Pyrenees-Orientales

The landscape of the Pyrenees-Orientales is perhaps the most dramatic in Languedoc, dominated by the towering Pyrenees, the foothills of which hold some of Languedoc Roussillon's most interesting sightseeingas the plain nears the coast, huge etangs appear (inland lakes), home to fishermen and wind surfers alike

The coast is mostly flat, but suddenly (thanks to the Pyrenees) starts to undulate at Collioure, creating picturesque bays and headlands (more like Provence)

The mountains of Languedoc's Pyrenees-Orientales give way to huge river valleys of the Tet and Tech rivers, where fruit farms abound growing apricots, apples, almonds and much of France's early vegetables

Pyrenees-Orientales region

For most of its life, the Pyrenees-Orientales region (formerly called Roussillon) of Languedoc was Spanish, only reverting to France in 1659

Since then it has retained a distinctively Catalan flavour, with Catalan spoken widely, and the Sardana dance, Bullfights and Paschal rituals still performed

In or near Céret

Musée d’art Moderne
Pont du diable
Musee de Music
the saterday market
Musée du Liège
Fort de Bellegarde
Lacs de Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts
Ermitage de St Ferreol

1 day excursion

PERPIGNAN:
Palais des Rois de Majorque
Saint-Jean quarter
Cathédrale Saint-Jean
Jardin de Sant-Vicens

COLLIOURE

ARGELES-SUR-MER

THE CATHAR CASTLES:
Château de Queribus
Château de Montségur

Les Orgues de Roussillon
Priory of Serrabone
St Martin du Canigou
Villefrance le Confluent
Abbaye de Fontfroide L'Abbaye
Saint Martin du Canigou
Priory of Serrabone
Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste
Carcasonne
Route des vins
Elne
Train touristique du Pays cathare et du Fenouillèdes

1 day excursion Spain

Figueras
Girona
Cadaques
Andorre

Cadaquez -Spain