Across the bridge from Ille sur Têt, on the road to Belesta, along a small road on the left running along by the river, lies the ruined village of Casenoves, (‘new houses’ in Catalan).
P-O reader, Peter Spencer, has unearthed the story behind the monument in Céret, commemorating artists that have been drawn to the area and have links to Céret and the P-O. Part 1.
Out for the day – enjoy the cherry blossom stroll in Amélie les Bains. Best viewed in springtime but a great excursion all year roung
If you like visiting ruined châteaux, head north to the valley of the Orbiel. Just twenty minutes from Carcassonne is the village of Lastours. High on a ridge above the village, four separate châteaux stand in a line: Cabaret, Tour Régine, Surdespine and Quertinheux.
The ‘Castell de Sant Ferran’, built in Figueres in the mid 18th century, is the largest bastioned fortress in Europe and could house 4,000 men.
Did You Know: Amélie special. Are you an Amélie aficionado? Here’s a miscellaneous selection of Amélie-related facts that may (or may not) help you win a local quiz.
A full day hike taking in the gorges and forest of the Spanish Pyrenees from Sadernes to St. Aniol
How about Halloween in Villefranche de Conflent. Several shops sell ‘poupées sorcières’, as befits the legends of magic and witchcraft surrounding this region.
This month we’re heading up to to the mountain towns of Font Romeu and Les Angles, with a couple of stops en route to explore the historic walled towns of Villefranche and Mont Louis.
Thuir, dynamic little town in the Aspres, is well worth a wander. Plenty of good restaurants, cafés and shops to while away a pleasant few hours, colourful and lively market….