A trip in Roussillon

Late afternoon, arrival in Canet-Plage. Welcome drink and evening meal.

In the morning, visit of the superb medieval village of Castelnou, dominated by its castle and set in the heart of the Aspres massif; it is listed among the most beautiful villages in France.

Lunch at the hotel.

In the afternoon, guided tour of Perpignan and the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, a testament to the splendour of the former medieval capital. Tour of the town, including Le Castillet, symbol of Catalan Perpignan, the town hall, the Loge de Mer, the Campo Santo, and the cathedral with its remarkable Gothic architecture.

Return to the hotel and evening meal.

In the morning at the port of Canet (a 2-minute walk), board the Navivoile for a mini-cruise by catamaran to Port-Vendres. Transfer by little tourist train to Collioure and discovery of its small harbours, separated by the royal castle. Guided tour of Collioure, its church and its colourful houses, which continue to inspire many painters, heirs of Fauvism.

Lunch in a restaurant in Collioure.

In the afternoon, free time to wander through the picturesque little streets of the old village. Continue along the scenic road to Port-Vendres and its fishermen, then Banyuls and its hillsides sloping down to the sea. Tasting of vins doux naturels (natural sweet wines) in a wine cellar.

Return to the hotel and evening meal.

In the morning, guided tour of the Salses fortress, whose military architecture is remarkable and unique in France.

Late morning, discovery of the oyster farms of the Étang de Leucate, and oyster tasting at the Mas Bleu with a glass of white wine.

Lunch at the hotel.

In the afternoon, visit of the town of Thuir and its famous Byrrh cellars.

Return to the hotel and evening meal.

In the morning, departure for Cathar Country and guided tour of the famous Cité of Carcassonne, its towers, its ramparts and its astonishing basilica.

Lunch in Carcassonne, then a stroll through the medieval streets.

In the afternoon, visit of the Limoux cellars.

Return to the hotel and evening meal.

In the morning, departure for southern Catalonia, towards Figueres, in the footsteps of the surrealist painter Salvador Dalí, and guided tour of his surprising Theatre-Museum.

Continue to Rosas, a seaside resort.

Lunch on the bay of Rosas.

In the afternoon, discovery of the Empuriabrava marina, then a shopping stop at the border.

Return to the hotel and festive dinner, accompanied by a folk music and dance group.

In the morning, departure for the Conflent for an excursion aboard the Train Jaune (Yellow Train), clinging to the mountainside, crossing torrents and viaducts and overlooking impressive precipices. Discovery of Mont-Louis and guided tour of the solar furnace. Continue onto the Cerdagne plateau.

Lunch in Font-Romeu, a renowned health and sports resort.

In the afternoon, return to the Têt valley and guided tour of Villefranche-de-Conflent, a fortified medieval town and a marvel of military architecture.

Evening meal at the hotel.

Exploring Céret means discovering a town shaped by history and steeped in Catalan culture and traditions. Every alleyway, every monument echoes a heritage preserved through the centuries. The Céret museum grew out of the visits and stays of the greatest artists of the 20th century: Picasso, Braque, Gris, Soutine, Chagall, Herbin and Matisse all left their mark there.

Lunch at the hotel, then you will visit Ille-sur-Têt and its Orgues site, a mineral jewel set in greenery.

Return to the hotel and evening meal.

Departure for the Canal du Midi for a cruise along the water, with a romantic lunch on the boat or at the Cistercian abbey of Fontfroide.

In the afternoon: visit of Fontfroide Abbey, set in a small valley of the Corbières massif, about fifteen kilometres from Narbonne, in what is today called Cathar Country. The abbey has come through the centuries and eras, each major period leaving its mark on its buildings. A place steeped in history and emotion.

Return to the hotel and evening meal.

Departure after breakfast.