Ille-Sur-Têt
This is a small village at the foot of the Canigou, with a population of 6,000, stretching out along the margins of the Têt river.
Made up of lovely colorful houses in the natural and subdued colours typical to the region, Ille-sur-Têt offers all the conveniences, stores and services of modern life.
Known as the peach capital of France, it is surrounded by an enormous orchard laden with peach, apricot, pear and cherry trees of many juicy and well-known varieties.
The nearby Orgues are a curious 4-million-year-old geological formation. The only one of its kind in France, it produces a strange and magnificent landscape contrasting with the surrounding vegetation.
The entire Canigou massif is a hiking ground, with trails that vary from easy to difficult. The surrounding area is studded with beautiful medieval villages such as Eus, Castelnau, Ceret, as well as noteworthy Romanesque monasteries.
The summits of the Canigou and the Força Real Mount provide breathtaking, unforgettable views.
During the summer, world-class concerts are held in the region, especially during the Pablo Casals Festival in Prades, the small town where this musician took refuge during the Spanish Civil War and which later became his home.
The many hot springs in this area, enjoyed by visitors since Roman times, were particularly popular in the XIX century. Amélie-les-Bains, Vernet-les-Bains, Molitg-les-Bains and several others will take you back to those days, while offering ultramodern balneotherapy and spa services.
A bit farther away, the principality of Andorra la Vella, the Galamusgorges and the spectacular Fou gorges are well worth visiting.
About 20 km away lies Perpignan, the capital of the region, with its architectural treasures, the splendid Roussillonand Côte Vermeille beaches with their stunning Collioures and Port Vendres ports.
En Pays Catalan
