The most beautiful villages in the Pyrénées-Orientales

The Pyrénées-Orientales is packed with exceptional villages that enchant visitors with their authenticity and Mediterranean charm. With their medieval fortifications, typical Catalan architecture and sumptuous landscapes dominated by Mount Canigou, these pearls of southern France are well worth a visit. Discover the most beautiful villages in the Pyrénées-Orientales, real heritage gems that tell the story of the rich history of this Catalan region.

Castelnou, the medieval jewel of the Aspres region

Perched on a rocky outcrop at the foot of the Aspres massif, Castelnou is one of the most beautiful villages in France. This medieval town, dominated by its 10th-century castle, offers an exceptional journey back in time. Its cobbled streets wind between stone houses with pink-tiled roofs, creating an authentically Catalan atmosphere.

The medieval village of Castelnou fascinates visitors with its well-preserved architecture and exceptional views over the Roussillon plain. Visitors can explore the remains of the Viscount’s castle, stroll through the craftsmen’s workshops and take in the breathtaking views of the Canigou from the ramparts.

Eus, the sunniest village in France

Clinging to the hillside in the Conflent valley, Eus enjoys an exceptional microclimate that has earned it the title of sunniest village in France. This terraced village, once fortified, charms visitors with its pink granite houses and flower-filled lanes leading to the church of Saint-Vincent.

This picturesque village in the Pyrénées-Orientales offers spectacular panoramic views over the Conflent valley and the Canigou massif. Hiking enthusiasts will love the signposted trails that leave from the village to explore the mountainous surroundings.

Villefranche-de-Conflent, UNESCO fortified town

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Villefranche-de-Conflent is one of the finest examples of Vauban’s military fortifications. This medieval town, hemmed in by its 11th-century ramparts, is a fine example of French architectural ingenuity.

The ramparts of Villefranche-de-Conflent, reinforced by Vauban in the 17th century, offer an exceptional walk with uninterrupted views over the Têt valley. The village is also home to Saint-Jacques church, a remarkable Romanesque-Gothic edifice, and numerous old houses with pink marble facades.

Evol, an authentic mountain hamlet

Part of the commune of Olette, the hamlet of Evol stands out for its authentic mountain character. Perched at an altitude of 1,120 metres, this village in the Pyrénées-Orientales offers an exceptionally well-preserved setting, with its slate houses and steep streets.

The medieval castle of Evol, built in the 12th century, dominates the village and offers breathtaking views over the Têt valley. This mountain hamlet, listed as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages, has an appealing authenticity and unspoilt natural environment.

Mosset, a village of character in the heart of the Pyrenees

Situated between Perpignan and Font-Romeu, Mosset (Place de l’Église, 66500 Mosset, rated 4.1/5 on Google for 420 reviews) is one of the most beautiful villages in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Perched on a hill above the Castellane valley, this medieval village has a wealth of picturesque little streets and a well-preserved heritage.

Mosset’s medieval streets have contributed to its classification as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. The village is dominated by the remarkable Romanesque church of Saint-Julien and Sainte-Baselisse. Hiking enthusiasts will love the many footpaths leading from Mosset to the Pyrenean peaks.

Collioure, the pearl of the Côte Vermeille

A former royal port and fishing village, Collioure fascinates visitors with its Mediterranean beauty. Its colourful houses, secret coves and royal castle make it one of the most photographed villages in the Pyrénées-Orientales.

The “Catalan Pearl” has inspired many artists, notably Matisse and Derain, who founded the Fauve movement here. The village retains this artistic soul with its many galleries and workshops. The church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges, with its unique bell tower, is Collioure’s landmark.

Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste, a historic fortified town

Situated at an altitude of 735 metres on the left bank of the River Tech, Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste (Carrer de Prats, 66230 Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 1,200 reviews) is a thousand-year-old fortified town ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages in France. This authentic town, divided into lower and upper parts, bears witness to the region’s frontier history.

The fortifications at Prats-de-Mollo, reinforced by Vauban, form a remarkable defensive complex. Fort Lagarde, perched on the heights, keeps watch over the Tech valley and the Spanish border. The village has preserved its medieval cobbled streets and its 17th and 18th century bourgeois houses.

Céret, capital of the cherry and cradle of modern art

Céret is a picturesque little town in the Vallespir region of south-west France, with its Catalan-style cobbled streets and hidden squares lined with cafés. This commune in the Pyrénées-Orientales region, famous for its cherries and its music festival, also attracted many artists in the early 20th century.

The Musée d’Art Moderne de Céret (8 Boulevard Maréchal Joffre, 66400 Céret, rated 4.3/5 on Google for 850 reviews) houses an exceptional collection of works by Picasso, Braque, Chagall and Matisse. The Pont du Diable (Devil’s Bridge), a masterpiece of medieval architecture, spans the River Tech and offers an exceptionally romantic setting.

Arles-sur-Tech, abbey village in Vallespir

Arles-sur-Tech (Place de l’Abbaye, 66150 Arles-sur-Tech, rated 4.0/5 on Google out of 680 reviews) is notable for its Benedictine abbey, founded in 778, an architectural gem. This picturesque Vallespir village, at the confluence of the Tech and Riuferrer rivers, invites you to explore its sunny squares and medieval centre.

Sainte-Marie d’Arles-sur-Tech abbey, with its Romanesque cloister and sculpted capitals, is the village’s main attraction. The phenomenon of the “Sainte Tombe”, a Roman sarcophagus that mysteriously fills with pure water, attracts many pilgrims and the curious.

Jujols, a perched village facing the Canigou

Jujols (66360 Jujols, rated 4.2/5 on Google for 85 reviews) offers one of the most beautiful views of the Pic du Canigou from its privileged position. This small village in the Pyrénées-Orientales, surrounded by the eponymous nature reserve, has an authentic feel and an exceptional natural setting.

The village of Jujols, with its traditional stone houses and narrow streets, retains all its charm of yesteryear. The 472-hectare Jujols nature reserve is home to some remarkable flora and fauna, including deer, wild boar and birds of prey.

Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda, Pyrenean spa village

Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda (22 Avenue du Vallespir, 66110 Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda, rated 4.0/5 on Google out of 1,100 reviews) harmoniously combines tradition and modernity in the Tech valley. This spa village in the Pyrénées-Orientales, renowned for its beneficial waters, offers a peaceful setting between cobbled streets and modern facilities.

The Roman thermal baths at Amélie-les-Bains, known since ancient times, continue to attract visitors. The village of Palalda, perched high up in the hills, offers exceptional views over the valley and has preserved its traditional Catalan houses.

Discover the villages of the Pyrénées-Orientales with Navaway

To help you explore these heritage treasures, the Navaway app offers audio-guided tours that reveal all the secrets of the most beautiful villages in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Each itinerary is designed to help you discover the history, architecture and anecdotes that make up the richness of these exceptional destinations.

Download the audio tour to discover Perpignan on foot and on your own

From the capital of the Pyrénées-Orientales, discover the most beautiful surrounding villages on our audio tour of Perpignan. This interactive tour will help you understand the region’s Catalan history and prepare for your excursions to the remarkable villages in the surrounding area. The 6.2 km itinerary will take you through 19 of the Catalan city’s major points of interest in a 2? hour visit.

Practical tips for visiting the most beautiful villages

The best time to discover the most beautiful villages in the Pyrénées-Orientales is from April to October, taking advantage of the region’s exceptional Mediterranean climate. Perched villages such as Eus and Castelnou offer cooler temperatures in summer, while coastal villages such as Collioure benefit from the sea breeze.

To get the most out of your visit, plan a day in each village, with the possibility of hiking in the surrounding area. The local markets, particularly the one in Céret on Saturday mornings, provide an opportunity to sample Catalan specialities and meet the locals. Don’t hesitate to use the Navaway itineraries to optimise your visits.

Catalan heritage and traditions

The most beautiful villages in the Pyrénées-Orientales bear witness to the cultural richness of Catalonia. The traditional architecture, with its shale houses, pink-tiled roofs and wrought ironwork, reflects the region’s Mediterranean identity. Traditional festivals, such as the sardanes and Midsummer bonfires, perpetuate ancestral traditions.

Catalan gastronomy, with its specialities such as cargolade, anchovies from Collioure and candied fruit from Céret, enriches the discovery of these exceptional villages. Each village has its own culinary traditions, handed down from generation to generation.

As you explore these exceptional villages in the Pyrénées-Orientales, you’ll discover an area where history, art and nature blend harmoniously. From the medieval castle of Castelnou to the fortifications of Villefranche-de-Conflent, the sun-drenched lanes of Eus and the colourful coves of Collioure, each village tells a part of the Catalan soul. These authentic, unspoilt and accessible destinations represent a priceless heritage that deserves to be discovered and protected. Let the Navaway itineraries be your guide for a complete and rewarding exploration of these Pyrenean jewels.

Which is the most beautiful village in the Pyrénées-Orientales?

It’s hard to name just one of the most beautiful villages, as each has its own special character. Castelnou, with its medieval castle and cobbled streets, rivals Villefranche-de-Conflent and its UNESCO fortifications. Eus charms with its exceptional sunshine, while Collioure fascinates with its Mediterranean colours.

How many villages in the Pyrénées-Orientales are classified as “France’s Most Beautiful Villages”?

There are 5 villages in the Pyrénées-Orientales classified as “Most Beautiful Villages in France”: Castelnou, Eus, Evol, Villefranche-de-Conflent and Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste. Mosset is also on this prestigious list, bringing the total to 6 villages.

What’s the best time of year to visit these villages?

The ideal time to visit is from April to October, taking advantage of the Mediterranean climate. Spring offers flower-filled landscapes and mild temperatures, summer is the time to enjoy festivals and markets, while autumn reveals the shimmering colours of the Pyrenean landscapes.

How do you get between villages?

The car remains the most practical way of discovering the villages of the Pyrénées-Orientales. Distances between villages vary from 20 to 50 km. Some villages, such as Villefranche-de-Conflent, are accessible by train via the Train Jaune line, offering a unique tourist experience.

What are the must-sees?

Must-sees include the château at Castelnou, the fortifications at Villefranche-de-Conflent, the church of Saint-Vincent at Eus, the château at Evol, the port at Collioure, the abbey at Arles-sur-Tech and the thermal baths at Amélie-les-Bains. Each village has its own architectural and natural treasures.