Originally set up by the Rois de Majorque as a defence system to protect the Roussillon from invaders, the tours de signaux (signal towers) allowed information to be passed quickly around the region, using fire and smoke signals.
If you’re looking for an exciting winter or spring drive, why not take the stunning coast road across the border to El Port de la Selva, and return to France via Figueres?
High above the village of Sorède, you will find the ruggedly impressive ruins of the Château d’Ultrera – the Castle of the Vulture
They might not all be a pulsing whirl of excitement – some are only small gatherings scantily attended – but it’s a great way to support the local producers.
A straightforward circular walk of 8.5 kilometres up to les Monts d’Estagel on easy pistes and tracks with some portions of road, This walk offers great views of the Corbières ridges and valleys and beyond with a steep section up a lovely rocky valley.
A trompe l’oeil, or ‘trick of the eye’, is the art of illusion, a technique using realistic imagery to create an optical illusion of depth. Some of them are mind blowing.
Back in medieval times Collioure’s reputation revolved around the salting of anchovies, sardines and tuna.
Each year, the Ermitage de la Saint Ferréol bursts with life with the annual Festa Major. Tradition, religion, food and drink… it’s a firm favourite with the locals.
Perched high on their unbelievable mountainous rocky outcrops, the castles of Queribus and Peyrepertuse dominate the beautiful rolling vineyards of Maury and Cucugnan.
The track you want is the gated one with the small signpost “chemin d’enfer” (gate to Hell) hammered onto a tree.
