Our département is full of treasures to be discovered: beautiful landscapes, a vast architectural heritage, old traditions and customs present in a very lively culture. Five villages are considered to be amongst the most beautiful villages in France (Eus, Evol, Mosset, Castelnou and Villefranche-de-Conflent). Natural reserves (Site classé des Bouillouses, Réserve Naturelle Volontaire de Nyer, Réserve Naturelle Marine de Cerbère-Banyuls, Lac de Villeneuve de la Raho) and historical buildings (Palais des Rois de Majorque, Prieuré de Serrabona, Chapelle Notre-Dame des Anges, Château Royal at Collioure, and of course the Cathedral and Cloister in Elne)... offer you a wide range of places to visit.

Many renowned artists, foremost painters, could not be wrong: they were charmed by the beautiful light of a land bathed in colours. In 1905 for instance, Matisse and Derain chose Collioure as their home and made their contribution to fauvism.

In summer as well as in winter this region offers a great diversity of sightseeing tours and activities, be it in the Pyrenean mountains or on the beaches of the Mediteranean sea, in baths resorts, on walking tours between vines and olive trees or in the commercial and historical centres of the Pyrénées Orientales.

What distinguishes our region and undoubtably adds to its charm is the double cultural background, Catalan and French, in our history and population, constantly enriched by the proximity of the Spanish border. The vitality of Catalan culture can be seen everywhere today, in our written and spoken language, in our customs (e.g. the Sardane dance or religious festivities such as the La Sanch procession or the live Christmas cradles), and last but not least in our culinary habits and love for our Roussillon wines (cf. also our collection of typical Catalan recipes).

You may find further information on our region through the links on this site.