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History and local culture
Prehistoric era:
- 450.000 years of prehistoric relics from the Palaeolithic and Neolithic era in Tautavel
- Belesta Castle and Museum
Medieval churches and Roman art
- 15 sites renowned for their Roman artefacts (Benedictine abbeys, churches and priories)
17th & 18th century Baroque
- 12 sites (churches, chapels, altar pieces and other buildings) of 17th century baroque art originating from Italy
Castles, fortifications and the VAUBAN network
- At less than one hour’s drive away; 10 medieval castles and royal fortifications.
Vauban, a military engineer during the reign of Louis XIV who built or had renovated numerous strongholds.
Modern and contemporary art
- The modern and contemporary artists were attracted to the Roussillon area for its wonderful light and landscape. Those inspired: Picasso and friends – Matisse, Miro & Chagall in Ceret: www.musee-ceret.com/mam/exposition.php?expo=119
- Matisse and Derain in Collioure – Maillol in Banyuls sur mer
- St Cyprien boasts an impressive collection of works of art
- The famous Dali Museum in Figueras www.salvador-dali.org/museus/figueres/fr_index.html
Nature and Science
- Solar oven at Odeillo www.foursolaire-fontromeu.fr
- Famous little yellow train and the circuit bridges
- Natural hot water sources and spas
- Les Orgues d’Ille sur Têt www.ille-sur-tet.com
Photography and music
- International “Visa pour l’Image” photography festival
- Countless art and music festivals throughout the year
Sport and relaxation
- Collioure and the Mediterranean beaches in Canet, Argeles and Banyuls
- Windsurfing and Skyte surf in Leucate
- Winter sports in the Catalan Pyrenees (Font-Romeu, Les Angles, Andorra)
- Golf course at Saint Cyprien( 18 & 9 hole courses) and Domaine de Falgos (18 hole)
- Endless choice of walks – GR 10 – Excursions
- Horse riding(numerous riding centres in the area) – Tennis
- Underwater diving at the Natural Marina Reserve in Banyuls
- Spas: Le Boulou, Amelie les Bains, Prats de Mollo, Vernet les Bains, Molitg les bains
Gastronomy and wine
- Try the local Mediterranean cooking, prepared by many well known chefs.www.toquesblanches-du-roussillon.com
- You cannot go home without having tried at least one of world champion Olivier BAJARD’s desserts!
The best Roussillon vintages www.vins-du-roussillon.com
- Côtes du Roussillon – Les Aspres – Albères – Côte Vermeille – Vallée de la Têt www.routes-des-vins-france.com
- Côtes du Roussillon Villages – Agly, Fenouillèdes, Caramany, Latour de France, Lesquerde, Belesta
- Collioure – Banyuls www.banyuls.com
- Rivesaltes – Maury
All these wines and many more can be found at all local wine merchants, direct from the winemaking properties and in many local restaurants. Important: too much alcohol is dangerous for your health; please enjoy your wine responsibly.
