Malou & Lowell
Things To Do
Collioure
Collioure is a wonderful and quintessential Mediterranean seaside village. There are lots of shops and restaurants, a large number of hikes that can be done right from the village, and not one but two castles to explore. One is right on the harbor, and the other is on the hill above. We are also planning to take everyone there the day after the wedding.
Castelnou
Castelnou is a cute and historic town in the foothills of the mountains. It's essentially unchanged since medieval times, and offers a cool glimpse into the past. There are lots of local artisans and good cafés here.
Céret
Céret is a lovely village nestled into the lower part of a mountain valley. It's a prime example of a Catalan town, with much to explore both inside and outside the walls. Picasso and other well known impressionist artists spent a lot of time in Céret, and there is a wonderful art museum displaying those types of works. There is also a pleasant river that runs nearby, crossed by an impressive stone bridge called Pont du Diable. Finally, Céret is famous for its cherries, and the end of May should normally be the beginning of the season.
Chalet de l'Albère (Xalet de l'Albera)
If you're looking for a nice walk, or just want to check out a very different landscape, drive on up to the Chalet de l'Albère. Up on top of the ridges is a wonderful forest of pine, broken by mountaintop meadows. It's shady and cool in the forest, and the views from the open grasslands are 360 degrees. On top of that, you can eat a nice meal the Chalet. Disclaimer: the drive up is not for those who get carsick or are afraid of windy roads.
Rodès
Rodez is a very small and quiet village. You'll find a lovely short walking loop to do here; which brings you to the ruins of a castle overlooking the village, goes along an ancient aqueduct and through a dramatic gorge, and past a *chef's kiss* first rate swimming spot at the far end of the loop.
Les Orgues d'Ille-sur-Tet
Did you wish that you had gone to southern Utah instead of southern France on this trip? If so, you are in luck! This place is like a little slice of Bryce Canyon, with dramatic spires and rock formations.
Leucate
Yet another beautiful seaside village, Leucate is geographically a very different feel than Collioure. Whereas Collioure is rocky and hilly, Leucate is at the base of a long barrier island with a lagoon behind. The beaches here are long, wide and super sandy. A windsurfer's paradise.
Forêt de Massane
If you are looking for a long hike, look no further. The Forêt de Massane is an exceptional area of old growth beech forest at the top of the mountains. No roads access it however, and so to get here you'll have to carry your own self up the hill. Depending on your route, you can pass some cool ruins (Tour Massane and Château d'Ultrera) as well as pass through an ancient aqueduct tunnel.