Remote valleys reveal many examples of rural architecture: stone-built villages, cobbled footpaths, drystone walls, arched bridges, snow wells
and elegant farmhouses.
Some of the later, dating from the 18th century, have been restored
as countryside inns renowned for their fresh food and traditional cuisine.
The transparent light and bright colours attracted many artists: the town of Céret became the "Mecca" of cubism
and the beautiful ports of Collioure
and Cadaquès welcomed Matisse, Derain, Dufy and the “Master” Salvador Dali,
a native of the region.
The country stretches on both sides of the French
Spanish border, offering an exceptional palette of
scenery and the largest variety of flora and wild life
in the whole of the Pyrenees.
2000 years of rich history provide an outstanding heritage: from vestiges of the Roman colonization, along the "Via Domitia" to the medieval Golden Age, witness of the birth of the Catalan Romanesque Art still alive 10 centuries later in the remote churches, monasteries and abbeys.
Counts of Barcelona
and Kings of Mallorca
also raised many high
perched watchtowers,
castles and fortresses
as did French architect
Vauban after the
annexion of Roussillon.
Walking areas range from altitudes 0 to 3000 metres, around 1 h drive
from the airports of Girona, Perpignan and Carcassonne
