Pyrénées-Orientales

The department also shines with its Regional Nature Park the Catalan Pyrenees, home to seven nature reserves and exceptional sites such as Mount Canigou and the Carança Gorges, offering a wide variety of outdoor activities. The Pyrénées-Orientales’ location, between Spain and the Mediterranean Sea, adds to its appeal, promising adventures that take you from the mountains to the sea. Whether you’re a fan of hiking, history, or relaxation, the region promises unforgettable experiences.

Preparing your trip

Best time to visit

The Pyrénées-Orientales, with its climate With a temperate Mediterranean climate, the region offers a pleasant visitor experience almost year-round. However, the period from May through October is particularly ideal for exploring the region, thanks to sunny days and mild temperatures. The months of June through August, with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 30°C, are ideal, although the shoulder seasons also offer great opportunities for visiting.

How do I get there?

There are several modes of transportation that make it easy to reach the Pyrénées-Orientales. Perpignan Airport offers direct flights to many destinations, both in France and abroad. The Perpignan TGV station provides a fast connection to the rest of France, and the TER lines make it easy to travel within the Occitanie region. For those who prefer to drive, the region is easily accessible via highways and national roads.

Accommodation Tips

The wide variety of lodging options in the Pyrénées-Orientales caters to all tastes and budgets. From luxury hotels to charming bed-and-breakfasts, as well as vacation rentals, bungalows, and campgrounds, there’s something for everyone. For a chance to immerse yourself in nature, campgrounds—such as La Tour de France—offer a wonderful experience with outdoor activities. In the city, choosing a hotel in downtown Perpignan will ensure easy access to local attractions.

Must-sees in the Eastern Pyrenees

Beaches and the Vermeille coast

The Vermeille Coast, a jewel of the southern Pyrénées-Orientales, attracts lovers of the sea and Mediterranean landscapes. Stretching from Racou Beach to the border Spanish, ...it is dotted with charming coves and beaches—some pebbly, some sandy—all nestled at the foot of majestic cliffs. The towns of Collioure, Port-Vendres, Banyuls-sur-Mer, and Cerbère, each with its own distinct charm and a variety of water sports to enjoy, are must-see stops.

The Corniche Road, which stretches for 23 km, invites you to discover these wonders while taking in the vastness of the Mediterranean and its breathtaking panoramic views.

Mountains and the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park

The Pyrénées-Orientales also boasts a remarkable natural heritage, epitomized by the Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Catalanes. This territory, encompassing seven nature reserves and five listed sites, unveils a wealth of natural and cultural treasures. landscapes The Canigou massif and the Carança gorges are two of the most breathtakingly beautiful mountain ranges in the region. Hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers will be delighted by the many trails that criss-cross the park, offering an immersion in preserved biodiversity.

Heritage cultural and historical

Rich in cultural and historical treasures, the Pyrénées-Orientales are a veritable open book on the past. Perpignan, with its iconic Palace of the Kings of Majorca, embodies the richness of Catalan history and culture. The village of Collioure, famous for its Fort Saint-Elme and picturesque narrow streets, is a living testament to medieval architecture.

The Museum of Modern Art in Céret, founded by Pierre Dels Forcats, is a must-see for lovers of contemporary art, offering a fascinating insight into the history and culture of this region.

Outdoor activities and leisure

The Pyrénées-Orientales are full of outdoor activities suitable for everyone. Enthusiasts of water sports will be delighted by the beaches and coves of the Côte Vermeille, ideal for diving, sailing or simply swimming. The trails of the Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Catalanes await hikers, while cyclists will be seduced by the region's winding roads.

Family-friendly seaside resorts such as Argelès-sur-Mer and Saint-Cyprien offer a wide range of activities, from fishing to water skiing, ensuring fun for everyone.

Unique experiences

Local gastronomy

The Pyrénées-Orientales region stands out for its gastronomy rich and diverse, shaped by the influence of Catalan culture and its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. The region is famous for the Muscat de Rivesaltesa sweet natural wine emblematic of the Roussillon region, and Collioure anchovies, an essential ingredient in traditional cooking.

Don't miss the’escalivada, a delicious marinade of Mediterranean vegetables, and "cargolade," a specialty of snails grilled over a wood fire. To savor these traditional dishes, head to renowned restaurants such as Cal Malhivern, El Nou Cal Cateri, or La Siesta, which blend tradition and modernity in their cuisine.

Traditional festivals and celebrations

The Pyrénées-Orientales vibrates to the rhythm of holidays and festivalTraditional events take place throughout the year, showcasing the region’s rich culture and heritage. The Céret Modern Art Festival is a must-see event for lovers of contemporary art.

The Saint-Jean festivities in Perpignan and the Fêtes de la Mer in Collioure are particularly noteworthy, featuring processions, fireworks, and outdoor concerts, offering a complete immersion in the local festive atmosphere.

Find out more about Collioure, read our detailed article here.

Exceptional hiking and natural discoveries

Nature lovers and hiking in the Pyrénées-Orientales region, thanks to a range of landscapes breathtaking. Visit Regional Nature Park des Pyrénées Catalanes offers a variety of trails, accessible to all levels, to explore natural wonders such as the Canigou massif and the Carança gorges. Perched villages such as Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet and Mollo-Prats promise breathtaking panoramas.

For the more adventurous, water-skiing and diving along the Côte Vermeille promise thrills in an idyllic setting.

Pyrénées Orientales - Conclusion

The Pyrénées-Orientales offer an unparalleled travel experience, harmoniously blending majestic mountains, sun-drenched beaches, and a rich cultural heritage. From the charm of the Côte Vermeille to the breathtaking heights of the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park, this destination is a true treasure trove for nature and history lovers.

The experience is rounded out by delicious cuisine, traditional festivities, and a wide variety of outdoor activities. To make the most of what the Pyrénées-Orientales have to offer, it’s a good idea to plan your trip carefully by choosing the best time to visit and selecting accommodations that meet your needs.

Explore must-see sites and indulge in memorable experiences. The Pyrénées-Orientales promises a holiday rich in discovery and emotion.

Pyrénées Orientales - FAQ

What's the most beautiful place in the Pyrénées-Orientales?

Considered by many to be the jewel of the Pyrénées-Orientales, the Pic du Canigou rises to an altitude of 2,784 meters, offering spectacular views of the entire region.

What are the largest towns in Pyrénées-Orientales?

In terms of population, the largest towns in Pyrénées-Orientales include Perpignan, Canet-en-Roussillon, Saint-Estève, Saint-Cyprien, Cabestany, Argelès-sur-Mer and Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque. Perpignan leads the way with 119,344 inhabitants, closely followed by Canet-en-Roussillon with 12,284 residents.

What is the name of department 66?

Department 66 is known as Pyrénées-Orientales, part of the Occitanie region with Perpignan as its capital.

Why live in the Pyrénées-Orientales?

Choosing the Pyrénées-Orientales as a place to live means enjoying a pleasant Mediterranean climate with about 300 days of sunshine a year, a variety of landscapes ranging from the sea to the mountains, a rich historical heritage, a multitude of sports and recreational activities, not to mention attractive real estate prices.