Céret is a lovely little town in the eastern Pyrénées, with cafes and art shops, shady trees and a lot of character, based around narrow streets between the small open squares, and with parts of the old town walls still standing.
Explore Ceret
The most surprising highlight in the town is the 'Museum of Modern Art' - with works by Picasso, Chagall, Dufy and Dali, so we suggest you start your visit there, or at least keep it high on your list for after you have explored the town!
The collection began with pictures donated by artists who had painted in Ceret and then between 1950 and 1957 the collection was given a huge boost by the donation of a collection of 28 pieces of ceramic art by Picasso and 14 sketches, drawn in Collioure, by Matisse. The museum now has an important collection of modern art works and is well worth a visit.
.jpg)
In fact, both Matisse and Picasso lived in the town. They were not the only artists who flocked to the town and many famous names of the 20th century spent some time in Ceret or the surrounding area. In 1950 two artists, Pierre Brune and Franck Burty Haviland open the art gallery.
You can follow a walk around the centre of Ceret called the 'Chemins Sublimé' which highlights some of the buildings in the town that were painted by the likes of Picasso, Dufy and Soutine and next to the buildings are reproductions of the paintings themselves. You can pick up a map from the tourist office.
As well as its links to some of the worlds most famous artists Ceret has some interesting buildings such as Les Capucins, a lovely ancient convent on the edge of town. It was built in the 16th century and in 1932 was bought by Franck Burty Haviland who came to live here. He invited various famous artists of the 20th century to stay with him at Capucins. It is privately owned and unfortunately cannot be visited.
One of the most striking parts of the town is the Place Picasso and the Arcades. These are the parts that remain of the original ramparts, though they are restored having been destroyed several times in the history of Ceret.
La Porte de la France is another part of the old ramparts and one of the original gateways into the town. Two main entrances to the town were built - this one to enter from France and the Porte d'Espagne to enter from the Spanish side.
Next to the Porte de la France you can see a remarkable house with an ornate facade in an italien style which dates back to the 19th century. La Tour d'Espagne is also part of the interesting ensemble on the Place Picasso. La Porte d'Espagne was the entrance to the town, through the ramparts, from the Spanish side.
La Place des Neuf Jets was built during the reign of the kings of Majorca, who played an important role in the turbulent past of this area of France. As its name suggests there is a fountain with nine jets sat the middle of this charming square.
The 17th century hospital of St Pierre now known as La Capelleta is home to an exhibition of local contemporary art.
Ceret also has a lovely 14th century stone bridge across the river Tech. It is a single arch of 45 metres, quite remarkable for a medieval construction. It is called the devil's bridge (le pont du diable) because, legend has it, the devil built it in a single night!
Coast
Along the coast east of Ceret there are several long flat sandy beaches and the Côte Vermeille, the last few kilometres of French coast before reaching Spain. On the whole the coastal towns are pleasant rather than lovely although Collioure is wonderful and retains its charm of earlier times.
Keep following the coast road for some good views, with the mountains one way and the sea the other.
Sport
Walking and cycling are of course important in the Pyrenees. On a fine day the roads can be as congested with cyclists as cars! Ask for information about walks in the region at Céret tourist office . We stayed in a cottage about 20 kilometres inland from Perpignan, midway between Céret and Queribus. Perfect location, and ideal for walking, cycling, and the obligatory trips to the beach with the children.
You can find more travel ideas in the Pyrenees-Orientales guide and the Languedoc-Roussillon guide.
Photos of Ceret
Click any picture to start the gallery
.jpg "place-des-neuf-jets-(2)")
.jpg "place-pablo-picasso-(2)")
.jpg "place-pablo-picasso-(3)")
Arrange a visit to Ceret
Hotels in Ceret
Booking.com: best prices
For great prices on car hire throughout France and Corsica please visit our recommended partner at RentalCars.com
Map of Ceret and places nearby
Visit near Ceret with France This Way reviews
Arles-sur-Tech
The main highlight in Arles-sur-Tech is the Benedictine Abbey and cloisters, mostly dating from the 13th century
Arles-sur-Tech guide
Gorges de la Fou
In the Gorges de la Fou you can walk along the bottom of one of the deepest gorges in the Pyrenees
Gorges de la Fou guide
Castelnou
The picturesque village of Castelnou, overlooked by a castle, is one of our favourite Languedoc-Roussillon villages
Castelnou guide
Ille-sur-Tet
In Ille-sur-Tet it is the remarkable rock formations on the edge of the village that are most interesting to visitors
Ille-sur-Tet guide
Argeles-sur-Mer
The long beach, the forest and the lively town mean Argeles-sur-Mer is a very popular summertime resort
Argeles-sur-Mer guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Pyrenees-Orientales
Address: Céret, Languedoc-Roussillon, 66400, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 42.489167, longitude 2.752222
Plan your visit to Ceret, Pyrenees-Orientales
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Pic de Fontfrède: site of natural beauty (5 km)
- Chapel Saint-Martin de Fenollar (Maureillas-las-Illas): religious monument (6 km)
- Gorges de la Fou: site of natural beauty (13 km)
- Castelnou: most beautiful village (15 km)
- Eglise de Saint Michel (Saint-Genis-des-fontaines): religious monument (15 km)
- Prieuré de Serrabone (Boule-d'Amont): religious monument (19 km)
- Orgues d'Ille-sur-Tet: site of natural beauty (23 km)
- Chapelle de Casenoves (Ille-sur-tet): religious monument (23 km)
- Pic du Canigou: site of natural beauty (24 km)
- Massif du Canigou: grand site of france (24 km)
- Perpignan: town of art and history (26 km)
- Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges (Cabestany): religious monument (26 km)
Market days in Ceret, France
Regular market(s) are held in Ceret each Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Ceret (Francais)