France impressions
The Pyrenees Orientales in the very south of the Landes is a very varied area with breathtaking mountain landscapes, lots of culture and beautiful places. The mountains reach here all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.
Eastern Pyrenees - die Orte:
Castelnou:
certainly one of the most beautiful villages in this region. The castle towers over the village of 100 inhabitants. Picturesque streets with beautiful stone houses, surrounded by mountains and nature. Cucugnan is just beautiful and worth seeing, especially in the off-season. A hike to the Roc de Mallorca is very worthwhile, the view of Castelnou from above is wonderful.
Villefranche de Conflent:
This beautiful and impressive place with its Vauban fortification lies at the river Tet and at the foot of the Canigou. Above the city is Fort Liberia, which can only be reached on foot or by jeep (you can book it at the office de Tourisme). The beautiful streets in the center invite you to stroll. Eat the typical meatballs "Boules de Picolat" in the restaurant Le Patio, which are particularly tasty here.
Evol:
Village in the lonely mountain world with old stone houses without infrastructure. Medieval idyll perfect. A ruined castle towers over the village. A great area with wild nature and impressive mountains.
Eus
idyllic village on the heights with rustic stone alleys. Views of the Canigou and the Pyrenees. A tour through the alleys with the houses decorated with flowers is definitely worth it.
Ceret:
beautiful little town in the very south, not far from the Spanish border. The Spanish influences can already be seen. Nice to stroll or to have a coffee in the square in the center decorated with plane trees. The huge stone bridge Pont de Diable that spans the Tech River is also interesting.
Collioure
Located on the Cote Vermeille, in my opinion the only beautiful place. Alleys with colorful houses and its beautiful Chateau Royale, which protrudes into the water. There are many restaurants and shops, but the place is nicely preserved and not built up like some other places on the coast. A walk to the mill (moulin de Collioure) above the village offers beautiful views of the village and the path is lined with olive trees. Coastal hiking trails start from the southern and northern ends of the city.
Vernet-les-Bains:
Spa town near the monastery of St. Martin de Canigou. It is definitely worth a walk through the place. You can sit on a bench by the Cady river and enjoy the idyll.
Other excursion tips:
Die Abtei St. Martin de Canigou:
the most famous sight in the pyrenees orientales. A wonderful hike leads from Casteil to the abbey. The location in the middle of the rocky mountains of the Pyrenees, the views impressive. The abbey can be visited.
Die Gorges de Cady:
a wonderful gorge that you can walk through, always along the Cady river. Idyllic forest and places on the river where you can rest. At the very end there is a waterfall (it is a 3 hour walk to get there). Nature is beautiful.
Fort Elme:
Fort Elme is located above Collioure with wonderful views of the coast, the mountains and Collioure. A visit is recommended because of the views.
Les Orgues d'Ile sur Tet
the so-called organ pipes from Ort Ille sur Tet. A very interesting rock formation and very worth seeing. (approx. 8 euros entrance fee) A beautiful circular route leads through this beautiful nature reserve. Definitely on the to do list in the pyrenees orientales.
My calendar Pyrenées Orientales and Aude:
The Aude department is a region spared from mass tourism (except for the city of Carcassonne) full of beautiful landscapes. The old Cathar castles and the wide views are particularly impressive. Since I only visited the Aude for a short time, there are only a few tips.
The places in the Aude:
Carcassonne - the capital of the Aude
this city is of course very impressive with its fortress and the watchtowers "La Cité". You feel like you've been transported to the Middle Ages. A nice little old town in the castle walls. Unfortunately, Carcassonne is very crowded and only recommendable out of season.
Cucugnan
a small, quaint village below the chateau Peyrepertuse, located in a beautiful valley.The small, quaint windmill is a nice place to enjoy the views. In the mill's small shop, you can buy groceries from the region (bread, pasta, etc.), which is highly recommended.
Castles and surroundings:
Chateau Queribus
one of the largest Cathar castles was recognized as a monument historique in 1907. It is enthroned on a rock spur and the views are breathtaking - a must when you are in the Aude.
Chateau de Peyrepertuse
the largest Cathar castle located on a 800 m high rock. Look into the mountains of the Aude and the Pyrenees up to the Chateau Queribus. The castle complex has a total area of 7000 m2 and is really well worth seeing.
Chateau Aguilar
a smaller Cathar castle near Tuchan. A very beautiful castle ruin with great views and not as crowded as Queribus and Peyrepertuse. The surroundings are idyllic and pure nature.
