Pyrénées-Orientales

Occitanie

Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via featuring mountains, rocky coastline and landscape views
French Cerdagne featuring signage
Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via which includes mountains and tranquil scenes
Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via which includes modern architecture
Lac des Bouillouses which includes a lake or waterhole
The fierce culture, mixed heritage and proud traditions of this department on the Spanish border have earned it the name of Northern Catalonia.

The Pyrénées-Orientales is a place of innovation, having sparked a range of modern forms of art and expression. Defensive fortifications beautify the hilly green terrain that straddles the Spanish border, over which many Catalan traditions have passed. While visiting the Pyrénées-Orientales area, be sure to chat with locals about their unique place in French history, gastronomy and tradition.

The department’s capital is Perpignan. Enter the Cathédrale St-Jean and marvel at the Catalan gothic design and the impressive stained-glass windows. Admire the redbrick style of Le Castillet, which serves as an entry to the city center where the highlights include the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, a stronghold and set of gardens dating back to the early 1300s.

For a glimpse into modern-day culture, watch a rugby game at the Stade Aimé Giral or the Stade Gilbert Brutus. You can also visit the historic University of Perpignan.

Head southeast to the Mediterranean Coast and try the illustrious wine in Banyuls-sur-Mer. Work on your tan on the Banyuls-sur-Mer Beach and bring your kids to the Banyuls-sur-Mer Aquarium.

A little north along the coast, you’ll find Collioure, where the artistic style of fauvism is thought to have developed. Back inland, learn about the invention of cubism in the museums of Céret. In winter, head into the mountains and rush down the slopes of the Bolquère-Pyrénées 2000 Ski Resort or the Station de Ski Mosset–Col de Jau, among others.

About one-third of the people living in this French community speak either Catalan or Occitan. Try paella and scallion-heavy dishes that are staples of Catalan culinary traditions.

The Pyrénées-Orientales department runs east from Andorra along the Spanish coast to the Mediterranean Coast. Fly into the airports of Perpignan or Toulouse and travel through the district by train or car. While you’re here, explore surrounding beauty in the form of Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Ariégeoises and Narbonnaise en Meditérranée Natural Regional Park.

The Pyrénées-Orientales provides insights into Catalan traditions against a scenic backdrop of coast and mountains.

Popular cities in Pyrénées-Orientales

Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via featuring a river or creek
Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via
Known for Skiing, Swimming and Spas
This town high in France’s Pyrénées Mountains is known for its ski resorts, scenic train ride, wildlife and spectacular scenery.

Reasons to visit

  • Font-Romeu Ski Resort
  • Heliodyssee-Grand Four Solaire d'Odeillo
Collioure
Collioure
Known for Walking, Historical and Castle
Come to Collioure and enjoy its castle, history, and churches.

Reasons to visit

  • Fort Saint-Elme
  • Church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges
Perpignan featuring a square or plaza and street scenes as well as a small group of people
Perpignan
Known for Historical, Castle and Entertainment
Discover the magic of this seductive border town, home to chic restaurants, bars and intriguing medieval monuments.

Reasons to visit

  • Perpignan Cathedral
Visit the vineyeards from Banyuls!
Banyuls-sur-Mer
Known for Sea, Spas and Festivals
Trip time! Discover the wineries, aquarium, and beaches in Banyuls-sur-Mer.

Reasons to visit

  • Terres des Templiers
The Port of Argeles in France
Argelès-sur-Mer
Known for Sea, Marinas and Sightseeing
Get away to quaint Argelès-sur-Mer! Enjoy the zoo, theme park, and beaches.
Little fountain near the entrance of the city (Saint Cyprien - France)

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August 2017 - Iphone 6
Saint-Cyprien
Known for Spas, Swimming and Relaxing
Experience relaxing Saint-Cyprien: its spas, casinos, golf, and more!