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Céret, Catalan pearl of the Pyrénées-Orientales

The Catalan Eden, the new Provence of the Pyrénées-Orientales.

Céret, Catalan gem of the Pyrénées-Orientales

Nestled in the heart of the Vallespir, Céret is one of the most iconic destinations in the Catalan south. Between heritage, modern art, local gastronomy and an easy-going lifestyle, this small town offers a unique experience less than 20 minutes from our We Are Living homes.

Céret in a few words: cobbled streets, plane trees, cafés, artists’ studios and the scent of cherries in spring – the perfect snapshot of the Catalan Eden.

🕰️ A slice of history

Céret has a thousand-year history shaped by the meeting of Catalan culture, Mediterranean influences and pastoral traditions.
  • Roman origins: traces of ancient occupation around the Tech river and old trade routes.
  • Middle Ages: development around the Pont du Diable (14th century), a major architectural landmark.
  • Modern era: the town becomes the economic hub of the Vallespir.
  • 20th century: the arrival of many artists (Picasso, Braque, Gris) turns Céret into a hotspot of modern art.

📍 Where is Céret?

Céret lies in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, just 15 minutes from Spain and 25 minutes from Perpignan.
  • From Perpignan: around 25 minutes by car
  • From our We Are Living homes (Tresserre, Vives, Roussillon): 10 to 20 minutes
  • Access: A9 motorway (exit Le Boulou), TGV station in Perpignan, Perpignan–Rivesaltes airport

🎨 Culture, exhibitions & festivals

Céret is one of the most vibrant cultural centres in the Roussillon, renowned for its historic ties with Cubist artists and modern art.

🖼️ Musée d’Art Moderne de Céret (MAMC)

  • Founded in 1950 by Pierre Brune and Frank Burty Haviland
  • Major collections: Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, Soutine, Miró
  • Prestigious temporary exhibitions all year round

🎉 Festivals & events

  • Cherry Festival (May): a flagship event celebrating Céret’s cherries, famous throughout France.
  • Céret Feria (July): taurine traditions, music and lively Catalan atmosphere.
  • Sardana Festival: open-air traditional Catalan dances.
  • Concerts, craft markets and exhibitions across the historic centre.

🍽️ Gastronomy & local specialities

The town is known for its Catalan cuisine: simple, fragrant and generous.
  • Céret cherries: the first cherries to ripen in France, a true symbol of the region.
  • Boles de picolat: traditional Catalan meatballs in a rich, slow-cooked sauce.
  • Escalivada: fire-roasted vegetables served with olive oil.
  • Catalan tapas: a tasty legacy of the nearby Spanish border.
  • Roussillon wines: Banyuls, Collioure, Côtes du Roussillon Villages.
You’ll find many authentic restaurants in the historic centre, especially under the plane trees and along the shaded lanes.

🏞️ What to do around Céret

  • Hiking in the Vallespir: exceptional viewpoints between sea and mountains.
  • Visit the Pont du Diable: a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
  • Céret market (Saturday morning): one of the most beautiful markets in Occitanie.
  • MTB & gravel biking: renowned routes between Céret, Maureillas and Le Boulou.
  • Le Boulou thermal baths: wellness and balneotherapy.

🏡 Stay near Céret with We Are Living

To make the most of Céret and the Vallespir, stay in one of our We Are Living holiday homes, ideally located between sea, lake and mountains.

Mas Eden Catalan – Tresserre

A charming house in the heart of the vineyards, with views over the Albères, a swimming pool and generous outdoor spaces. Discover Mas Eden Catalan

Casa Mer & Montagne – near Céret

The perfect base to explore Céret, Collioure, the Côte Vermeille and the first Pyrenean peaks. View Casa Mer & Montagne

Maison Roussillon Nature

A peaceful, nature-filled setting between olive trees and vineyards, just a few minutes from the Spanish border. Explore our Roussillon homes

🔗 Useful links

Stay in the heart of the Catalan Country and the Roussillon

Two unique retreats between sea and mountains: design, comfort and Mediterranean light. Choose your home — we’ll handle the rest.

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