The Catalan Eden: a journey into the new Provence of the Pyrénées-Orientales 🌅

Discovering authentic villages

Céret – Capital of cherries and art

Céret, emblematic town of the Vallespir, enchants with its cobbled lanes, shaded squares, colourful markets and artistic atmosphere. Its Museum of Modern Art has welcomed Picasso, Matisse and Chagall. Highlights not to miss: the Fontaine des 9 Jets, the Saint-Ferréol hermitage, the Devil’s Bridge and the Cherry Festival in spring.

Vivès – A peaceful hideaway

A small village in the Vallespir, surrounded by unspoilt nature and Mediterranean hills. Calm, pure atmosphere – ideal for nature lovers and hikers. Nearby: Céret, Amélie-les-Bains and the Pyrénées Catalanes Regional Nature Park.

Tresserre – Between Aspres and Roussillon

A typical rural village of the Aspres, encircled by vineyards and garrigue. Hiking trails, authentic Catalan spirit and protected natural heritage (Natura 2000 site “Le Tech”).

Collioure – Jewel of the Côte Vermeille

Fishing village voted “France’s favourite village” in 2024. Colourful lanes, lively harbour, beaches framed by mountains. Heritage: Royal Castle, Notre-Dame-des-Anges, Fort Saint-Elme. A major Fauvist hotspot, inspiring Matisse, Derain and Picasso. Catalan atmosphere: markets, festivals and gastronomy (anchovies, Collioure wines).

Banyuls-sur-Mer – Between sea and mountains

Pictorial village on the Spanish border, renowned for its wines and spectacular scenery. Pebble beaches, wild coves, Albères hiking trails and watersports. Marine nature reserve and underwater trail to discover Mediterranean biodiversity.

Natural and heritage highlights not to miss

• • Abbaye Saint-Martin-du-Canigou: Romanesque masterpiece perched on a rocky spur, a spiritual place with breathtaking panoramas.
  • The Orgues d’Ille-sur-Têt: magical landscape of hoodoos and clay cliffs sculpted by erosion.
  • Grotte de Marie-Madeleine: spectacular cave overlooking the Villefranche-de-Conflent valley, steeped in legends.
  • Villefranche-de-Conflent Valley: fortified village listed by UNESCO, departure of the Yellow Train towards the Conflent.
  • Cloister of Saint-Michel de Cuxa: sculpted columns and capitals in a haven of peace.
  • Le Canigou: sacred Catalan mountain (2,784 m), symbol of identity and exceptional viewpoint.
  • Gorges du Llech: spectacular canyon, renowned for canyoning and its crystal-clear waters.

Why choose the Catalan Eden?

• • Variety of landscapes: from the Mediterranean to the Pyrenean peaks.
  • Living heritage: Romanesque art, traditions, festivals and gastronomy.
  • Activities for everyone: hiking, culture, relaxation and wellness.
  • Preserved atmosphere: gentle pace of life and rare authenticity.

“The Catalan Eden is the promise of a journey woven with nature, culture and emotion – at the heart of the new Provence of the Pyrénées-Orientales.”

Come and explore this remarkable region

Here, the Mediterranean light bathes ever-changing scenery: from the turquoise coves of the Côte Vermeille to the vineyards of the Aspres, from the colourful streets of Collioure and Banyuls-sur-Mer to the secret paths around Céret, Vivès and Tresserre.

Traditions are experienced through festivals, markets and encounters. Romanesque heritage sits alongside natural wonders: Canigou, the Orgues d’Ille-sur-Têt, the Marie-Madeleine cave, the Villefranche valley and the Gorges du Llech.

Whether you’re passionate about nature, history or food and wine, the Catalan Eden opens its doors wide. Let yourself be surprised, let yourself be charmed… and write your most beautiful summer chapter here.