From the Aspres to the Vallespir… everything is on your doorstep
The Aspres, an arid land with fragrant vines and olive groves has breathtaking views across the plains and out to the coastline.
- Thuir is famous for the Cave Byrrh where the celebrated Byrrh aperitif is made. Surrounded by ramparts you will immediately fall in love with this warm and friendly small town. Its lively restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and Saturday market make Thuir a great place to wander through the streets and explore … You can visit Cave Byrrh, the cellars which boast the largest oak barrel in the world! Sample the range of wine-based aperitifs produced at the cellars.
- The geological site of “Les Orgues” at Ille sur Tet has unique rock formations. Explore this extraordinary lunar landscape.
- Castelnou : A few kilometers from Thuir, among vineyards and olive groves on a rocky hilltop in the mountains, stands the medieval stone village of Castelnou. Its’ streets and alleyways are dotted with craft shops and restaurants and the village is listed as one of the most beautiful in France. The castle was built in the XIIth century and is situated high up above the village offering a breathtaking view of the local landscape. The market is on Tuesdays.
- The Priory of Serrabone located in the Boulé valley, in the Aspres : Situated in the middle of luscious green forest, Sainte Marie de Serrabona (“the right mountain”) is a priory founded in the Xth and XIth centuries, an important example of Romanesque sculpture.
- Serralongue and the Tours de Cabrenc Xth and XIVth centuries.
- Ceret is the main town in the Vallespir and was known as a place where many artists met up such as Chagall and Picasso. Its Museum of Modern Art contains an impressive collection of Fauvism, Cubism or Surrealism. There are also ongoing temporary exhibitions of work. by renowned contemporary artists. In spring, you can enjoy the famous cherries from Ceret which are internationally recognized and exported.
www.aspres-thuir.com www.ille-sur-tet.com www.musee-ceret.com
