Mosset is a small village towards the north-west of the Pyrenees-Orientales department of Languedoc-Roussillon, situated high on a hill above the Castellane Valley to the west of Perpignan . Mosset is classified as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'.
The village originally developed around a 12th century castle (the castle at Mosset has long since been divided and used for private residences) which helped defend the border between France and Aragon, and is scenically situated at the top of a rocky promontory
Exploring Mosset
The main pleasure of a visit to Mosset comes from exploring the narrow medieval streets, absorbing the historic atmosphere and enjoying the views out across the surrounding countryside.
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Although much of the original defensive structure that once defended the town is now gone, you can still see parts of the ramparts and the towers and entranceways that once formed part of the ramparts.
There are also some monuments of interest to enjoy nearby, such as the 17th century Church of Saint-Julien and Sainte-Baselisse; a small 13th century chapel built in the roman style; and the 13th century watchtower called the Mascarda Tower which once kept watch over the valley.
The 'Tour des Parfums' is now a small museum where you will be introduced to the scents of the local perfumes and Mosset tourist office is situated in the tower.
As you walk around you will see that some of the buildings have round structures bulging out of their upper stories: these are bread ovens and this region is the only one where I have seen bread ovens built in this way.
France This Way review: on the whole I must say that although it is certainly pleasant and a visit is recommended when you are in this region, I'm not sure that Mosset is of the very high standard of most of the 'most beautiful villages' of France.
Around Mosset
Mosset is now part of a protected nature reserve, and a walk through the surrounding countryside is highly recommended, with many opportunities to see unusual wildflowers and to catch glimpses of the wildlife as it scurries away. Numerous marked trails are available - we followed a pleasant trail through the forest that took less than two hours.
The chapel at Corbiac is a scenic 12th century chapel and monastery two kilometres downstream from Mosset (now in private ownership).
The village is also a little way north-west of the village of Eus, which (as with Mosset) is classified as a 'most beautiful village of France'.
You can find more travel ideas in the Pyrenees-Orientales guide and the Languedoc-Roussillon guide.
Photos of Mosset
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Arrange a visit to Mosset
Hotels in Mosset
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Map of Mosset and places nearby
Visit near Mosset with France This Way reviews
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Molitg-les-Bains guide
Prades
Prades makes a pleasant detour when you are exploring the valleys of the western Pyrenees
Prades guide
Villefranche-de-Conflent
Villefranche-de-Conflent is a fascinating place to explore, with a fortified ancient village in the valley and a substantial fort high on the cliff above the village
Villefranche-de-Conflent guide
Eus
The steep streets of Eus re very lovely to explore - and it is said to be the sunniest village in France!
Eus guide
Chateau de Puilaurens
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Chateau de Puilaurens guide
Mount Canigou
Although not very high, Mont Canigou dominates the landscape and culture of the wetern Pyrenees
Mount Canigou guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Pyrenees-Orientales
Tourist classifications for Mosset
Mosset is classified as a one of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages)
Address: Mosset, Prades, Languedoc-Roussillon, 66500, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 42.6692, longitude 2.3489
Plan your visit to Mosset, Pyrenees-Orientales
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Prades: recommended detour (8 km)
- Villefranche-de-Conflent enceinte / fort (Vauban fortifications): heritage site (9 km)
- Villefranche-de-Conflent: most beautiful village (9 km)
- Eus: most beautiful village (9 km)
- Abbaye Saint Michel de Cuixa (Codalet): religious monument (10 km)
- Eglise de Sainte-Marie (Corneilla-de-Conflent): religious monument (12 km)
- Eglise de Sainte Marie de Marcevol (Arboussols): religious monument (12 km)
- Réserve naturelle régionale de Nyer: site of natural beauty (16 km)
- Abbaye Saint Martin du Canigou (Casteil): religious monument (17 km)
- Massif du Canigou: grand site of france (19 km)
- Pic du Canigou: site of natural beauty (19 km)
- Prieuré de Serrabone (Boule-d'Amont): religious monument (21 km)
The French version of this page is at Mosset (Francais)