Travelling up the Têt valley towards the Hautes-Pyrénées, an impressive citadel built into a narrow rocky defile comes into view: Villefranche-de-Conflent. Built by the Count of Cerdanya in the 11th century and later reinforced by Vauban in the 17th century, this entire medieval town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking along its covered ramparts, visiting Fort Liberia perched on the cliff (accessible via a legendary underground staircase of more than 730 steps! often nicknamed the underground of 1,000 steps) or simply strolling along Rue Saint-Jean lined with craft shops is a true immersion in the military and medieval history of Roussillon. It is also the starting point of the famous Yellow Train, which winds its way through the mountains.

To conclude this overview in a more intimate setting, we head for the foothills of the Albères massif and the village of Villelongue-dels-Monts. Far from the hustle and bustle of the main roads, this picturesque village perfectly embodies Catalan serenity. People come here to admire the Priory of Santa Maria del Vilar, a jewel of Romanesque art nestled in a cork oak forest, or to stroll around its 12th-century Romanesque church. The terraces of the village square invite you to enjoy a glass of AOC Banyuls or Rivesaltes sweet fortified wine in the shade of the plane trees. Discovering these authentic towns makes it possible to grasp the deep soul of a region that has passionately preserved its cultural identity.