Things to do
TRAIN JUANE
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Villefranch-de-Confluent is the starting point for a ride on Yellow Train, probably the number one attraction in the area. You can ride in open or closed top carriages admiring the breathtaking views from Villefranch-de-Confluent to Mont Louis and beyond. |
WALKING & RAMBLING
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There is an extensive network of well-marked footpaths throughout France, and this area in particular is a walker's paradise with spectacular scenery. The GR10 coast to coast path through the Pyrenees is nearby, as are the nature reserves of Py, Mantet, Nyer and Jujols, the Gorge de la Carança and the nature reserve of Lac de Bouillouses. Spectacular panoramic views can be enjoyed via chair lift in the Lacs de Bouillouses. Nature Reserves of Nyer, Nohedes, Py and Mantet: The Regional Nature Park of Catalan Pyrenees: Committée Départementale de la Randonnée: Fédération Francaise de la Randonée Pédestre: |
CLIMBING  |
The Pyrenees and the Tarn Gorge provide excellent conditions for climbing with the assistance of local guides. Centre d’information Montagne et Seniers: Federation francaise de la montagne et de l’escalade: |
SKIING  |
The snowy slopes of the Catalan Pyrenees are well equipped with facilities for all sorts of snow sports. There are downhill, cross country and snow shoeing centres dotted around the area, including Font Romeu, Les Angles and Formiguères. They are inexpensive with very little queuing for ski lifts. There is also a ski school for children and beginners in 10 kilometers at Mosset. The main resorts are at Font Romeu - Pyrenees 2000 (40 pistes covering 52 km in total) and Les Angles (32 pistes covering 40 km in total). Font-Romeu also has the vastest cross country trail systems and holds the Transpyreneenne in February. There are also ice skating facilities in Font Romeu. The Centre d’Entrainment Canin en Altitude is open year round and offers instruction in dog sledding. |
EXPLORING CAVES
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There are caves and potholing in the area. The most stunning are the Cova Bastera, which reveals the underground fortification system of Villefranche de Confluet; and the Grotte des Canalettes and the Grotte des Grandes Canalettes with their stunning display of geodes, stalactites, stalagmites and lakes. |
CYCLING & MOUNTAINBIKING
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For the intrepid cyclist this is Tour de France country. Many GR and GPR footpaths are open to mountain bikers, and there are special trails way-marked by the Federation francaise de cyclisme: www.ffc.fr. Mountain bike guides are also available from local tourist offices and the Federation francaise de cyclotourisme: |
WATERSPORTS
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The lakes and reservouires in Matemale and Les Angles have facilities for swimming, sailing and windsurfing. There is also canyonning and rafting from Marquixanes and the river Tarn, and windsurfing and swimming at Lake Vinça. Canoeing, kayaking, and rafting: www.ffcanoe.asso.fr On the coast there is yachting at Banyuls-sur-merthere. St Cyprien has water sports park in Villeneuve-de-le-Raho and besides bathing, St Cyprien beaches also have facilities such as swimming pools, water-skiing, diving, jet skiing, landsailing, kite flying, and rowing. |
ANIMALS & HORSERIDING
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To the west are mountains with horse riding and an animal park at Les Angles: There is also a animal park in Casteil: There are riding tours through forested areas and river valleys in France. Contact the Comite national du tourisme equestre for information to local riding clubs. |
FISHING
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The lakes and mountain streams are ideal for trout fishing. Fishing permits can be bought at Federations departementales de Peche et de Pisciculture in Perpignan. Sea fishing can be practiced on foot, from boats, or with diving gear along the coast or in the lagoons. Information is available from the Federation francaise Peche mer Lanquedoc-Roussillon.
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SPAS
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The Pyrenees are home to numerous thermal and mineral springs. Nearby Molitg-Les-Bains has a spa specifically for respiratory pathologies and skin diseases. Vernet-Les-Bains is a larger spa town with spa's and thermal baths recommended specifically for rheumatology: Just 20 minutes way are the thermal pools and Hammam (or Turkish Bath) at St Thomas-Les-Bains with its outstanding natural sulphurous hot springs in wonderful outdoor mountain setting to soak away aches and pains. Amelie les bains has two Spa Centres for the public – the baths at Le Mondony at the mouth of the Mondony Gorge, and the Roman baths in which is a restored Roman swimming pool. There are also spa's at Ax-les-thermes and Le Boulou. |
CASINO
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Vernet Les Bains is a spa town with casinos, the largest of which is Casino de Vernet les Bains. It has 20 slots and video poker machines and 2 table games. |
GOLF
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Font Romeu has a 9 hole golf course in a beautiful mountain setting. St Cyprien-Plage on the coast has a 27 hole golf course. There is also a lovely golf course in Marcevol, Amelie-les-Bains, and Falgos. www.liguegolflanguedocroussillon.org For other information contact the Federation francaise de golf: For golf bookings: Saint Cyprien Golf: |
