Prades

Visit Prades, Languedoc-Roussillon

Prades is a small town in the hills of the eastern Pyrenees, to the west of Perpignan. Prades lies in the shadow of Mount Canigou, which dominates this part of the Pyrenees.

Although it is the surrounding natural environment, and the chance to explore the countryside that attracts visitors to the region around Prades, there are also some highlights to discover in the town itself.

Exploring Prades

First and foremost among Prades sights is the Church of Saint-Pierre, in the old part of the town. Above all it is the 12th century belltower that catches the attention - its three upper levels are attractively ornate with arched windows. (Note, the steeple on the top of the tower is of much more recent origin).

The inside of the church is also fascinating, above all for the highly decorated and glded carvings and decorations around the altar. You can see more ornate relics from the church in the associated Treasure House.

Note also the attractive colombage house opposite the church (Maison Jacomet, recently listed as a Historic Monument), and the Saint-Martin de Canoha Chapel.

On a more minor scale, be sure to amble the streets simply to admire the occasional carved and painted details you come across in the facdes of the old houses.

To round off your visit there are well maintained gardens around the town hall.

Music plays a large part in the town - with Catalan music being played in the streets in August, and an annual music festival being held at the Abbey Saint-Michael de Cuxa (see below) and thanks to Pablo Caxals, a well known cellist who set up home here to avoid the Spanish regime under Franco.

Market day in Prades is Tuesday, a good time to visit.

Nearby

A few kilometres from Prades visit the attractive abbey and cloisters at Saint-Michael de Cuxa.

See Languedoc-Roussillon and Pyrenees-Orientales (the region and department for Prades) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Prades: Recommended detour town (plus beau detour);

Suggested places to visit near Prades, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Mount Canigou 11km; Ille sur Tet 17km; Castelnou 23km; Prats de Mollo la Preste 24km; Arles sur Tech 25km; Gorges de la Fou 25km; Ceret 31km; Rennes-les-Bains 35km; Quillan 35km; Gorges de l'Aude 35km; Rennes-le-Chateau 37km;

Prades tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Abbaye Saint Michel de Cuixa (Codalet) - religious monument (4km) : Eglise de Sainte-Marie (Corneilla-de-Conflent) - religious monument (7km) : Eglise de Sainte Marie de Marcevol (Arboussols) - religious monument (8km) : Abbaye Saint Martin du Canigou (Casteil) - religious monument (11km) : Prieuré de Serrabone (Boule-d'Amont) - religious monument (13km) : Orgued d'Ille-sur-Tet - site of natural beauty (17km) : Eglise de Trinité d'Aregno (Aregno) - religious monument (17km) : Chapelle de Casenoves (Ille-sur-tet) - religious monument (17km) :

See more places and a map at places near Prades