Car
Address: La Route des Gorges, 66800 Llo, France
Visiting the French Catalan Pyrenees – Nature, Culture & Trails
Explore the Regional Park of the Catalan Pyrenees — lakes, forests, thermal baths, UNESCO towns and the iconic Yellow Train across Capcir, Cerdanya and Alto‑Conflent
Views:
1.9k
Description of the Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Catalanes
The Regional Park of the Catalan Pyrenees, known in French as the Parc naturel régional des Pyrénées catalanes, is a spectacular mountain region in southern France bordering Spain and the principality of Andorra. Its landscapes rise from gentle foothills at three hundred metres to rugged peaks reaching nearly three thousand metres above sea level.
The park is divided into three distinct districts — Capcir (Le Capcir), Cerdanya (La Cerdagne) and Alto‑Conflent (Le Haut‑Conflent) — covering a total of 1,371 km² and home to just twenty‑three thousand inhabitants across sixty‑four towns and villages. Each district has its own character: Capcir is a high‑mountain plateau of forests, lakes and snow‑covered summits; Cerdanya is a wide, sunlit valley of grazing herds, meadows and winter snows; and Alto‑Conflent, closest to the Mediterranean, is shaped by terraced valleys, orchards and historic irrigation canals.
This region is an ecological sanctuary with more than 240 protected species and a long tradition of renewable energy. You’ll find the Lac des Bouillouses hydro‑electric plant, the Themis solar power station, the impressive Odeillo solar furnace and geothermal activity from natural hot springs — all set within pristine mountain scenery.
The Parc naturel régional des Pyrénées catalanes is equally rich in cultural heritage. Romanesque and Baroque churches dot the valleys, while the fortified towns of Mont‑Louis and Villefranche‑de‑Conflent — masterpieces of Vauban’s military architecture — are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Running through the heart of the park from Latour‑de‑Carol to Villefranche‑de‑Conflent is the iconic 1910 narrow gauge railway known as the Yellow Train, a 63‑kilometre scenic route serving twenty‑two stations and offering one of the most memorable journeys in the Pyrenees.
Click on any of the images below to explore each attraction in detail, including maps, weather information and accommodation recommendations.
Happy Exploring!
Thermal Baths in the Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Catalanes
The French Eastern Pyrenees region is famous for the many natural springs of sulphurous water on which several thermal bath complexes have been built.
- Health benefits associated with sulphur hot springs:
- Reducing stress and increasing production of endorphins
- Physical and mental relaxation which helps promote sleep
- Stimulation of the immune system, increasing immunity
- Naturally relieving pain
- Antifungal and antibacterial properties that can soothe and even help heal the skin
Car
Car
Address: Aygue Calente, 66360 Fontpédrouse, France
Bains de Saint Thomas Thermal Baths
Three outside pools at a temperature of about 37°C in a stone Greek theatre surround. Multiple hot sulfurous water spring indoor rooms at a temperature of 58°C
Read more >
Car
Address: Chem. de la Laiterie, 66820 Vernet-les-Bains, France
Thermes de Vernet-les-Bains Thermal Baths
Modern Hotel and spa complex offering thermal treatments, massages and wellness stays and activities
Read more >
Attractions in the Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Catalanes
CAR
1.8k views
Pic de Carlit: Epic French Pyrenees Lake‑to‑Summit Hike
Challenge yourself on a 14 km lake‑filled, high‑altitude route to the 2921 m summit of Pic de Carlit. A breathtaking French Pyrenees weekend hike with rugged climbs, glacial lakes and unforgettable views
Read more >
CAR
1.6k views
Saint‑Martin du Canigou Abbey Hike – Vernet‑les‑Bains, France
Discover the Romanesque Saint‑Martin du Canigou Abbey on a 13 km hike from Vernet‑les‑Bains, passing waterfalls, forest trails and stunning Canigou mountain scenery
Read more >
CAR
1.5k views
Gorges de Carançà Hike – Pyrenees Pasarelas & Suspension Bridges
A demanding 12 km hike through the Gorges de Carançà with cliff‑side pasarelas, suspension bridges, forest trails and dramatic Pyrenees canyon scenery from Thuès‑entre‑Valls
Read more >
CAR
1k views