Pyrenees-Orientales places to visit and attractions
Below you can explore some of the most popular highlights and places of interest in the Pyrenees-Orientales department of Languedoc-Roussillon. See also our Pyrenees-Orientales travel guide
Argeles-sur-Mer
The long beach, the forest and the lively town mean Argeles-sur-Mer is a very popular summertime resort See guide
Arles-sur-Tech
The main highlight in Arles-sur-Tech is the Benedictine Abbey and cloisters, mostly dating from the 13th century See guide
Banyuls-sur-Mer
As well as the beach in Banyuls-sur-Mer there is also an old town of narrow streets to explore See guide
Castelnou
The picturesque village of Castelnou, overlooked by a castle, is one of our favourite Languedoc-Roussillon villages See guide
Ceret
Ceret has an extensive historic town centre and a Picasso Museum among its highlights. Among our favourite towns in the western Pyrenees. See guide
Collioure
With a very attractive traditional harbour town to exlore and a small beach, Collioure is our favourite Languedoc resort See guide
Elne
Elne is a quiet town, with the cathedral cloisters among the highlights in the town See guide
Eus
The steep streets of Eus re very lovely to explore - and it is said to be the sunniest village in France! See guide
Fort de Salses
The medieval fort of Salses was transformed by Vauban to create a substantial and impregnable fortress See 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 See 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 See 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 See guide
Mosset
The medieval streets in the heart of Mosset have helped it become listed among the 'most beautiful villages in France' See guide
Mount Canigou
Although not very high, Mont Canigou dominates the landscape and culture of the wetern Pyrenees See guide
Perpignan
Those looking for a traditional French town with interesting sites will be pleased to discover Perpignan See guide
Port Vendres
Port-Vendres is a natural port (unusual here in southern Languedoc), a local fishing town and a yacht harbour See guide
Prades
Prades makes a pleasant detour when you are exploring the valleys of the western Pyrenees See guide
Prats de Mollo la Preste
In Prats-de-Mollo you will enjoy exploring the historic centre, then the energetic can climb the hill to the Fort Lagarede above the town See guide
Saint Cyprien - Pyrenees Orientales
Activity in the seaside resort of Saint-Cyprien is most definitely centred around the beach and seafront! See 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 See guideFor more information see the Pyrenees-Orientales guide
Market towns & days in Pyrenees-Orientales
all markets in morning unless otherwise stated
Amelie-les-Bains-Palalda: Thursday
Argeles-sur-Mer: Wednesday & Saturday
Argeles-sur-Mer: Sunday & Monday & Tuesday & Thursday (high season only)
Banyuls-sur-Mer: Thursday & Sunday
Canet-en-Roussillon: Tuesday & Thursday
Ceret: Saturday
Collioure: Wednesday & Sunday
Elne: Wednesday & Friday
Ille-sur-Tet: Wednesday & Friday
Le Barcares: Monday (high season only)
Le Barcares: Wednesday & Sunday & Friday
Le Boulou: Thursday
Millas: Tuesday & Thursday
Perpignan: Every day
Port-Vendres: Saturday
Prades: Tuesday
Rivesaltes: Monday
Saint-Cyprien: Tuesday (high season only)
Saint-Cyprien: Thursday & Friday
Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque: Thursday & Sunday
Thuir: Saturday
Toulouges: Tuesday & Friday
Tourist attractions to visit in Pyrenees-Orientales
The following sites have received official "tourist classifications"...
Towns of Art and History
Perpignan: See tourist guide
Secteur Sauvegardé (protected historical town centre)
Perpignan: See tourist guide
Religious Monuments
Abbaye Saint Martin du Canigou (Casteil)
Abbaye Saint Michel de Cuixa (Codalet)
Chapel Saint-Martin de Fenollar (Maureillas-las-Illas)
Chapelle de Casenoves (Ille-sur-tet)
Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges (Cabestany)
Eglise de Saint Michel (Saint-Genis-des-fontaines)
Eglise de Sainte Marie de Marcevol (Arboussols)
Eglise de Sainte-Marie (Corneilla-de-Conflent)
Prieuré de Serrabone (Boule-d'Amont)
Regional Natural Parcs
Pyrenees Catalanes
Towns classified as Recommended Detours
Prades: See tourist guide
Villages classified as "most beautiful villages"
Castelnou: See tourist guide
Eus: See tourist guide
Mosset: See tourist guide
Villefranche-de-Conflent: See tourist guide
UNESCO world heritage sites
Mont-Louis citadelle (Vauban fortifications)
Villefranche-de-Conflent enceinte / fort (Vauban fortifications)
Grand Sites of France
Massif du Canigou: See tourist guide