The 20 essential things to do in the Pyrenees-Orientales

Leaving for the Vermeille Coast and its wonders? Discover all the essentials of the Pyrenees-Orientales for a holiday between sea and mountain.

The things to visit in the Pyrenees-Orientales are not missing, since the department concentrates many tourist attractions. Medieval and charming villages, hiking in the mountains or by the sea, prepare for a well-filled holiday. The kilometers of beaches await you for farniente and swim sessions under the sun.

So don’t wait anymore and discover now the 20 things to do in the Pyrenees-Orientales.

1. Collioure

No way to visit the Pyrenees-Orientales without making a stopover in Collioure. The pearl of the Côte Vermeille attracts travellers for the beauty of its port and its historical heritage. Go to the assault of the royal castle which overlooks the city before following the Chemin du Fauvisme. You walk through the colorful streets of the city following the reproductions of Matisse and Derain's works.

In the evening, go to the port to admire the colors of the bay. Attach yourself on the terrace and enjoy a dish based on anchovies, the speciality of the village. Enjoy the sea air and these unforgettable moments, with family or with a couple.

2. Villefranche-de-Conflent

Built in 1095, Villefranche de Conflent has been listed as UNESCO World Heritage since 2008. Its walls designed by architect Vauban under the reign of Louis XIV constitute the main attraction of this beautiful medieval city. Pass the doors Spain or from France and walk in the alleys in search of the secrets that hide there.

Let yourself tell the legend of witches during a guided tour. It is necessary to climb the 799 steps leading to Fort Liberia to enjoy an exceptional view of the Conflent. By descending, take a stop in one of the handicraft clusters or are made in live fabrics and ceramics.

3. Borrow the yellow train

Here is an activity that allows you to visit the Pyrenees-Orientales in an original way!

The yellow train was designed to connect the high-plates of Cerdagne to the rest of the Pyrenees-Orientales. Today, it has become an atypical way to discover the region. A 63-kilometre journey serves 22 stations between Villefranche-de-Conflent and Latour de Carol in about 3 hours.

You will have the opportunity to stop in each station and cross a beautiful mountain landscape. The Bolquère station peaks at 1596 metres above sea level. This makes the yellow train the highest metric track railway in France. A trip not to be missed!

4. The Ascension of Canigou

The Canigou massif has been classified Grand Site de France since 2012 and hosts thousands of hikers every year. The sacred mountain of Catalans has many paths and paths to walk, horse or bicycle. The bravest will be able to try the ascent to the peak, for one or two days.

The ideal is to sleep in a shelter, such as those of the Cortalets or Mariailles, to immerse themselves in the mountain atmosphere. The next day you will reach the summit and its exceptional view. You can contemplate the plain of Roussillon and in clear time, the city of Barcelona .

5. Saint-Martin-du-Canigou Abbey

The Abbey Saint-Martin-du-Canigou is nestled on cliffs on the slopes of the eponymous mountain. The Community of Beatitudes occupies the place, with the mission of welcoming visitors and perpetuating the life of prayers. Guided tours are organized, for one hour, to learn the history of this millennium monument.

It is also possible to attend the Masses. To reach the abbey, you will have to walk for 40 minutes or take the services of a 4×4 company with a driver.

6. The bay of Paulilles

Here is a new site classified and unmissable from the Pyrenees-Orientales: the ankle of Paulilles on the commune of Port-Vendres. The site was home to the Nobel factory, which made dynamite between 1870 and 1984. Today it has become a protected area for its fauna and flora.

Numerous visits are possible on site: museum space, former water castle, catalian boat restoration workshop... Also, nature lovers can walk on the paths between pine forest and vineyards. For others, a fierce moment on one of the most beautiful beaches in the department should satisfy you.

7. Cerbère/Banyuls Marine Nature Reserve

Between Banyuls-sur-Mer and Cerbère extends a marine protected area. It is a real underwater paradise that awaits divers. More than 1,200 animal species and 500 plant species were listed in the reserve. Posidonia herbariums and red corals serve as habitats for merous, barracuda and large dolphins.

A submarine trail allows you to discover these wonders in snorkeling , equipped with palms, mask and tuba. The starting point for this 500-metre-turn climb is on Peyrefite beach. You can rent underwater equipment and tablets to identify the fish you encounter. A fun and fun way to raise children’s awareness of the preservation of the environment.

8. Lake Bouillouses

Overlooked by the Carlit peak, the Bouillouses site is certainly one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Pyrenees-Orientales. It is the highest altitude lake of the Pyrenean massif accessible by road or by chairlift.

When you arrive at 2,000 meters above sea level, you will discover a magnificent high-montagne landscape. You can learn about fishing, climbing or swiping the many hiking trails that pass through the site. Open the eye, you may be able to see an isard, an iconic Pyrenees animal. The shores of the lake are perfect for a family day, picnic, breathe fresh air and enjoy the sun.

9. Perpignan

It is obviously impossible to visit the Pyrenees-Orientales without passing through Perpignan. Head of the department, it has many historical monuments witnessing its glorious past. The Palace of the Kings of Majorca dominates the medieval city. It offers beautiful views of the plain of Roussillon and the massif of Canigou. Combining Roman and Gothic styles, the fortress recalls the power of the city in the Middle Ages.

After the visit, stroll through the alleys of the city centre to discover the other architectural wonders, such as Castillet and the Loge de Mer.

10. Canyoning in the Llech Canyon in Prades

For athletes, the descent of the Llech canyon is a must in the Pyrenees-Orientales. The adrenaline will be at its peak during the 3 hours of the course, where you will alternate natural slides and cascade jumps. Three descents as a reminder mark the course, for maximum sensations. Several companies offer their guides services, with graduate instructors for a safe day.

11. The resorts

The Côte Vermeille has many seaside resorts that spread along the Mediterranean. From Perpignan, you reach Canet-en-Roussillon in 20 minutes by car. It is 9 kilometers of fine sand that await you, and especially 320 days of sun a year.

Coming down to the south and Spain, you will find Saint-Cyprien and Argelès-sur-Mer, other unmissable bronze spots in the Pyrenees-Orientales. Everything is designed to guarantee you a dream holiday. Walk on the seafront or spend family days in Aqualand or Luna Park.

12. The organs of Ille-sur-Têt

Want an original walk in the Pyrenees-Orientales? Direction the organs of Ille-sur-Têt! These geological formations have been formed over the millennia following the erosion of sand and soil clay. The result is a breathtaking landscape of mineral chimneys pointing to the sky.

The visit of the seaweeds will carry you to another universe, as if you travel the American west and its canyons. Take yourself for one cowboy browsing the labyrinth-shaped paths that cross the site.

13. Tautavel

The village of Tautavel has a special feature of bringing together two essentials from the Pyrenees-Orientales. Indeed, you will discover the Gorges du Gouleyrous and the Prehistory Museum . On the heights of Tautavel, the cave of the Caune de l’Arago is a major search site. The Man of Tautavel was discovered there in 1971. The bones dating from 450,000 years ago are the oldest known European.

The museum retraces its history and offers various workshops for the whole family. Simulation of excavation and learning of the survival techniques of Prehistory will delight children as the greatest. Below the cave, the Verdouble dug his bed over time between the cliffs. As a result of spectacular gorges that will not leave you indifferent.

14. Village de Mont-Louis

Behind impressive ramparts is the highest fortified city in France, created by Vauban at an altitude of 1,600 metres. Like the other 11 works of the military architect, it has been classified as Unesco World Heritage since 2008. This must-see of the Pyrénées-Orientales reveals its secrets during a beautiful walk.

You will discover the ramparts, the gate of France, the church of Saint Louis and the solar oven dating from 1949. The military enclosure and the Puits des Forçats are only available on a guided tour.

15. Salses-le-Château and his fortress

Salses-le-Château is the first unmissable village to visit in the Pyrenees-Orientales when you come from Aude. Its fortress was built by the Spaniards to protect the Catalan border from the strongholds of Leucate and Narbonne .

It is a perfect example of the military art of the late 15th century in a dominating and colonizing Spain. During your visit you will discover the 12 meters of wall thickness, the four building bodies and the dungeon. You will be impressed by the power that emerges from this perfectly preserved bastion.

16. The coastal path

This trail runs along the Côte Vermeille d’Argelès in Port-Vendres and allows you to discover many unmissable places, those not to be missed when visiting the Pyrenees-Orientales.

Long 32 kilometers, it is cut into 14 sections for walks between 20 minutes and 2h35. Ideal for a family walk whatever your level of physical condition. You will cross Collioure, the beach of Ouille or the bay of Paulilles, in a beautiful environment between villages and nature.

And if you're too tired to make the way back, the General Council bus brings you back to a euro.

17. A boat ride

Visiting the Pyrenees-Orientales is also enjoying the coastline. After walking on the trail, another option is to take the wide!

Indeed, rent a boat will allow you to explore the Mediterranean coast, its coves and beaches. Thus, you will have the opportunity to discover the landscape in another way, seen from the waters. A great experience to live with your loved ones to perfect your stay in the Pyrenees-Orientales!

18. Céret

The subprefecture of the department does not lack attractiveness if you are looking for a place to visit in the Pyrenees-Orientales. With its Catalan influence, this picturesque town is a pleasant step for a holiday. Depending on the periods, you will be able to participate in the fairy or the cherry festival, a symbol of the city.

The Museum of Modern Art is not to be missed, for an overview of the art of the twentieth century. There are works by Picasso, Matisse or Chagall, each of these great artists who had stayed in Céret. A passage through this city is the assurance of immersing itself in the sweetness of living in the south of France.

19. Skiing in the Pyrenees

If you're looking for what to do in the Pyrenees-Orientales in winter, know that the department has no less than 9 ski resorts! Whatever your level, you will find your happiness less than 1h30 from Perpignan. For children who want to learn, La Quillane is ideal with its 5 green and blue tracks. The more seasoned descenders will head to Font-Romeu or Les Angles, the two largest ski areas in the region.

20. Gastronomy

If you visit the Oriental Pyrenees, gourmet moments are to be expected. In addition to Collioure’s anchovies and Céret’s cherry, other products are showcased in Catalan gastronomy.

• The red apricot or the purple artichoke of Roussillon make the region proud.
• We recommend escalivada, a marinade of vegetables that can be enjoyed in tapas or accompaniment.
• To taste also the bullinada, a delicious soup of fish and potato that competes in flavors with bouillabaisse.
• The cargolade, a must-see dish of the Pyrenees-Orientales, is to be tested absolutely. It is a snails roasted with lard during cooking. A delight!
• And to accompany everything, choose a wine from the terroir of Banyuls or taste the famous Muscat of Rivesaltes.

How to get to the Pyrenees-Orientales?

By plane

Thanks to the Perpignan-Rivesaltes airport, it is possible to arrive directly in the department. Several flights connect Paris and Perpignan every week. However, if you come from another destination, you will surely have to land in Montpellier and finish the journey by another means of transport. To find out what to do, use a flight comparison like Skyscanner . So you will know where to land and at what price.

Take the car

The car is the best transport way to visit the Pyrenees-Orientales. Indeed, if the coastline enjoys excellent mobility, the mountainous part is much less easy to access. A car will make it easier for you to move.

As for your arrival, and no matter where you arrive, it is advisable to use the A9 motorway, which crosses the department.

By train

Perpignan has a TGV station, which allows you to reach the Catalan prefecture from the whole of France. If you land in Montpellier, or you come from the Occitania region, you can also use the TER network, which is relatively well developed.

Where to stay in the Oriental Pyrenees?

For your stay, absolutely all types of accommodation will be accessible. Hotels, Airbnb , campsites... You have the King's choice! However, the choice of the city will depend on your course.

If you come in winter, to ski, then Font-Romeu and the Angles certainly impose themselves. On the other hand, if you want to visit the whole territory, cities like Perpignan and Rivesaltes allow a compromise between shore and mountains. Finally, if you want to stay on the coast, you just have to choose your seaside resort. In any case, the use of a Compare hotels will help you find the ideal offer, which will take into account all your criteria.

Now you know what to visit in the Pyrenees-Orientales!