Tresserre, balconies over the Aspres in the Catalan Eden

Set on the first rolling hills of the Aspres foothills, between sea and mountains, Tresserre opens onto sweeping views of the Mediterranean and the Pyrénées. This discreet Catalan village, rich in history and character, wins visitors over with its heritage, cultural life and generous local flavours.

🕰️ History: between kingdoms and battlefields

The name Tresserre comes from the Latin trans serram, meaning “beyond the hills”. Born in the Middle Ages during the great waves of land clearing, the village first grew around modest houses clustered behind the church. From the 5^th century onwards, its lands belonged to the powerful Abbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa and to the Commandery of Mas Deu. In the 13^th century, Tresserre became a barony of the Kingdom of Majorca and even hosted a small palace – a reputed summer residence of the kings, seduced by the mild climate and open views. In the 15^th century, Louis XI annexed the Roussillon and the Aspres, ending the rule of the kings of Majorca and Aragon. The Treaty of the Pyrenees (1659) definitively attached the region to France. In 1793, during the war against Spain, part of the Battle of Le Boulou was fought on the village’s lands, which were burned the following year.

🍇 A landscape shaped by the vine

Like many Catalan villages, Tresserre developed around the Mediterranean trilogy: wheat, olive oil and wine. From the 19^th century onwards, vineyards became the main economic activity, supported by sunshine and fertile soils. The arrival of the railway in 1853 boosted this wine-growing boom – still very much alive today in the surrounding estates and wine cellars.

🏡 Heritage and village atmosphere

The heart of Tresserre preserves typical 19^th-century houses built in river pebbles and cayroux (red bricks), easily recognised by their large rectangular doors that once opened onto wine cellars. Some roofs are decorated with glazed ceramic elements, including the famous “Bruixes” horn, said to keep witches away.

⛪ Saint-Saturnin Church

Dating back to the 12^th century, the Romanesque Saint-Saturnin church features a single nave, a semi-circular apse and a restored altarpiece. It stands as a symbol of the village’s spiritual and community life throughout the centuries.

⚔️ The Battle of Le Boulou heritage trail

On the heights above Tresserre, a marked historical trail allows you to revisit the key moments of the Battle of Le Boulou. An orientation table and educational panels recount this 1793 episode while opening onto striking views of the Aspres and the plain.

🎭 Cultural life & the Witch Festival

Every late October, Tresserre comes alive with its famous Witch Festival: workshops, shows, concerts and parades transform the streets into a festive, family-friendly stage. The Cave aux Contes (Story Cellar) also hosts exhibitions and concerts, adding to the village’s vibrant cultural life.

🍷 Gastronomy: terroir & conviviality

Tresserre’s gastronomy reflects the generosity of the Catalan terroir: honest, colourful cooking, rooted in the wine-making traditions of the Aspres and the rhythm of the seasons.

🍽️ Domaine de Nidolères: between vines and country cooking

At the foot of the Canigou, the Domaine de Nidolères offers a charming inn set right in the vineyards. Here you can enjoy homestyle cuisine based on local produce, paired with the estate’s wines: cod dishes, rabbit with snails, mirabelle plum tart or traditional Sunday roast chicken – all served in a warm, family atmosphere. Guests praise the quality of the food, the freshness of ingredients and the attentive, personal welcome. Whether on the shaded terrace or in the characterful dining room, the setting perfectly embodies the Catalan art of living.

🧺 Wines & markets of the Aspres

Around Tresserre you’ll find numerous wine estates and local markets where you can discover the flavours of the Roussillon: fruit and vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, wines and olive oil. It’s an open invitation to explore the generous, gourmet traditions of the Pays Catalan.

✨ In a nutshell

Tresserre is the perfect blend of history, culture and gastronomy. A preserved Aspres village with authentic charm, it encapsulates the true Catalan spirit – from rural heritage and sun-drenched vineyards to a distinctly Mediterranean way of life. An unmissable stop for anyone wishing to discover the genuine face of the Pays Catalan.