At an altitude of 1600 m, at the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees, and at the crossroads of Conflent, Capcir and Cerdanya, the town of Mont-Louis, founded in the 17th century in response to the order of King Louis to secure the area after the Treaty of the Pyrenees was signed in 1659, is the highest walled town in France! Built by Vauban, from 1679 to 1681, this ancient stronghold can also pride itself in being included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, because of Vauban's fortifications. Take a stroll and see the Porte de France, the ramparts, the Church of St Louis and the solar furnace dating from 1949. You can learn about how the furnace works on a guided tour.

Situated at the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park, the Eyne Valley, listed as a national nature reserve, well deserves its nickname of valley of flowers. Well known by botanists, this protected area is celebrated for its remarkable floral diversity. More than 500 plants, many of which are native species, are found here! This incredible flora includes the Pyrenean lily and the glacier buttercup, not forgetting the Adonis and the Pyrenean Rush...Whether you are passionate about botany, a wild flower lover, or a devoted rambler, the months of June to August are the best months for enjoying the innumerable flowering plants of this enchanting region.

At the House of the Eyne Valley (la Maison de la Vallée d'Eyne), there is an ethnobotanic garden, open from June to September, which showcases the valley and more generally the Catalan Pyrenees. This gives people the opportunity to familiarise themselves with local plants, whether they be edible, poisonous or medicinal, and to learn more about the relationship between man and plants down the centuries!

This famous Pyrenean place of pilgrimage, the Hermitage of Our Lady (Notre-Dame), found in the commune of Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via along the Way of St James, was built by a fountain where a miracle once took place, it is said.

Its 17th-18th-century chapel contains a splendid baroque altarpiece by the Catalonian artist Joseph Sunyer. Close to the high altar, a staircase leads to the Camaril, a small reception room dedicated to the Virgin of Font-Romeu, a 12th-century Romanesque gilt wood carving.

Each year, on 8 September, a procession takes place, when a statue of the Virgin is carried to the church in Odeillo, where it remains during the winter, until the Sunday of the Feast of the Trinity, when it is returned to the Hermitage.

300m southeast of the Hermitage is the Font-Romeu Calvary Pass, where a Way of the Cross begins, leading to the top of a peak which offers a superb panoramic view of Cerdanya and the surrounding peaks.

At the heart of the Capcir in the Catalan Pyrenees, in the commune of Angoustrine-Villeneuve-des-Escaldes at an altitude of 2016 m, there is a listed natural site of immense beauty: the artificial Lake of Les Bouillouses. It covers 149 hectares, and its waters filled with brown and rainbow trout delight fishing enthusiasts.

In summer, to protect this superb natural space and regulate the seasonal influx of tourists, the traffic is controlled. In July and August the lake is only accessible by shuttle bus, leaving from the Pla de Barrès, by chairlift from Font-Romeu or by footpaths.

Signposted paths by the lake, for example the path leading to the peak of Carlit, enable you to explore the surrounding mineral landscapes, dotted with numerous small lakes!

Situated between Ariège, Andorra and Spain, at the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park, at 1200 m in altitude, Cerdanya is famous for its exceptional sunniness. Surrounded by majestic mountains, this green, light-filled high plateau is dotted with typical villages. The picturesque village of Llo is worth going out of your way to see, with its watchtower and bell tower wall. There is also the opportunity to enjoy the lovely thermal baths at Llo, with their hot, sulphurous water. The open air pools, indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and Turkish baths will delight those wishing to relax!

As Cerdanya enjoys around 300 days of sun a year – or nearly 2400 hours! – it is only natural that the solar furnace of Odeillo, in the commune of Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via, should be found here. With its immense parabolic mirror, this impressive solar furnace, commissioned in 1969, is one of the largest in the world! There is a permanent exhibition - Héliodyssée – dedicated to the world of solar energy here. Within the ramparts of the fortified town of Mont-Louis stands another solar furnace, the first of the double reflection type, built in 1949.

Extending over 138,000 hectares, ranging in altitude from 300 to 3000 m, the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park covers the three areas of Capcir, Cerdanya and Conflent. With its great open spaces, its exceptional flora and record sunshine, as well as the famous Canigou massif and Eyne Valley, the park has everything to enchant those who love nature and outdoor leisure activities!

The Catalan Pyrenees Park is also remarkable for its many nature reserves and Natura 2000 sites, ski resorts such as Font-Romeu and Bolquère-Pyrénées 2000, two citadels by Vauban listed as World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO, which are Villefranche-de-Conflent and Mont-Louis, as well as two spa resorts, Vernet-les-Bains and Molitg-les-Bains. A marvellous programme of visits which will delight those interested in fortifications as much as lovers of natural heritage. Finally, you should not leave this superb region without taking the famous Cerdanya yellow train, which crosses the magnificent countryside between Villefranche-de-Conflent and Latour-de-Carol.

For more information on the Catalan Pyrenees, the Maison du Parc at Olette will open in 2014.

Overlooked by the ruins of an ancient castle is the picturesque hamlet of Évol, in the commune of Olette. You can admire its Romanesque church and its schist houses with their thackstone roofs. An authentic grouping, typical of the area, and listed among the most beautiful villages in France...

A visit to the reading room of Ludovic Massé, the novelist born in Évol, and the museum of art and popular traditions are a great way to round off your day here.

Listed as a World Heritage site by the UNESCO because of its fortifications by Vauban, the fortified village of Villefranche-de-Conflent, situated at the confluence of the Têt, the Cady and the Rotja, at the foot of Mount Canigou, was founded at the end of the 11th century by a Count of Cerdanya, in order to protect the valleys from invasion. It was then reinforced by Vauban in the 17th century, after the Treaty of the Pyrenees of 1659, to ensure its safety and that of Conflent.

Encircled by solid fortifications, the medieval village of Villefranche-de-Conflent also features in the list of the most beautiful villages in France. Visitors who love old buildings can explore this ancient heritage: ramparts with fortified doors, the picturesque street, the Rue Saint-Jean, with many house fronts which figure in the inventory of Historic Monuments, the Saint-Pierre bridge over the Têt, the town hall belfry tower, the Church of St James (Saint-Jacques) with its beautiful 12th-century carved pink marble entrance... Art galleries, souvenir shops and local craft shops all offer plenty for shopaholics to enjoy.

On the heights above Villefranche-de-Conflent you can see the outline of Fort Libéria, like a sentinel majestically overlooking the medieval village and the confluence of the three valleys. This remarkable edifice with wall-walks was constructed by Vauban in 1681, then reinforced in the 19th century under Napoleon III. An underground stairway called ‘The thousand steps', which has 734 steps in fact, connects the fort with the village of Villefranche-de-Conflent. The Fort is accessible on foot for braver souls but can also be reached using the 4x4 shuttle bus which goes from the village.

Not to be missed is a trip on the yellow train, which goes from Villefranche-de-Conflent, for a fabulous adventure in the high plateaux of Cerdanya!

At the heart of the Pyrénées-Orientales, between Villefranche-de-Conflent and Latour-de-Carol, not far from the Spanish border, the famous Yellow Train is in circulation the whole year round. Displaying the Catalonian colours of red and yellow has, it has earned the nickname of the Canary. It follows an impressive 63 km long route along the national railway line, the highest in France, and crosses wonderful mountainous landscapes. During this unique journey, there are spectacular panoramic views, two extraordinary bridges – the viaduct of Séjourné and the Gisclard suspension bridge – and 19 tunnels.

Listed as an Historic Building, the Romanesque church of St Mary of Corneilla-de-Conflent, built in the 11th and 12th centuries, has a splendid sculpted tympanum on its west door, representing the Virgin in Majesty. A remarkable example of Romanesque Catalonian art! Once over the threshold of the building, you should take a look at the 12th-century Virgin and Child in polychrome wood, the 14th-century Gothic white marble altarpiece, the 12th-century altars...

Nestling at the base of Mount Canigou, at the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park, the spa resort of Vernet-les-Bains is an approved green holiday resort (station verte label). The gentle climate, the beautiful countryside and the harmonious architecture guarantee a wonderful holiday for tourists and those taking the waters.

As well as its Belle Époque spa district, at the heart of which lies a pleasant park full of different plants, discover the old village with picturesque little cobbled streets, overlooked by the castle tower and the Church of St Saturnin.

To set off exploring the Belle Époque heritage of the resort, don't hesitate to follow the Kipling Path, a circuit dotted with information boards erected by the Tourist Office. This will give you the opportunity to admire the remarkable plant heritage, which, with more than 2000 trees and 320 different species identified, makes Vernet-les-Bains a real village arboretum!

Specialising in the treatment of rheumatic and bronco-pulmonary complaints, the Spas of Vernet-les-Bains offer an ideal space for well-being and relaxation, as well as spa therapies.

Around the resort, numerous pedestrian and mountain bike tracks will delight those who love to ramble.

Prades, the capital of the Conflent, is situated at the foot of the Canigou, at the confluence of several rivers. This welcoming little town contains a marvellous artistic heritage. Its Church of St Peter (Saint-Pierre), dating from the 12th and 17th centuries, is a must-see site and well worth a visit. In fact its choir houses a splendid Baroque altarpiece dedicated to St Peter. Listed as an Historic Building, this remarkable work by the Catalonian sculptor Joseph Sunyer is the largest Baroque altar piece in France! Also to be admired is the church's treasure room, where there is a collection of relics, precious metal pieces and a statue of Our Lady of the Volta dating from the 14th century.

For those who love local produce, in the pretty square adjoining the church there is a producers' market every Saturday morning. Also there is a bigger market in Prades town centre on Tuesday mornings.

Created in 1950 by the celebrated Catalonian cellist Pablo Casals, the Pablo Casals Festival, which is entirely devoted to chamber music, takes place each summer in different ancient buildings in the Pyrénées-Orientales, such as the Church of Saint-Pierre de Prades, the Abbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa, the Abbey of Saint-Martin du Canigou and the Church of Corneilla-de-Conflent. An unmissable event for anyone who loves classical music! And to learn more about the great Catalonian musician, go to the Pablo Casals Museum in Prades, where the career of the artist is brought to life through letters, photos, instruments, recordings and concert outfits.

At the heart of the Canigou massif, at an altitude of 1094 metres on a rocky spur which overlooks the Cady Valley, stands the Abbey of Saint-Martin du Canigou, founded in 1001 by a Count of Cerdanya.

Full of serenity, this haven of peace, nestled in a magnificent environment, both peaceful and verdant, is only accessible on foot – about a 40 minute climb – departing from the village of Casteil.

Today occupied by the Béatitudes community, the Abbey of Saint-Martin du Canigou, listed as an Historic Building, has preserved some beautiful reminders of the past: the lower church, mostly underground, dedicated to Our Lady Under the Earth (Notre-Dame-sous-Terre); the higher 11th-century church, consecrated to St Martin; the cloister and its marble capitals...So many gems of Romanesque architecture to admire during a guided tour.

At the approach to the Abbey, a stairway will lead you to a viewpoint from where you will have a breath-taking view over the whole monastery!

At the foot of the Canigou, close to Prades, in the commune of Codalet amid rustic orchard scenery, stands a monastery topped with a magnificent Romanesque bell tower with geminated bays. Founded in the 9th century, The Abbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa is nowadays occupied by a community of Benedictine monks attached to Montserrat.

A visit to this serene place enables you to discover its architectural treasures: the large pre-Romanesque church, consecrated in 974; the utterly beautiful cloister, partly reconstructed, the pink marble capitals of which are a remarkable example of Romanesque sculpture; the crypt in the early Romanesque style with the chapel of the Virgin of the Crib...

Renowned for its exceptional acoustics, each summer in July and August, the Abbey of Cuxa holds concerts of chamber music, as part of the famous Pablo Casals festival.

Thought to be one of the sunniest villages in France, Eus can also boast of being amongst the most beautiful villages in the country. Perched on a hill of granite, between the Conflent Valley and Mount Canigou, At the heart of the Pyrénées-Orientales, Eus is certainly worth going out of your way to see! Not just for its viewpoints over the surrounding countryside, but also for its delightful little cobbled, sloping streets. At the top of the village, at the site of an ancient castle, stands the imposing 18th-century church of Saint-Vincent-d'en-Haut.

Over time, the River Aude, hurtling down the slopes of the Pyrenees from its source in the Carlit massif in Pyrénées-Orientales, has carved deep gorges in the rock. This is particularly the case in Pyrenean Piedmont, close to the village of Axat, in the department of Aude, where you can admire the Pierre-Lys pass, to the north of Axat, and the Saint-Georges gorges, to the south of Axat. These two natural sites are remarkably good for whitewater sports like rafting, kayak, canorafting and hydrospeed!

From its height of 697 metres, the Cathar castle of Puilaurens, on a rocky spur at the edge of Fenouillèdes, proudly overlooks the verdant Boulzane valley.

An amazing example of the military architecture of the Middle Ages, Puilaurens Castle, once one of the "Five Sons of Carcassonne", played an important role in the defence of the old border between France and Aragon.

Before you can admire the crenellated walls, the barbican, the circular path, the remains of the square keep or the Dame Blanche Tower more closely, you must follow a pleasant botanical path which climbs to the foot of the fortress!

Founded in the 12th century by the canons of St Sepulchre, Marcevol Priory, located at an altitude of 560 m in the commune of Arboussols, enjoys a magnificent panoramic view over the Têt Valley and the Caigou massif. Besides its utterly beautiful, peaceful natural setting, the Romanesque Marcevol Priory, superbly restored by a group of volunteers, is also worth visiting because of its splendid pink marble door, topped by a bell tower wall with four bay windows. Inside the church, which has three naves, an ancient fresco has been preserved of Christ in Majesty.

As a cultural centre, Marcevol Priory regularly hosts exhibitions, courses and concerts.

The square gate tower, the curtain walls, the courtyard of honour and the 35-metre-high keep, which has four splendid rooms (such as the Musicians' Room with cul-de-lampe sculptures of people playing different instruments), are all examples of the medieval architecture you can admire on your trip to Puivert Castle, which dates from the 13th and 14th centuries. Positioned at the top of a gently sloping hill, this ancient Cathar site, which was attacked during the crusades of 1210, towers majestically above the village of Puivert and its lake...

Nestling in the heart of the Pyrenees in the Ariège upper valley at an altitude of 720 metres is the spa resort of Ax-les-Thermes that boasts three water-cure establishments specialising in the treatment of rheumatisms and respiratory problems.

Ax-le-Thermes also has a recreational spa, Les Bains du Couloubret, where relaxation and well-being are on the agenda in a setting reminiscent of Ancient Rome.

A trail through the old town with 14 interpretation panels is a good way to explore Ax-les-Thermes's history and architecture. The tour takes in the Bassin des Ladres, a natural pool of hot sulphurous water, the Thermes (thermal baths), the belle-époque Casino, pretty streets and fountains.

Not to be missed nearby is the scenic Orlu valley with its little villages, Maison des Loups wolf park, and national wildlife reserve (Réserve Nationale de Faune Sauvage), a lovely place to go walking.

In the Boulès valley, At the heart of a holm oak forest in the commune of Boule-d'Amont, stands an early 11th-century Romanesque priory. Nestling in a wild, green natural setting, the priory of St Mary of Serrabona (Sainte-Marie de Serrabona) is worth going out of your way to see, as much for its magnificent site as its remarkable artistic heritage.

Once inside the church, admire the splendid pink marble rostrum and the sculpted capitals. These are adorned by floral motifs, angels and animals, and are a superb example of the Romanesque art of Roussillon...As well as the treasure of this Romanesque sculpture, you'll find another gem: the south gallery of the cloister, with archways opening on to a beautiful area of greenery.

A delightful botanic garden surrounds the priory, full of Mediterranean plants.

Canigou, the Catalonian's sacred mountain, steeped in mystery and legend and culminating at an altitude of 2784 metres, majestically overlooks the Roussillon plain and the Mediterranean Sea. Situated near to Prades, this Pyrenean mountain is even more impressive in winter, when its snow-covered outline is seen clearly against the surrounding countryside of the coast...

Highly prized by ramblers, the climb to the peak of Canigou, which is possible from June to September, has some magnificent viewpoints. To climb this emblematic Eastern Pyrenean mountain, walkers have two possible departure points: from the Chalet des Cortalets (2150 m in altitude, 3h30 return trip); or from the Mariailles refuge (1718 m in altitude, 8h return trip). At the summit, a spectacular panorama of the Pyrenees mountain range, the Roussillon plain and the Mediterranean coast will make up for all the effort expended during the climb! It is, however, essential to consult the weather forecast before setting off, because fog and storms can make the climb dangerous.

On the first Sunday in August, the famous and testing Canigou Race (Course du Canigou) is held, a mountain race of 34km from Vernet-les-Bains to the summit of the Canigou and back, a climb of 2180 metres!

The ski resort of Ax 3 Domaines in the Ariège Pyrenees mountains is linked to the spa town of Ax-les-Thermes via cable car and offers snow sports fans three separate ski areas – Bonascre, Le Saquet and Les Campels – with a combined total of 80 kilometres of runs. A wide range of outdoor activities are available: downhill skiing, speed riding and snowshoeing in winter; and mountain biking, hiking, tennis, swimming and horse riding in summer.

Trimouns open-air quarry situated near Bestiac, Lordat and Vernaux at an altitude of 1,800 metres is one of the largest talc quarries in the world. Towering over the Ariège valley opposite the Pyrenees, this striking quarry forms a vast cirque with a curious, lunar-like landscape. The site is open to the public by guided tour only from Monday to Friday (except national holidays) from mid-May to mid-October.

In Upper Vallespir, at 735 m in altitude on the left bank of the Tech, stands the thousand-year-old town of Prats-de-Mollo. It has an authentic feel, with its unspoilt natural environment, its ramparts, its fortified church and its picturesque little streets. The Guillème stream runs through this little medieval town, which was remodelled by Vauban and is ideal for a relaxing stroll. The fortified gates, the Church of Saintes-Juste-et-Ruffine and its beautiful Baroque furnishings, and the covered walk leading to 17th-century Fort Lagarde, perched in the heights of Prats-de-Mollo, are all admirable reminders of the past.

A high point in the town's year is the unusual Bear Festival, in February, when a traditional carnival commemorates an old legend...

8 km away from Prats-de-Mollo, you can discover La Preste thermal spa, a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation, with its thermal water pool and beauty and well-being treatments.