A lovely day out on the motorbike in this spectacular region, this short circuit is combined with a visit to a fascinating old Priory, Prieuré de Serrabona, hidden in the hills.
We pass evocatively named places busy with history; Besalú, St Jaume de Llierca, Castellfollit de la Roca before entering Olot and the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcanica de la Garrotxa abundant with fascinating conical and sometimes symmetrical hills.
When the coast gets too hot, too crowded or the sun takes some time off, a day out in the High Vallespir beckons.
Take a dramatic drive from Vinca (on the N116 between Ille sur Tet and Prades) along the winding D13, towards Baillestavy
The Hermitage Saint Antoine with its Cave Chapel is well worth a visit, its first written records dating from the XV century, and continuing till the last hermit/priest, Père Marie, died of hunger and cold in 1870.
Today we’re heading up to the cooler air of the Conflent region, land of contrast, rich in culture and history, from its snowy peaks, wild, mountainous terrain and stunning lakes, to its many pretty and peaceful villages.
The commune of Eus also encompasses another village, that of Comes. It’s an hour-long trek up the mountainside to the ruins of this abandoned village, 2 hours for the more physically challenged.
It’s 1946. War is over. On the sandy tracks of the Racou beach village, amidst fishermen’s huts and makeshift shelters thrown together in darker days by Spanish refugees, people, laugh, drink, share a pastis….
Heading from Le Boulou towards Argelès, turn off first towards Montesquieu-des-Albères and look out for Mas Rous on the left. Michel Bizern produced fortified wine and olives and was known as Miquelo Ros (Michel the blonde) due to his mop of blonde hair.
With quaint, cobbled streets, pretty squares, lively shops, restaurants, and bars, and art and music museums, there is certainly enough temptation to hang around the town, but there is plenty going on around and about too.