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.
Wonderful walk with views of Le Massif de Canigou and its summit and very interesting industrial remains at Les Mines de Salver, near Taurinya.
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.
Situated in the north of the Corbieres, between Narbonne and Carcassone, the medieval village of Lagrasse offers a feast for the eyes and is full of historical and cultural interest.
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.
The track you want is the gated one with the small signpost “chemin d’enfer” (gate to Hell) hammered onto a tree.
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.
Getting a little hot under the collar? Why not head for the cooler air of the Tech Valley?
Girona of today is a great mix of historically interesting old and vibrant lively new, all within easy walking distance.
Picture the gods cleaving the earth with a monstrous axe and you have the spectacular Gorges de Galamus.