In which village house to climb the Canigou?

Would you like to take a good bowl of air in the Pyrenees? Here in which village you will be staying to climb the Canigou, the highest eastern summit of the mountain range!

The Canigou peak is located in the Conflent, a natural region of the Pyrenees-Orientales department, and peaks at 2874 m above sea level. Due to its exceptional geographical location, it serves as an ideal promontory to admire the plain of Roussillon and it is even possible, in clear weather, to see the city of Barcelona . Gravi in 1280 for the first time per Pierre III d’Aragon During the Second World War, scouts set up a wrought iron cross that is still there.. But if one wishes to go to greet her, to consent to some efforts!

Site Natura 2000 since 2011, the place is obviously a beautiful part of the hiking trails as well as the summer cultural events such as the feast of Saint John, in June, or sports with the Race du Canigou, a trailing event renowned for its requirement! Whatever your motivation, the Canigou will be your ally if you want to take a good bowl of mountain air in his company.

Desirous of discovering more about this Pyrenean giant? No problem, we've prepared a list of the most charming villages where to stay to climb the Canigou.

Eus

Eus is a hamlet planted at the foot of Canigou, of which it is separated by a huge orchard: large producer of nectarines, fisheries and apricots, the village is also a high place of Pyrenean tourism and was even labeled "the most beautiful village of France". The hamlet, however small, still has two historical monuments: the Saint Vincent Chapel of Eus and the Saint Vincent d’En-Haut church of Eus. Some sports activities such as rafting can be carried out, and the many hiking trails that come from it will allow you to explore the ruins of the old village of Comes, a few hours walk away. A handful of restaurants will allow you to taste local products.

As for lodging to climb the Canigou in Eus, it appears as being finally rather simple: it is enough to choose between the few rooms of hotels or apartments for rent at night or week, or even between the typical and inexpensive guest houses. Just a few 3 kilometers from the centre, opt for one charming chalet in Mas du Canigou , a popular establishment where barbecue, swimming pool and terrace with views seduce visitors of passage.

Castelnou

A big heart attack for this classified village, also among the most beautiful in France: this small medieval hamlet built on the hillside the hollow of Aspres (a small natural region), do not lack character, and turns out to be the ideal antichambre of Canigou. Enjoy its small paved alleys and multi-colored walls, as well as its centenary fortifications and bread ovens built directly... in the facade of the houses! Especially, don’t miss discovering the Tour de Castelnou and the church of Sainte-Marie du Mercadal.

Where to sleep to climb the Canigou to Castelnou? If you prefer a simple and authentic relationship, you are advised to enjoy the many rural lodgings around the corner, offering affordable accommodation in all seasons.

Evol

Never two without three: at Wanderlix, we spoil you and introduce you to a third "best villages in France"! Evol However, there are only 20 residents, but it is known as a heritage masterpiece, with its shale houses covered with lauze, its church of the 11th century, and its local attractions that will delight small and large.

Evol is: renowned fishing spots and a crossing point of various transhumances, depending on the season, but also and of course a land full of hiking trails that are all more beautiful than others. In addition to the guest houses, a few hotels will welcome you to Olette (the commune attached to the hamlet) in order to get to the Canigou in Evol, while enjoying privileged access to this area.

Vernet-les-Bains

At the foot of the Canigou massif is the spa resort Vernet-les-Bains . It will seduce you with its picturesque alleys of the Middle Ages and its authenticity! The Canigou protects the few 1300 inhabitants of the wind and is accessible by the many paths that give access to its peak.

Animated by the three markets of Vernet, the feast of the Belle Époque, the fire of Saint Jean and the famous race of Canigou, Vernet-les-Bains is a village where it makes good living. The place is also perfect for hiking enthusiasts because many hiking and mountain biking trails are around the resort.