Pyrénées-Orientales, Languedoc-Roussillon

Sun, Sea and Mountains sum up the attractions and diversity of this area although Gastronomy and Wine could easily be added!

Pyrénées-Orientales is a department of southern France adjacent to the northern Spanish frontier and the Mediterranean Sea. It also surrounds the tiny Spanish enclave Llívia, and thus has two distinct borders with Spain.

Historically, prior to the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659, most of the present department was part of the former Principality of Catalonia, within the Crown of Aragon, so the majority of it has historically been Catalan-speaking, and it is still sometimes referred to (mainly by Catalans and the Conseil général of Pyrénées-Orientales) as Northern Catalonia.

Others refer to it simply as “Pays Catalan” but whatever you call it the Catalan influence is all pervading!


Passing along the coast visit the Fort de Salses and Fontfroide Abbey (south of Narbonne), then take the children off to the African Nature Reserve at Sigean.
You will see Mount Canigou as you venture inland - it is visible from many parts of the region, and is the main landmark of the department. The region between Canigou and the coast south of Perpignan is one of hills and low mountains called the Albères and follows the French border with Spain. Visit the 'beautiful village' at Castelnou.

There are two main rivers and roads that enter into the hilly regions, following the valleys of the Tech and Tet. Both pass through lovely scenery. The Tet Valley runs from Perpignan to Prades, via the two classified villages of Villefranche-de-Conflent and Eus, and the monastery at St-Michel-deCuxa near Prades.

Further south the Tech Valley passes through Ceret, an attractive town where Picasso lived. Continue on to see Arles-sur-Tech and then the Gorges de la Fou will keep the children (and you) entertained and shaded on a sunny day.

The coastal section of Languedoc-Roussillon before you reach Spain includes some attractive old fishing villages and resorts (and some less attractive resorts): visit Collioure, Banyuls-sur-Mer, Argeles-sur-Mer and Cerbère, and ElneCathedral.