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Between sea and mountains, the Pyrénées-Orientales region stands out as a true Catalan Eden, an authentic alternative to Provence, rich in characterful villages, spectacular natural sites, and unique Romanesque heritage.<h3>Discovering Authentic Villages </h3>Céret, Capital of Cherries and Art An emblematic town of Vallespir, Céret enchants with its cobbled streets, shaded squares, colorful markets, and artistic atmosphere.<ul><li>Renowned Museum of Modern Art, frequented by Picasso and Matisse </li><li>Must-sees: the Fountain of 9 Jets, Saint-Ferréol Hermitage, Devil’s Bridge, and the cherry festival in spring </li></ul>Vivès, a Haven of Tranquility A small village in Vallespir, surrounded by unspoiled nature and Mediterranean hills.<ul><li>Peaceful atmosphere, ideal for lovers of calm and hiking </li><li>Close to Céret, Amélie-les-Bains, and the Pyrénées Catalanes Regional Natural Park </li></ul>Tresserre, Between Aspres and Roussillon <ul><li>A typical rural town of the Aspres, surrounded by vineyards and garrigue.</li><li>Hiking trails, Catalan authenticity, protected natural heritage (Natura 2000 site “le Tech”)</li></ul>Collioure, Jewel of the Côte Vermeille <ul><li>A fishing village with incomparable charm, voted “Favorite Village of the French” in 2024.</li><li>Colorful streets, flower-filled houses, lively port, and beaches bordered by mountains</li><li>Medieval heritage with the Royal Castle, Notre-Dame-des-Anges Church, and Fort Saint-Elme</li><li>A fauvism hotspot, inspiring Matisse, Derain, and Picasso</li><li>Catalan atmosphere, markets, festivals, and local gastronomy (anchovies, Collioure wines)</li></ul>Banyuls-sur-Mer, Between Sea and Mountain <ul><li>A picturesque village on the Spanish border, renowned for its spectacular landscapes and famous wines.</li><li>Pebble beaches, wild coves, hiking trails in the Albères range, and varied water activities</li><li>Authentic atmosphere, colorful houses, artisan workshops, and centuries-old winemaking tradition</li><li>Marine nature reserve and underwater trail to discover Mediterranean biodiversity</li></ul><h3>Natural and Heritage Wonders Not to Miss</h3><ul><li>Saint-Martin-du-Canigou Abbey: Romanesque masterpiece perched on a rocky spur, accessible after a hike, a place of spirituality and grand panoramas </li><li>The Orgues of Ille-sur-Têt: Fairy-tale landscape of hoodoos and clay cliffs sculpted by erosion, a unique natural site in France </li><li>Marie-Madeleine Cave: Spectacular cave overlooking the valley near Villefranche-de-Conflent, a place of legends and breathtaking views </li><li>Villefranche-de-Conflent Valley: UNESCO-listed fortified village, medieval streets, access to the Little Yellow Train, gateway to exploring the Conflent </li><li>Saint-Michel de Cuxa Cloister: Romanesque masterpiece famous for its sculpted columns and capitals, a haven of peace and beauty </li><li>Canigou, Sacred Mountain: Iconic summit at 2,784 m, Catalan symbol, hiking and panoramic views over the plain and the Mediterranean </li><li>Llech Gorges: Spectacular canyon at the foot of Canigou, renowned for canyoning, natural slides, waterfalls, and crystal-clear waters </li></ul><h3>Why Choose the Catalan Eden?</h3><ul><li>Diversity of landscapes: From the Mediterranean to the Pyrenean peaks, picturesque villages, unique natural sites</li><li>Living heritage: Romanesque art, Catalan traditions, markets, festivals, and authentic gastronomy </li><li>Activities for everyone: Hiking, whitewater sports, cultural discovery, relaxation, and well-being </li><li>Preserved atmosphere: Gentle way of life, rare authenticity, far from the crowds </li></ul>“The Catalan Eden is the promise of a journey between nature, culture, and emotion, at the heart of the new Provence of the Pyrénées-Orientales.” <h3>Come explore this exceptional land, where every village, valley, and summit tells the story of the Catalan soul!</h3>Here, Mediterranean light illuminates varied landscapes: from the turquoise coves of the Côte Vermeille to the vineyards of the Aspres, from the colorful streets of Collioure and Banyuls-sur-Mer to the secret trails of Céret, Vivès, or Tresserre. Traditions are lived to the rhythm of festivals, markets, and authentic encounters. Romanesque heritage, from Saint-Martin-du-Canigou Abbey to Saint-Michel de Cuxa Cloister, stands alongside natural wonders like the Orgues of Ille-sur-Têt, Marie-Madeleine Cave, Villefranche-de-Conflent Valley, or the Llech Gorges. And everywhere, the Canigou watches over, majestic, symbol of Catalan pride.Whether you are passionate about nature, history, gastronomy, or simply seeking true emotions, the Catalan Eden opens its doors wide to you. Let yourself be surprised, let yourself be charmed… and write your most beautiful summer chapter here! &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

The Catalan Eden: A Journey to the Heart of the New Provence of the Pyrénées-Orientales

The Catalan Eden: The New Provence of the Pyrénées-Orientales.Looking for thrills with family or friends on the Côte Vermeille? Ludikart, the largest karting circuit in the Pyrénées-Orientales, awaits you in Argelès-sur-Mer for unforgettable moments, no matter your age!An Exciting Track for Everyone Ludikart offers a main 600-meter circuit featuring a bridge, a tunnel, and a timing system to spice up the competition. Dynamic turns and straightaways for acceleration—everything is in place to experience real racing, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced driver.Who Can Race? At Ludikart, everyone is welcome:<ul><li>Adults and teens (from 11 years old and 1.40 m): Sodikart 270cc karts on the main track. </li><li>Juniors (from 7 years old and 1.30 m): Sodikart 120cc karts. Children (from 4 years old and 1 m): Egarakart 100cc karts on a dedicated 100-meter track. </li><li>Toddlers (from 2 years old): Electric karts on a secure mini-track, either independently or accompanied by a parent. </li></ul>Where to Find Us Ludikart is located in the heart of the Argelès-sur-Mer leisure area, 1 impasse Copernic, 66700 Argelès-sur-Mer. Parking, picnic area, bar, and play area are available for even more family fun.Equipment and Safety All equipment is provided: helmets, safety briefing, and karts adapted to every age and size. Sessions last between 5 and 8 minutes depending on the type of kart, ensuring maximum fun in total safety.Competitions and Challenges Want to compete with your friends or family? Thanks to the timing system, challenge each other on the track and try to beat the best time of the day! Ludikart also hosts private events, birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and seminars for tailor-made challenges.Why Choose Ludikart?<ul><li>The largest circuit in the area, accessible to everyone from age 2 </li><li>A friendly space with bar, panoramic terrace, play area, and parking </li><li>Guaranteed thrills, in complete safety </li><li>No reservation needed—come whenever you want! </li></ul>Ready to burn some rubber? Join us at Ludikart in Argelès-sur-Mer and experience the passion of karting, whether with family, friends, or solo. Who will be the fastest on the track? It’s your turn to find out!<a title="Ludikart Website" href="https://www.ludikart.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.ludikart.com/">Ludikart Website</a>﻿<figure id="figure-aat6dybbo7rmbnkrr0z"data-full-width><iframe id="aat6dybbo7rmbnkrr0z" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j1brvD3Q0LY" class="w-full bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="" data-url="https://youtube.com/shorts/j1brvD3Q0LY?feature=share" data-corners="default" data-fullWidth="true"></iframe></figure>

Discover Ludikart, the must-visit karting track in Argelès-sur-Mer!

The Catalan Eden: The New Provence of the Pyrénées-Orientales.Conflent: A Land Suspended Between Wild Gorges, Exceptional Villages, and Catalan TraditionsLooking for an off-the-beaten-path journey in the Pyrénées-Orientales? Head to Conflent, a secret valley nestled between the Roussillon plain and the majestic slopes of Canigou. Here, nature reigns supreme, with Mediterranean scrubland, wild alpine pastures, dizzying gorges, and perched villages. This region, crossed by the Têt River, is a true haven for lovers of hiking, heritage, and gastronomy.Explosion of Colors and Exceptional Heritage From the moment you arrive, the famous “Pink Valley” welcomes you with its blossoming peach trees, creating a scene worthy of a Japanese print. In the distance, Canigou—the sacred mountain of the Catalans—watches over the valley and shelters sulfur springs. Wellness seekers can enjoy the baths at Molitg or Vernet, while the more curious can explore the romantic ruins of ancient thermal baths.Villefranche-de-Conflent, a Medieval Jewel Villefranche-de-Conflent is unmissable: a fortified city built of pink marble and a Vauban masterpiece, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll its cobbled streets, discover its ramparts, Romanesque church, and the famous Fort Libéria, accessible via a 765-step underground staircase. It is also the starting point for the legendary Yellow Train, which winds along the mountainside and offers breathtaking views of the region.Wild Nature and Daring Hikes Conflent also boasts breathtaking landscapes: the Carança gorges, suspended trails, footbridges over the void, and deep forests. Mountain lovers can climb Canigou, one of France’s last wild mountains, or venture into the Llech canyon for a sporty, refreshing descent.Orchard of Chefs and Sunny Villages On the hillsides, the Têt valley transforms into an orchard where rare citrus fruits and ancient grape varieties grow, prized by top chefs. The village of Eus, famous for its sunshine, attracts artists and travelers seeking inspiration. Here, spirituality and religious heritage blend with the gentle Catalan way of life.Hilltop Abbey and Living Traditions Don’t miss the abbey of Saint-Martin-du-Canigou, an eagle’s nest perched at 1,000 meters, and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa, a stop on the Way of Saint James. Each year, the Canigou flame rekindles the fires of Saint John, perpetuating a thousand-year-old Catalan tradition.Local Flavors and Charming Accommodations Conflent can also be savored at the table: ancient wheat breads, fir syrup, organic wines, and exceptional citrus fruits. From a pink marble mansion in Prades to a guesthouse with views of Canigou in Eus, there is no shortage of great places to extend your stay.Must-Do Experiences:<ul><li>Stroll through Villefranche-de-Conflent and visit Fort Libéria</li><li>Take the Yellow Train for a panoramic journey</li><li>Hike in the Carança gorges or climb Canigou</li><li>Discover the abbeys and religious heritage</li><li>Taste local products and enjoy regional restaurants</li></ul>Conflent is a rare blend of spectacular nature, living heritage, and a strong Catalan identity. It’s a territory to explore, between sky and earth, for an authentic escape far from the crowds.

n the Pyrénées-Orientales, discover the territory of Conflent at the heart of the Canigou

Geographical Location Annecy, nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps,” is located in the northern French Alps, at the heart of Haute-Savoie in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The city stretches along the northern and western shores of Lake Annecy, surrounded by the Bauges, Bornes, and Aravis mountain ranges. Close to Geneva (42 km) and Chambéry (55 km), it enjoys an exceptional natural setting of mountains, forests, and turquoise waters.History and Heritage Inhabited since prehistoric times, Annecy was founded as Boutae by the Romans around 50 BCE. Its tumultuous history saw it pass under Savoyard, Genevan, and then French control. In the Middle Ages, it became the capital of the County of Geneva and flourished religiously and culturally with the arrival of Saint Francis de Sales in the 17th century, earning it the nickname “Rome of the Alps.” The city industrialized in the 19th century and opened up to tourism in the 20th, especially with the arrival of the railway and the growing reputation of its lake.Monuments and Must-See Sites Annecy boasts remarkable architectural heritage:<ul><li>Château d’Annecy: Former residence of the Counts of Geneva, overlooking the old town, now housing a museum and the Alpine Lakes Observatory.</li><li>Palais de l’Isle: The city’s emblem, this 12th-century fortified house sits on an island in the Thiou River and has served as a palace, prison, and courthouse. </li><li>Saint-Pierre Cathedral: Built in the 16th century, reflecting the city’s religious significance. </li><li>Saint-Maurice and Saint-François-de-Sales Churches: Two gems of religious heritage. </li><li>Canals and Old Town: Cobbled streets, arcades, colorful houses, and flowered bridges create a unique, postcard-worthy atmosphere. </li><li>Prehistoric Lake Dwellings: Three submerged archaeological sites are listed as </li></ul>UNESCO World Heritage. Culture and Events Annecy is a lively city, renowned for its major events:<ul><li>Annecy International Animation Film Festival: A global reference in animated cinema. </li><li>Venetian Carnival: Each year, masks and costumes parade through the old town, recalling Italian influence. </li><li>Descente des Alpages: A traditional autumn festival celebrating the return of herds to the valley, drawing up to 100,000 people. </li><li>Lake Festival: A spectacular summer fireworks display over the lake, commemorating the annexation of Savoy to France. </li><li>Lake Annecy: Features and Activities </li></ul>Lake Annecy, the second largest lake in France, is famous for the purity of its glacial waters, fed by mountain springs. Surrounded by mountains, it offers a dreamlike setting and preserved biodiversity, with two nature reserves on its shores.Lake Activities:<ul><li>Swimming: Supervised beaches, clean and pleasant waters, plenty of shaded areas. </li><li>Water Sports: Sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, rowing, water skiing, diving, cruises, and fishing. </li><li>Walks and Hikes: Bike path around the lake, mountain trails, panoramic viewpoints. </li><li>Underwater Exploration: Snorkeling, diving at archaeological sites, and the wreck of the France. </li><li>Nature: Spectacular landscapes, rich flora and fauna, no tides, and a safe environment for families. </li></ul>Annecy Gastronomy Annecy’s cuisine reflects the richness of Savoyard terroir and the freshness of lake produce:<ul><li>Cheeses: Reblochon, Tome des Bauges, Tomme de Savoie, Abondance, Beaufort—often enjoyed in fondue, raclette, or tartiflette. </li><li>Cured Meats: Diots, pormoniers, Savoie ham and sausage. </li><li>Lake Fish: Féra, Arctic char, pike, trout—prepared as fillets, gratins, or en papillote. </li><li>Traditional Dishes: Fondue savoyarde, tartiflette, gratin savoyard, potée, crozets. </li><li>Sweets: Gâteau de Savoie, blueberries, honey, Saint-Genix. </li></ul>The city is full of restaurants, from traditional inns to Michelin-starred tables, where you can enjoy inventive and generous cuisine, often with a view of the lake.Conclusion Annecy enchants with its preserved natural setting, rich history, architectural heritage, vibrant cultural life, and authentic gastronomy. Between lake and mountains, the city offers a unique way of life, to be discovered in every season, for a revitalizing and gourmet stay in the heart of the French Alps.

Annecy and Its Lake: Alpine Jewel of History, Nature, and Gastronomy

The Catalan Eden: The New Provence of the Pyrénées-Orientales.Tresserre is a charming village in the Aspres, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales, close to Perpignan, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Spanish border. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, when it developed around a cluster of modest homes. In the 13th century, Tresserre became a barony integrated into the Kingdom of Majorca, and remnants from this era can still be found behind the church, notably traces of the "palau," the former summer residence of the Kings of Majorca. The village was later annexed by King Louis XI in the 15th century, and then definitively attached to France by the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659.Tresserre has always benefited from its fertile lands, emblematic of the Mediterranean trilogy: wheat, oil, and wine. Today, the village has just over 1,100 inhabitants and continues to attract with its quality of life and vibrant community spirit.The History of Witches ("Bruixes") in Tresserre Origins and Legends In Catalan culture, the figure of the witch—the bruixa—has held an important place since the Middle Ages. Unlike the often negative Western image, Catalan bruixes are endowed with great powers but are not necessarily evil. They are even considered good luck: it is common to give a bruixa doll to a young couple for good fortune, or to hang one at the entrance of a house as a symbol of welcome and prosperity.Local legends tell that the witches of Tresserre and the surrounding area would gather on St. John’s Eve to celebrate their sabbath, especially at a place called "la Perdre Blanche." This tradition fits into a broader historical context: between the 15th and 18th centuries, Catalonia saw many witch trials, and bruixes were often marginalized women, healers, or widows, accused of magical practices or possessing supernatural powers.The Witch Festival: A Living Tradition Since 1987, Tresserre has celebrated the Witch Festival ("la Fiesta de les Bruixes") every year at the end of October, near All Saints’ Day. This festival, created by members of the rural community center, has become a major event in the region. For three days, the village transforms: street performances, costumed parades, pyrotechnic shows, concerts, children’s workshops (broom making, magic potions), craft markets, and fire shows animate the old village’s streets.After nightfall, the witches’ procession winds through the streets by moonlight during the "nit de les Bruixes," thus perpetuating the imagination and legends surrounding these fascinating figures. The village church proudly displays the symbol of the day, and the festival attracts young and old alike, who come to celebrate magic and enchantment in a festive, friendly atmosphere."Behind the frightening costumes, these are rather benevolent beings, for in Catalonia the witch is meant to be friendly: she protects animals and children who venture into the forest."In Summary Tresserre, a village steeped in history, is now renowned for its Witch Festival, which draws on Catalan legends and culture. Far from being purely evil, the bruixes are ambivalent figures, protectors, and bearers of tradition. Every autumn, magic and conviviality fill the village, highlighting the importance of intangible heritage and legends in local life.

What stories and legends are associated with Tresserre in Catalonia

The Catalan Eden: The New Provence of the Pyrénées-Orientales.Château Montana, located in Banyuls-dels-Aspres, is a family estate of about thirty hectares, renowned for the diversity and quality of its red, white, rosé, and fortified sweet wines under the appellations Côtes du Roussillon Villages les Aspres, Côtes du Roussillon, and Côtes Catalanes.The estate cultivates traditional grape varieties such as Syrah, Grenache (noir, blanc, gris), Carignan, Mourvèdre, as well as complementary varieties like Merlot and Cinsault, offering a rich aromatic palette.Committed to environmentally friendly viticulture, certified High Environmental Value and in organic conversion since 2023, Château Montana favors low yields and traditional methods to preserve biodiversity. The estate offers wine tourism visits including discovery of the vineyard, the wine museum, and guided tastings of several signature cuvées, such as 'Silencio', 'L’Astre Blanc', 'Le Rouge Éternel', and their fortified sweet wines. The site is accessible, has free parking, and offers activities by appointment, all in an authentic setting between sea and mountains.<a title="Montana Domain Website" href="https://chateaumontana.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://chateaumontana.com/">Montana Domain Website</a>

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The Catalan Eden: A Journey to the Heart of the New Prove...

Discover Ludikart, the must-visit karting track in Argelè...

n the Pyrénées-Orientales, discover the territory of Conf...

Annecy and Its Lake: Alpine Jewel of History, Nature, and...

What stories and legends are associated with Tresserre in...

Montana Domain