Church bells, cow bells, floral-scented cobblestone streets!

Perched high above the neighboring village Casteil, this 11th century Benedictine monastery is on the pilgrims‘ route Santiago de Compostela and remains a working abbey. Scented gardens, ancient marble corridors lit by magical light, an astonishing panoramic view. 

This 11th century city, walled in the 17th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lively cafes, restaurants, and lots of shops. You will want to take the Yellow Train from here that winds through the mountains.  https://www.tourisme-canigou.com/organisez/voir-faire/loisirs/le-train-jaune-640694

A 20 minute walk from Vernet, this tiny village has a charming little church, great eateries (one with a Michelin star Parisian chef). You can reach the St Martin Abbey from the village.

 Named “One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France,“ and also the “Sunniest Village in France.“ Steep cobblestone steps lead to a lovely church,  flower-bedecked village homes, ceramic arts and galleries.

1 hour and 20 minutes by car. Where the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees meet, two magnificent seaside villages with excellent restaurants, beach, coastal walks and shops. Fauvism was born in Collioure.

1 hour by car. An artist paradise during the rise of cubism, Céret attracted artists including Pablo Picasso, Marck Chagall and Jean Dubuffet. An elegant museum, lots of cafes, and shops.