Tresserre, authentic village of the Aspres
HC
The Catalan Eden: The New Provence of the Pyrénées-Orientales
Located on the first hills of the Aspres foothills, between sea and mountains, Tresserre offers a unique panorama of the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees. This Catalan village, both discreet and rich in history, charms visitors with its heritage, cultural life, and local flavors.
History: A Past of Kingdoms and Battles
Tresserre owes its name to the Latin trans serram (“beyond the hills”). The village was born in the Middle Ages during major land clearances and was first organized around a cluster of modest homes situated behind the church. As early as the 5th century, its lands belonged to the Abbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa and the Commandery of Mas Deu. In the 13th century, Tresserre became a barony of the Kingdom of Majorca and even hosted a “palace” that is said to have served as a summer residence for the kings, drawn by the area’s healthy climate.
In the 15th century, Roussillon and Aspres were annexed by Louis XI, ending the rule of the kings of Majorca and Aragon. The Treaty of the Pyrenees (1659) permanently attached the region to France. Tresserre was also marked by the war of 1793 against Spain: the Battle of Le Boulou, the site of which is now marked, partly took place on its lands, and the village was burned in 1794.
For a long time, Tresserre’s economy was based on the Mediterranean trilogy: wheat, oil, and wine. In the 19th century, vineyards took precedence, benefiting from an ideal climate and rich soils. The development of the railway in 1853 boosted wine production, which remains one of the village’s pillars to this day.
Heritage and Artistic Life
The heart of the village preserves typical 19th-century houses made of river stones and red bricks, with large rectangular doors—remnants of old wine cellars. You’ll also find the “maison bloc,” typical of local agriculture, and glazed ceramic elements on the roofs, including the famous “Bruixes” horn meant to ward off witches.
The Romanesque Saint-Saturnin church dates from the 12th century; it features a single nave and a semicircular apse, as well as a recently restored altarpiece. The village also highlights its heritage through a historical trail on the site of the Battle of Le Boulou, with an orientation table and educational panels.
On the events side, Tresserre stands out for its lively Witch Festival, held every year at the end of October: workshops, shows, concerts, and parades bring the village to life in a friendly, family atmosphere. Exhibitions and concerts also punctuate local cultural life, notably at the Cave aux Contes.
Gastronomy: Terroir and Friendliness
Gastronomy in Tresserre reflects its terroir: authentic, generous, and focused on the vine. The village boasts several popular spots, including Domaine de Nidolères, an inn set among the vineyards at the foot of Mount Canigou. Here, you can enjoy homemade cuisine made from local products, accompanied by wines from the estate. Catalan and Mediterranean specialties are featured in a warm, family atmosphere.
Reviews praise the quality of the dishes, the freshness of the products, and the hospitality of the owners. Cod, mirabelle plum tart, rabbit with snails, and Sunday roast chicken are just a few examples of the dishes offered, to be savored under the shaded terrace or in the rustic dining room.
Tresserre also promises oenological discoveries, thanks to the presence of cellars and estates that continue the Aspres wine tradition. Local markets and restaurants allow you to taste the flavors of Roussillon in a preserved and authentic setting.
Tresserre is a village where history, culture, and gastronomy come together in the present, offering visitors an authentic Catalan experience—combining heritage, nature, and the pleasures of the table.