At first sight, it seems a rather down-at-heel thoroughfare, with its treeless pavements and some sad, shuttered premises. But that is not the whole story.
Is it a church? Was it a mosque? Does the curious clover leaf shaped Notre Dame de la Merci in Planès conceal the tomb of Abu-Nezah, the Arab Governor of the Cerdagne?
Rasiguères and rosé – the alliteration is a fortunate coincidence for this village of vignerons. Though the quality of the wine speaks for itself.
On a clear winter’s day, a drive along the coastal lagoons of Salses and Canet can offer vast skies, wide horizons, bird spotting, oyster eating and windsurfer watching.
Head out for the day to the beautiful seaside town of Collioure- inspiration to some of the world’s greatest artists and home to history, food and culture
A circular 3h 15 mins walk with approx. 380 metres of ascent. Starts with descent to Montner and then ascent to Força Réal, with final descent to Col del Bou via Le Sentier Botanique.
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.
Sébastien le Prestre de Vauban designed a new fort at the crossroads of the Conflent, Capcir and Cerdagne to defend the border. Named after King Louis X1V, it is said that he chose the position of Mont Louis based on the good health and fine teeth of the inhabitants of nearby 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.
Céret-born Martin Fourcade, a 26-year-old non-commissioned officer of the mountain infantry brigade at Chamonix, emerged from the 2014 Sochi Olympic Winter Games as the new star of biathlon, with three medals – two gold and one silver.