Collioure
Nestled right at the heart of the Côte Vermeille, Collioure offers visitors and locals a panoramic view and an unusual heritage. Very much defined by the Catalan culture, its colourful façades, its floral balconies, and its marina will delights walkers and holidaymakers.
Abbaye Saint-Martin du Canigou
This religious building is a long-standing holy site, with construction of original abbey having started in the 11th century, at the order of Wilfred II, Count of Cerdanya. The former Abbey of St. Martin of Canigou remained in use as a Benedictine monastery, until it was abandoned in 1783. Confiscated during the revolution, and subsequently privatised, it was in the 20th century that it was reconstructed by the Catalan people, in the Roman style typical of the region.
Forteresse de Salses
With construction commencing in 1497 and completed in 1504, the Fortress of Salses is a military stronghold, the construction of which was commissioned by the Spanish Catholic monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella of Castilla, with the aim of protecting the Spanish kingdoms from French troops. Designed by architect and engineer Francisco Ramiro Lopez, this fort seals off access to the former Franco-Spanish border.
Orgues d’Ille-sur-Têt
These astonishing natural columns of rock (often referred to as fairy chimneys) are the result of the erosion of sand, clay, and sedimentary rocks dating back more than four million years. These geological rarities are actually part of a remarkable site, which offers a natural blen of plantlife and mountains. On a clear day, you can actually see the Canigou mountains in the background.
Lac des Bouillouses
Located at the foot of the Carlit Massif, the Lac des Bouillouses is a site that has been classified as exceptional, as well as being one of the largest lakes in the French Pyrenees. To aid exploration, its surrounding areas have been developed around more than 60 km of marked trails, which allow you to make the most of its extraordinary landscapes, combining tall mountains, with rivers and tributaries flowing into the lake.
