors can explore the Vauban fortifications, including Fort Liberia and its impressive UNESCO-listed ramparts. Nearby, the Canalettes caves offer a fascinating underground adventure. Between hikes and local crafts, there is something for everyone, with restaurants offering Catalan cuisine in a historic setting.
The village of Evol, jewel of the Pyrénées-Orientales
With its houses with thick schist walls, slate roofs and narrow streets, the hamlet of Evol is an authentic treasure of the Pyrénées-Orientales. The village remains faithful to its ancestral traditions, perpetuated by sheep transhumance and a living folklore populated with legends of fairies and witches.
Besides its rich culture, Evol offers a wide range of activities. St. Andrew's Church, with its medieval architecture and artwork, is a place of interest for history buffs. The local museum, for its part, exhibits traditional objects testifying to mountain life of yesteryear.
Nature lovers will also find hiking trails to discover the landscapes of the Pyrenees and observe local wildlife, while local artisans sometimes organize workshops to introduce visitors to their know-how.
The medieval village of Castelnou
In Catalan, Castelnou means “new castle”, in reference to the village fortress erected at the summit in the 10th century and rebuilt several times over the centuries. This village with preserved medieval heritage is also popular for its culinary specialties. Visitors will be able to taste bougnette, a traditional donut, cargolade, a snail dish, Catalan nougat, a honey confectionery, and Byrrh, a local aperitif.
Beyond culinary pleasures, Castelnou offers various activities, including its picturesque market every Tuesday and hiking trails to the summit of Canigou. History buffs will appreciate the Sainte-Marie du Mercadal church, dating from the 13th century, with its unique sundial. A visit to the Organs of Île-sur-Tet, fascinating geological formations, is also a must.
The village of Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste at the gates of Spain
Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste, located on the Spanish border, south of the Canigou massif, joined the ranking of the Most Beautiful Villages in France on July 1, 2023. This village, partly fortified by Vauban, is also remarkable for its natural heritage, with six Natural Areas of Ecological Interest and several Natura 2000 sites.
This village offers a wide range of activities. Visitors can explore the Romanesque Sainte-Juste-et-Sainte-Ruffine church, then discover the upper and lower town fortifications. Hikers will appreciate the numerous trails that crisscross the Canigou massif, offering routes suitable for all levels, from 1.5 hours to 8 hours of walking. Finally, walks in the Heureuse valley, up to the Col du Miracle or even towards the Pic du Costabonne, allow you to enjoy breathtaking landscapes.
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