In the Pyrénées Orientales
The sun, the sea, the mountains, apricots, peaches, cherries, wines (Muscat, Maury, Banyuls ...) as well as a multitude of geographical, artistic, architectural and historical curiosities make the Pyrénées Orientales a real little paradise.
The Tet valley is an excellent route from Perpignan. Thuir and the largest tank in the world with a capacity of one million liters. The picturesque village of Castelnou and its castle erected on the foothills of Aspres. The peak of Força Real, guardian of the valley and real challenge for cyclists with its final slope to 18% proudly overlooks the Ribéral from its 507 m altitude. Ille sur Têt, capital of fishing, and its majestic organs true geomorphological curiosity brings us to the Conflent, the magnificent Romanesque buildings represented by the abbeys of St Martin du Canigou, St Michel de Cuxa and Priory of Serrabonne.
The majestic Canigou imposes itself on us. Catalan is not the one who, from the chalet des Cortalets, has not climbed the "sacred mountain" to reach its summit which rises to 2784m, including June 22 on the occasion of the feast of St. John. Then Villefranche de Conflent. Fort Liberia overlooking the medieval city and Mont Louis are the opportunity to discover fortresses erected from the plans of the famous Vauban, brilliant military architect under the reign of Louis XIV. Villefranche de Conflent, starting point of the little yellow train, means of locomotion today tourist to join Cerdagne. It is the highest regular railway line in the world, it rises to 1500m. Cerdanya and Capcir, playgrounds for skiers. Further west, the Pas de la Casa and once the Envalira Pass crosses the Principality of Andorra.
But the most natural tour geographically speaking is certainly the one that will take you from Argelès sur Mer and the mouth of Tech to Le Boulou, sparkling water and corks. Corks that you could also find on the Perthus pass road and Spain on bad weather days! It is best to continue along the Tech to Ceret, capital of the cherry known for its phenomenal feria, and Amelie les Bains, a peaceful spa. You will discover then the beauty of the Vallespir, the rousquilles, the Canvases of the Sun, Catalan weaving factory of St Laurent de Cerdans and cross maybe the bear on the side of Prats de Mollo!
