Attractions and Places To See around Les Aspres - Top 12

Les Aspres is rich in history. You can visit the medieval village of Castelnou, recognized as one of France's most beautiful, featuring a remarkably preserved fortified structure and a château. The Saint Bernard Fountain of La Trappe Abbey and Soligny-la-Trappe Abbey are significant religious sites. Don't miss the Sainte-Marie de Serrabona Priory, known for its pink Conflent marble sculptures, or the legendary Byrrh cellars in Thuir.

Absolutely. The Boulès Gorges offer a sublime natural site, accessible via departmental road 618. You can also enjoy exceptional views over the Tech valley from the Xatard Pass, which leads to the foot of Mount Canigou. The region's varied landscapes include scrubland, cork oak forests, and rolling vineyards, providing picturesque scenery.

Les Aspres is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous opportunities for hiking, with trails winding through valleys, thick forests, and vineyards. The region's rugged terrain is also suitable for mountain biking and running. For specific routes, check out the guides for hiking, MTB trails, and running trails around Les Aspres.

Many attractions in Les Aspres are suitable for families. The Saint Bernard Fountain of La Trappe Abbey and Soligny-la-Trappe Abbey are listed as family-friendly historical sites. Exploring the medieval village of Castelnou or enjoying easy walks through the vineyards can also be great family activities.

Les Aspres is a significant wine-growing region, particularly known for its organic wines. You'll find numerous opportunities to visit local producers and taste characteristic Roussillon wines, including red, white, and natural sweet wines. The rolling hills covered with vineyards are a defining feature of the landscape.

The Sainte-Marie de Serrabona Priory, founded in the early 11th century, is notable for its sculptures crafted from pink Conflent marble, which contrast strikingly with the green-grey schist. Its tribune is considered a unique feature in Catalan Romanesque art.

Yes, Les Aspres offers many hiking opportunities. For example, near the Saint Bernard Fountain of La Trappe Abbey, you can find routes like the 'Abbaye de La Trappe — loop in the PARC NATUREL RÉGIONAL DU PERCHE'. You can explore more options in the Hiking around Les Aspres guide.

Castelnou is celebrated as one of France's most beautiful villages. It boasts a remarkably preserved fortified structure and a château, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into medieval life and architecture.

From its elevated positions, Les Aspres provides magnificent panoramic views. You can see the vast Roussillon plain, the majestic silhouette of Mount Canigou, and even catch glimpses of the Mediterranean coast on clear days.

The Byrrh cellars in Thuir are home to the legendary Byrrh brand of French cinchona. Visitors can explore these historic cellars and see the world's largest oak wine vat, making it a unique cultural and industrial heritage site.

The landscapes of Les Aspres are diverse, ranging from 100 to 1,200 meters above sea level. You'll encounter scrubland, cork oak forests, and extensive vineyards. Valleys are often covered in thick forests at higher altitudes, transitioning to sparser vegetation on the plains.

Visitors appreciate the spiritual atmosphere of this active monastery, which is the spiritual home of Trappist monks. They also value the opportunity to refresh themselves with excellent quality spring water offered by the monks from the fountain.

The Conturbie Pond is named after an old village that disappeared during the 19th century. Of the original church, only a section of ruin remains, standing amidst the undergrowth, offering a poignant glimpse into the past.

Beyond the abbeys, you can find the Chapel of the Trinity in Prunet-et-Belpuig and the Romanesque church in Sainte Colombe de la Commanderie. Many villages throughout Les Aspres also boast historical Romanesque churches and chapels, reflecting the region's rich heritage.