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 environmen, 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.
You can also see an attractive colombage house opposite the church called Maison Jacomet and recently listed as a Historic Monument, and the Saint-Martin de Canoha Chapel.
France This Way review: we found Prades perfectly pleasant to visit but there is not a great deal to see and a visit won't take very long: we suggest it would be a nice place for a pause in one of the cafes in the town centre as you explore along the Têt valley.
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 then 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 thanks to Pablo Casals, 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 you should visit the attractive abbey and cloisters at Saint-Michael de Cuxa, then not much further you can visit the very lovely abbey of Saint-Martin-de-Canigou: see Mount Canigou for details.
If you enjoy visiting pretty villages both Eus and Mosset are nearby and listed among the most beautiful villages of France, and a very unusual rock amphitheatre can be seen at nearby Ille-sur-Têt.
You can find more travel ideas in the Pyrenees-Orientales guide and the Languedoc-Roussillon guide.
Arrange a visit to Prades
Hotels in Prades
Booking.com: best prices
For great prices on car hire throughout France and Corsica please visit our recommended partner at RentalCars.com
Map of Prades and places nearby
Visit near Prades with France This Way reviews
Eus
The steep streets of Eus re very lovely to explore - and it is said to be the sunniest village in France!
Eus guide
Molitg-les-Bains
If you are wanting a spa break in the Pyrenees mountains the scenery and setting for Molitg-les-Bains would make it a good choice
Molitg-les-Bains 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
Mosset
The medieval streets in the heart of Mosset have helped it become listed among the 'most beautiful villages in France'
Mosset guide
Mount Canigou
Although not very high, Mont Canigou dominates the landscape and culture of the wetern Pyrenees
Mount Canigou 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... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Pyrenees-Orientales
Tourist classifications for Prades
Prades is classified as a recommended detour town (plus beau detour)
Address: Prades, Languedoc-Roussillon, 66500, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 42.6181, longitude 2.42278
Plan your visit to Prades, Pyrenees-Orientales
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Eus: most beautiful village (4 km)
- Abbaye Saint Michel de Cuixa (Codalet): religious monument (4 km)
- Villefranche-de-Conflent: most beautiful village (6 km)
- Villefranche-de-Conflent enceinte / fort (Vauban fortifications): heritage site (6 km)
- Eglise de Sainte-Marie (Corneilla-de-Conflent): religious monument (7 km)
- Eglise de Sainte Marie de Marcevol (Arboussols): religious monument (8 km)
- Mosset: most beautiful village (8 km)
- Massif du Canigou: grand site of france (11 km)
- Pic du Canigou: site of natural beauty (11 km)
- Abbaye Saint Martin du Canigou (Casteil): religious monument (11 km)
- Prieuré de Serrabone (Boule-d'Amont): religious monument (13 km)
- Réserve naturelle régionale de Nyer: site of natural beauty (15 km)
Market days in Prades, France
Regular market(s) are held in Prades each Tuesday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Prades (Francais)