The most beautiful villages to visit in the Pyrénées-Orientales

Eus, the sunny village

Stop in Eus, and walk through the cobbled streets of this village, considered one of the most beautiful in the department. Perched on a hill in the Conflent region, the sunny village of Eus offers a breathtaking view of the famous peak of Mont Canigou. At the bend of a street, discover the small stores of craftsmen and artists, visit the Saint-Vincent church dating from the 18th century or enjoy a walk on the hiking trails around the village, in the heart of the vineyards.

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Torreilles – Eus : 62km

Villefranche-de-Conflent, the fortified city

Located in the center of the Pyrénées-Orientales, 6 km from Prades, Villefranche-de-Conflent offers you a journey through time and history. Designated as one of France’s most beautiful villages, Villefranche-de-Conflent will charm you with its medieval architecture, its ramparts and its charming little streets.
Discover its fortified complex, recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enter the Saint-Jacques church or watch the famous little yellow train that links Villefranche-de-Conflent to Andorra. For the curious, it is possible to visit the caves around the village. Discover the fortified cave of Cova Bastera or the cave of Grandes Canalettes also called “the underground Versailles of the Pyrenees”, considered one of the most beautiful caves in France.

Torreilles – Villefranche de Conflent : 71km

Castelnou, the medieval village

Located in the heart of the Aspres, only 25 minutes from Perpignan, this village made of stones, is today labeled the most beautiful village in France. Built on a hill, Castelnou is also one of the oldest villages in France and Catalonia. During your visit, go through the large gate protected by its two towers, observe the remains of the ramparts and discover the 10th century viscounty castle built on a rock, overlooking the village. Architecture lovers will be seduced by the church of Santa Maria de Mercadal dating from the 12th century and its baroque furniture.

Torreilles – Castelnou : 41km

Evol, the mountain village

Located in the Pyrenean mountains, this small hamlet full of charm offers you a trip back to the medieval times. Overlooked by its 13th century castle, this village, classified among the four most beautiful villages of the Pyrénées-Orientales, welcomes you in its narrow streets to discover the small houses made of schist stone, its Romanesque church classified as a historical monument, its bread ovens and its wash houses still visible, witnesses of the past rural life. You can also visit the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions.

*Photo credit: Thierry llansades

Torreilles – Evol (Olette) : 80km

Collioure, the fishing village

Located on the Mediterranean coast, a few kilometers from Perpignan and Argelès-sur-Mer, Collioure is a fishing village that invites you to take a deep breath of fresh air. Its flowery streets and Catalan port have inspired many painters such as Matisse and Picasso. For a day, enjoy a stroll on the port and reach the lighthouse at the end of the Saint Vincent dike. Discover the history of Collioure’s 13th-century royal castle or enjoy the picturesque market in the heart of the lively town. Visit the Musée d’Art Moderne and discover the story of the birth of Fauvism, an artistic movement led by painters such as Matisse and Serein.
The coastal path that runs alongside the village offers hikers the chance to enjoy a long stroll along the Mediterranean.

Torreilles – Collioure : 38km