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Sporting & Leisure Activities in Font Romeu

Road Cycling

For the keen road cyclist, the resort of Font Romeu offers a wide range of cycling terrain to keep you occupied during your stay; from low rolling valley rides on quiet roads beside mountain streams to the mighty, mystical and imposing Pyrenean climbs of the Tour de France. There is a good selection of famous cols in reasonable striking distance from your base in the town. Literally on your doorstep is the tough but scenic climb up to the Col de la Llose (Coll de la Llosa) which peaks out at 1866m above sea level. The Col de la Llose can also be climbed from Olette which is approximately 25km away from Font Romeu. From Olette, the Col de la Llose has a length of 24.8 kilometers to the summit with a height gain of 1234m at an average gradient of 5%.

Further afield, but still within a capable riding distance you have the beautiful climb up to the Col de Créu (1712m). This partially gladed climb on a narrow road in the shade of the pine trees offers great views of the valley. The steepest part of the climb is reserved for the final few kilometres as the road steepens to 9% to test your legs and your resolve as you ascend in the Catalan heat. Perhaps the most famous climb nearby is that of the Port de Pailhères (2001m). This climb has been used a total of five times by the cyclist of the Tour de France since it was first used in 2003. It was used most recently in 2013 when the first man over the summit of the climb was the eventual winner of the Polkadot jersey, Nairo Quintana.
Further away still are the climbs of Ax 3 Domaines and the Col du Pradel which are some 60km away from Font Romeu. The climb to the open summit of the Col du Pradel offers spectacular views of the snow capped Pyrenean peaks and has sections in excess of 10% gradient in the final third of the climb from Ax les Thermes.

For those wanting to catch a glimpse of La Grande Boucle, the route for the coming Tour de France is normally announced in October prior to the race in July (www.letour.fr/le-tour/). So now there is no excuse for not booking your stay well in advance before the rooms start to disappear!

Mountain Biking

Font Romeu is a paradise for those who enjoy taking in the mountain scenery on two wheels. The area boasts 16 cross country mountain bike circuits certified by the French Cycling Association. In total there are 138 kms of marked trails for mountain biking located in two areas around Font Romeu.

The circuits are classified according to difficulty and there are 3 green circuits, 3 blue circuits, 5 red circuits and 1 black circuit as well as 4 interconnecting paths.
There is a good selection of MTB trails from gladed downhill single track in the forests of Cerdanya and Capcir to long mountain descents suitable for a wide range of abilities. There are also some challenging climbs along the (fire) roads in the area that ascend up to some stunning view points. The gravelly (fire) roads are not suitable for road specific bikes. There are well-established Bike Parks in the area at Font Romeu, Les Angles and La Molina.
www.lesangles.com/fr/bike-park
especials.lamolina.cat/
You can buy a mountain biking guide at the local tourist office for a price of 4€.

La Calme Sud chair lift

Altiservice. Tel: +33 (0)468 306061. Email:fontromeu.pyrenees2000@altiservice.com. www.altiservice.com.
Take the chair lift to go up and the mountain bike to go down! There are permanently maintained trails that return you (and your bike) back to the foot of the chair lift.
Opening times: Early July to late August: 08:30 – 12:45 & 13:15 – 17:45
Price: Adults or child Ascent/8.50€, 1 day pass adult/13.50€, 1 day pass child/11.50€
Mountain Biking GuidesFor those looking to get a little bit of local knowledge or training on the local tracks, the local mountain biking guides are on hand to take you off the beaten track and to give you a few tips or training.
Adventure Pyrénéenne, 45, Ave E. Brousse, 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)468 049659. www.aventure-pyreneenne.com. Email: aventure-pyreneenne@orange.fr
OR
Ozone 3, 38, Ave E. Brousse, 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)468 303609. www.ozone3.fr. Email:contact@ozone3.fr

Hiking and walking in Font Romeu

There are plenty of walks in and around Font Romeu and they take in the stunning nature and scenery of Natural Regional Park of the Catalan Pyrenees. From high altitude walks on the surrounding mountains (of the winter ski area) to gentler walks in the lower areas with its pretty lakes and wooded areas. Walking or hiking over small brooks and up to high plateaus - there is something for everyone.

Cable car and chair lifts access to walking paths
Altiservice. Tel: +33 (0)468 306061. Email:fontromeu.pyrenees2000@altiservice.com. www.altiservice.com
The main cable car which departs from the village centre whisks you up to the “Plateau des Airelles” from where many of the walking itineraries begin. From here the Calme sud and Calme nord chair lifts take you higher up into the high altitude mountains. Also, the local shuttle bus between “Plateau des Airelles” and “Calme” areas runs frequently making walking and hiking in the area easy and accessible.

Opening times & prices
The chairlifts, cable car and shuttles are open from the first Saturday in July to Last Sunday in August. The shuttles run an extra service all season long at weekends up to Lake Bouillouses departing from “Pla de Barres”.
Font Romeu Cable car: 0830 – 12:45 & 13:15 – 18:00
La Calme Sud chair lift: 08:30 – 12:45 & 13:15 – 17:45
La Calme Nord chair lifts: 09:00 – 12:45 & 13:15 – 17:30
The “Plateau des Airelles” to “Calme shuttle: 08:30 – 12:45 & 13:15 – 18:00
Font Romeu Cable car & the shuttle
Price: Adult return/6.50€, Child return (6 – 15 yrs.)/5.50€, Child return (under 6 yrs.)/FOC; Family price 3/4/5/6/7/: 16.50€/18€/22.50€/27€/31.50€.

La Calme Sud or Nord chair lifts
Price: Adult return/9€, Child return (6 – 15 yrs.)/6€, Child return (under 6 yrs.)/FOC; Family price 3/4/5/6/7 person family: 18€/24€/30€/36€/42€.

Font Romeu Cable car, La Calme Sud or Nord chair lifts and the shuttle
Price: Adult return/14€, Child return (6 – 15 yrs.)/11€, Child return (under 6 yrs.)/FOC; Family price 3/4/5/6/7 person family: 33€/40€/50€/60€/70€.

Local walking itineraries in the area

Lake Bouillouses Trail
This is the most famous and most beautiful lake in the area and the walk to it is both impressive and iconic. It is a must do whilst here in the area. You can either take the cable car from Font Romeu centre or drive up the “Plateau des Airelles” From there you can take the shuttle to “La Calme” and the chair lift Calme Sud will take you up to a height of 2213m (panoramic views) then Calme Nord takes you down and close to Pradeilles lake. From here it is just a 30 minute walk to Lake Bouillouses.

The Soulane Trail
This is the old path to Egat. For centuries it was used by pilgrims to reach the Hermitage.
Distance (km): 5.5

The Birds Trail
An original route to discover the routes taken by birds: stopping points all along the route to watch and listen to the birds. It was created by the Mont-Louis school with the association of children of the world. Detailed itinerary available in the Petit Guide Rando Pyrenees Roussillon "32 hikes Capcir High Conflent."
Distance (km): 3

The Carlit Lakes
Very nice route starting from the great Bouillouses Lake and classified site of the same name. In an atmosphere dominated by the Carlit Mountain, the highest point in the Pyrenees-Orientales, this circuit takes you along a chain of ponds. Detailed itinerary available in Top card 50: 2249
Distance (km): 10

Fontrabiouse Caves
A peaceful walk along the Galbe valley which is filled with mountain villages. After crossing the green pastures, a visit is needed to explore the limestone caves of Fontrabiouse. Detailed itinerary available in Top card 50: 2249
Distance (km): 10

Four Solaire Trail
Discovery of the Solar Centre reached by taking a former pastoral way. Beware, the first part of the route follows the road!
Distance (km): 3

Ardoisieres Trail
From Valcebollère village at the end of the route, you will go onto shale paths leading to ancient agricultural practices. As the Spanish refugees fleeing Franco regime, you will find consolation in the chapel of St. Barnabas with excellent fresh source. Detailed itinerary available in Map Top 25 IGN 2250
Distance (km): 5

Mountain Walking Guides
For those looking to get away from the signposted paths, the local walking guides are on hand to take you off the beaten track and into the less trodden areas of the valley.
Half day family excursions, medium and difficult level hiking including peaks, valleys and high altitude lakes, Bivouacs, thematic trails and hiking with a story teller are some of the experiencers available.

Adventure Pyrénéenne, 45, Ave E. Brousse, 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)468 049659. www.aventure-pyreneenne.com. Email: aventure-pyreneenne@orange.fr
OR
Ozone 3, 38, Ave E. Brousse, 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)468 303609. www.ozone3.fr. Email:contact@ozone3.fr
OR
Maison de la Rando, Ave E. Brousse, 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)952 515351. www.maisondelarando.com. Email:contact@maisondelarando.com

Note: The Tourist Office has walking guides of the area that include the following itineraries.
Family Walks: Walks close to Font Romeu. Price: 4€

Dog Sledging

Alaskan Team, Les Airelles, 66122 Font Romeu. Tel: 0033 (0)643 590390. www.traineau-a-chiens.com. Email: info@traineau-a-chiens.com.
Dog sledding is available in a peaceful location in Les Airelles at the top of the cable car from resort. Open all year round, a professional musher will help you to enjoy the art of dog sledding.
Prices:
Introduction & visit to the Park (Driven by the musher to the park and time with the dogs): Adult & over 11 yrs/ 30€, Child 4-10yrs/20€;
Introduction (30mins of instruction and then a mountain tour with your own team of dogs): 100€/half day/per person
2 day raid (Enjoy beautiful landscapes with the dogs and a night in a refuge in Bouillouses or Camporels) 430€/per person

Ice Rink (indoor)

66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)468 308660. Email: cnea.fontromeu@orange.fr
Indoor Olympic ice skating rink measuring 1800m2. Information at the Tourist Office

Pot-holing

Adventure Pyrénéenne, 45, Ave E. Brousse, 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)468 049659. www.aventure-pyreneenne.com. Email: aventure-pyreneenne@orange.fr
Try burying through the underground caverns below the Pyrenees where the weather is always warm. Not for claustrophobic or fearful
Booking: Available daily upon reservation

Via Ferrata

Adventure Pyrénéenne, 45, Ave E. Brousse, 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)468 049659. www.aventure-pyreneenne.com. Email: aventure-pyreneenne@orange.fr
This popular sport in the mountains is used a lot in the military and many of the routes were used during the second world war. It involves traversing a cliff or mountain side using carabiners to clip into metal hooks attached into the cliff or mountain face. Routes vary in difficulty, height and fear factor.
Booking: Available upon reservation

Hot Air Ballooning

Ozone 3, 38, Ave E. Brousse, 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)468 303609. www.ozone3.fr. Email:contact@ozone3.fr
Take to the air and enjoy spectacular views of the Pyrenees from above. Drift silently over this beautiful area of the Catalan Pyrenees and take home with you a memory for life.
Booking: Available upon reservation

Climbing

Ozone 3, 38, Ave E. Brousse, 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)468 303609. www.ozone3.fr. Email:contact@ozone3.fr
Come and scale mountain ridges and pick your way through the mountain terrain. Venture into the heart of the resort and afford yourself a 360 panoramic view of the Pyrenees. Playing amongst the peaks just like a pro, 0% effort, 100% adrenaline rush.
Booking: Available upon reservation

Adventure park (Treetop Trails)

Chacun sa trace, 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)680 266757. www.chacunsatrace.fr. Email: jeanyves.iglesis@orange.fr.
Located next to l’Ermitage Cafe at the exit of Font Romeu. Children (aged 4 and over) and adults alike will go giddy on this one – literally. Take to the heights of the treetops discovering different methods to cross from one tree to the next using swings, rope bridges and zip cords. Great fun for all the family - especially those who love being high up in the trees. 12 circuits available of varying difficulty.
Open daily during the school holidays and at weekends in May, June and September.
Prices: 8 - 20€;

Canyoning in hot water springs

Climb and swim through the gorges and canyons in the Catalan Pyrenees – the thermal water in this area in hot as it emanates from the nearby springs.
Adventure Pyrénéenne, 45, Ave E. Brousse, 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)468 049659. www.aventure-pyreneenne.com. Email: aventure-pyreneenne@orange.fr
Booking: Available upon reservation

Ozone 3, 38, Ave E. Brousse, 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)468 303609. www.ozone3.fr. Email:contact@ozone3.fr
Booking: Available upon reservation

Laser Biathlon/Cross Country

Adventure Pyrénéenne, 45, Ave E. Brousse, 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)468 049659. www.aventure-pyreneenne.com. Email: aventure-pyreneenne@orange.fr
Try this Olympic sport on the snow. Cross country ski to designated shooting stations and then take your aim and fire at the target using a laser gun. Time and precision are of the essence.
Booking: Available upon reservation

Paragliding

Tandem discovery flights available in the mornings throughout the year. (weather permitting)
Adventure Pyrénéenne, 45, Ave E. Brousse, 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)468 049659. www.aventure-pyreneenne.com. Email: aventure-pyreneenne@orange.fr
Booking: Available upon reservation

Ozone 3, 38, Ave E. Brousse, 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)468 303609. www.ozone3.fr. Email:contact@ozone3.fr
Booking: Available upon reservation

Quad Biking

QBX Cycles, Pyrénées 2000 66122 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)688 582716. www.qbx-quadbike.com
Easier than mountain biking and more efficient than a quad, this is a four wheeled all terrain bike. Fun and comfortable, safe and easy for anyone to use. Transport to the summit and helmet is included and then descent downhill.

Sports Centre

Colette Besson Sports Centre, Ave Jean Paul, 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)468 303809. Email: escb@font-romeu.fr.
This local community sports centre offers badminton, squash, mini golf and tennis.
Classes cost 10€ and include Pilates, Step. Aerobics, Body building, Fly-fusion, Urban cycle, Zumba, Gentle gymnastics, stretching and muscle strengthening.
There is also an outdoor play area for children.
Opening Times: Monday – Friday 09:00 – 21:00 and Saturday 09:00 – 12:00 & 14:00 – 19:00

Archery

Jean Pierre. 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)468 302277. Email: jp.vigier66@orange.fr
Font Romeu has a beginner’s course located in the forest or archery at “Les Airelles” for children aged over six. Material is supplied on site and targets are located from 5 to 30 metres.
Price: Mini test/5€, half hour/8€, 1 hour/12€, 6 session beginner course/120€

Paula Radcliffe Sporting Path

A 1.8km path located on the “Airelles” road- great for staying fit and healthy

Tennis/Badminton/Squash/Mini golf

All these terrain sports are available at the Sports centre. The loan of the court and equipment is available.

Tennis Coaching

Anna Niemegeerts, 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)468 302477. www.tennisfrontromeu.fr
State certified instructor give individual and group lessons during the February school holidays.

Golf

Chalet du Golf. 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)468 301078. www.golf-font-fomeu.fr
A magnificent high altitude (2517m) 9-hole golf course with putting green and pitching green. Par 36 with 30 practise points. Open from 17th may to 4 November (with reservation and weather permitting). Hire of clubs and carts and private lessons available.

Fishing

Font Romeu has three tourist locations where you can live your passion for fishing. Whether it is fly or cast fishing, in lakes or rivers, you can learn how to track the famous Pyrenees brown trout. There is a booklet available at the Tourist Office. Furthermore, with many mountain lakes and rivers nearby, there will be plenty to keep you busy.
Fishing permits are available for purchase at the following website: www.cartedepeche.fr
Price: 7 days/30€, Day permit/15€

Fishing locations:La Llagonne: Quillane Lake – trout fishing. Tel: +33 (0)683 042514
Formigueres: Olive Lake, routes des pistes. Tel: +33 (0)468 044735
St Pierre-dels-Forcats: Le Cubevard – Route de Planes. Tel: +33 (0)678 176419

Horse Riding

Poney club Font Romeu, 2 Ave de Pierre de Coubertin, 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)468 303443.
This stables is affiliated with the French riding federation and is a French riding school as well as a competition stable and sport performance site.

Skate Park

Ave Jean Paul, 66122 Font Romeu.
Made up of different modules, such as a mini ramp with extension, quarters, box, fun box.
Hautacam Downhill Scooter (Trottinette) Deval kart. 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)680 425302.
Located at “les Airelles” at the arrival of the cable car in Font Romeu. This scooter is like a mountain bike with no pedals and no seat. It offers you all the pleasure of mountain descent on all terrain and located on the lower slopes of Font Romeu, it offers spectacular views to boot. So, if you are a speed demon – go for it and if you just want to take it easy and enjoy the view then that is fine too. For all the family with children aged 10 and over allowed.
Price per descent: 1 descent/3€, 5 descents/12€, 10 descents/20€

Areo trampoline

Deval kart. 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)680 425302.
Located at “les Airelles” at the arrival of the cable car in Font Romeu. For adults and children aged 4 and above. Harness and safety gear supplied.
Price: per session/6€,

Deval’Kart

Deval kart. 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)680 425302.
Located at “les Airelles” at the arrival of the cable car in Font Romeu. This small apparatus with four wheels is a hybrid of foot scooter and a bike. It offers you all the pleasure of mountain descent on all terrain and as it is attached to a lift system you can descend at whatever speed you wish. Located on the lower slopes of Font Romeu, it offers spectacular views to boot. So, if you are a speed demon – go for it and if you just want to take it easy and enjoy the view then that is fine too. For all the family with children aged 6 and over allowed.
Price per descent: 1 descent/3€, 5 descents/12€, 10 descents/20€

Casino

46 Ave Emmanuel Brousse, Tel: 0033 (0)468 3001111. Email:contact@casino-font-romeu.com
The casino is open daily and has a games room, boule 2000, fruit machines, Texas hold’em poker. There is also a restaurant disco and a cinema in the same building.

Cinema

46 Ave Emmanuel Brousse, Tel: 0033 (0)468 3001111. Email:contact@casino-font-romeu.com
The cinema is located within the casino building and is open daily. There is also a restaurant and disco in the same building.

Bowling

Bowling l’Elan. 4 Ave Serrat de l’ours. Pyrénées 2000, 66122 Font Romeu. Tel: 0033 (0)468 300405. www.bowlinglelan.fr.
The ten pin bowling alley has 10 lanes at your disposal and is a great way to relax and have fun with friends and family. Large groups wanting to bowl are advised to contact the bowling alley directly.

The Thermal Baths
There are three thermal spas located within 30 mins of Font Romeu in Dorres, Llo and Saint Thomas. The thermal water baths rich in sulphur and sodium in this area is heated to a temperature of 36 degrees and is said to be excellent for muscle fatigue – so great after a long day on the slopes.

Les Bains de Llo
Route des Gorges, 66800 Llo. Tel: +33 (0)468 047455. www.bains-de-llo.com
Located 15 minutes from Font Romeu, this natural spa offers relaxation and treatments with 100% natural products. The waters of Llo are rich in sodium and sulphur and are therefore renowned for their healing powers. These properties are great for hair and skin and for the easing of rheumatic and muscular pains.
The thermal baths comprises outdoor baths with hydro jets and thermal water heated to 35 degrees.
The Relaxing spa has water music aquatic and bubble underwater benches.
The Tonique Spa has geysers, bubble baths and underwater jets.
The large swimming pool has massaging hydro jets, bubble benches, water cannons and foot massage jets.
The Covered bath is heated to 37 degrees, with water falls, water curtains, massage benches and underwater music.
The indoor area has a Jacuzzi, hammam, sauna and relaxation area as well as beauty and massage treatments.
Open: Daily: 10:00 – 19:30; Christmas, New Year and February school holidays: 10:00 – 20:00.
Prices: Entrance to baths, sauna, hammam and relaxation area.
Adult/12€; Child 3-11yrs/9€; Family (2 adults and 2 under 14 year olds)/37€
Note: Baths are closed on some dates in between winter and summer seasons – please see website.

Getting there
Car: Llo is approx. 15km from Font Romeu and takes approx. 22 minutes to reach.

Saint Thomas les Bains
66360 Fontpedrouse, Tel: +33 (0)468 970313. www.bains-saint-thomas.fr
Located 20 km from Font Romeu, Saint Thomas’ baths date back to the 1900’s. They are hidden away in a mythical valley and take their source from the waters of the Pyrenees. There are three external pools set in a Roman amphitheatre and heated to around 37 degrees. One of the pools has a Jacuzzi and massage jets. The internal area with a relaxation area which serves up herbal teas and 3 hammams (one with sulphurous steam) and two Jacuzzis and solarium. Massages and beauty treatments can be ordered ad hoc or as part of a package.
Open: Daily: 10:00 – 19:40; Christmas, New Year and February school holidays: 10:00 – 20:40.
Prices:
Simple package – exterior baths only: Adult/ 6.50€, Child 4-11yrs/5€;
Complete package – exterior baths & internal area: Adult/ 13€
Note: Baths are closed on some dates in between winter and summer seasons – please see website.

Getting there
Car: Saint Thomas les Bains is approx. 20km from Font Romeu and takes approx. 27 minutes to reach.

Dorres bains
D618 on the way to Toulouse, Tel: +33 (0)468 046687.
Located 13 km from Font Romeu, Dorres Roman baths date are located outside in an idyllic stting amongst trees and with a stunning view of the sumits of Puigmal.
Open: Daily: 08:45 – 19:40.
Prices:
Adult/4.80€; Child 2-4yrs/2€

Getting there
Car: Dorres bains is approx. 13km from Font Romeu and takes approx. 20 minutes to reach.

Culture and Heritage in Font Romeu

Heliodyssée Solar Centre

7, Rue du Four solaire, 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)468 307786. www.foursolaire-fontromeu.fr
In the valley at Odeillo, just 15 minutes away by free shuttle-bus, there is a massive solar centre. The building itself can be likened to a piece of art - a huge concave 40-metre high mirror glimmering in the sunshine. It is made up of panels that concentrate the sunlight 40,000 times. The museum underneath has guided tours (in French), which demonstrate on a smaller scale some of how the sun’s power can be concentrated and harnessed. The visit lasts approx. 1 hour.
Open: Daily: 10:00 – 11:30 & 14:00 – 17:00

Yellow Train

Tel: +33 (0)800 886091. www.ter-sncf.com/languedoc-roussillon
A more leisurely way to see the Natural Park is by taking a ride on the Yellow Train of Cerdanya (Train Jaune), affectionately called the "Canary". A symbol of Catalan country, the train runs from Villefranche-de-Conflent (427m) to the station of Latour de Carol Bolquère (Font Romeu-Pyrenees 2000) - the highest station in France - over a distance of 63km and an altitude gain of 1200m. Constructed between 1903 and 1911, the line passes through 19 tunnels and over 2 impressive bridges (Pont Gisclard, Pont Segourne).
The station is just a 10 min’s drive from the centre of Font Romeu.

L’Ermitage at Font Romeu

Legend has it that a herd of cattle under the watch of a herdsman were grazing at Odeillo. One of the bulls would frequently move away from the main herd towards a fountain and would scratch at the ground furiously with its hoof. Intrigued, the herdsman followed the bull and in the place where it had been scratching was a small opening barely visible in which was hidden an image of the Virgin Mary. It is on this site that the Hermitage chapel was built. The statue was probably hidden during the Cathar invasions and discovered at the beginning of the 14th century.
Visits to the Hermitage are free of charge – information from the Tourist Office.

Col du Calvaire (Calvery pass)

A few dozen meters from the Hermitage Chapel at a height of 1836 meters above sea level is one of the most charming parts of Font-Romeu. Located on a small rocky outcrop, the "Prado" Calvary was erected as an oratory in 1857 and used as a geographical landmark for pilgrims. Formerly known as "La Tosca," it is today still called the Observatory or Miranda. Stations of the Cross lead you up to the summit where a 360 ° panoramic view awaits you. Le Grand HotelAt the beginning of the 1900’s only a handful of small houses made up the village of Odeillo. The Grand hotel was constructed in 1911-13 and welcomed a wealthy clientele wanting to discover the joys of winter sports. During the time between the two world wars, the Grand Hotel became renowned as one of the famous palaces in Europe. During the 70’s it was transformed into apartments – but still today some elements of its architecture are listed in the inventory of Historic Monuments.

Roman Art in Cerdagne

The artistic history of French and Spanish Cerdanya really begins with the Romanesque era, during which time many churches and chapels were built and later enriched with beautiful baroque altarpieces and murals. Catalonia is characterised by Romanesque art to such an extent that it could actually be called Catalan art. Among the most notable monuments include the churches of Angoustrine, Dorres, St. Leocadia, Llo, Estavar. Not to mention the churches in the small villages of monosyllabic name such as Ur, Err, Llo, Lles, Bor, Rô, Bar, Hix, Alp, Das and Pi.

Weekly market

There is a weekly market every Wednesday in Odeillo and every Friday on the Rue Maillol. It sells traditional local products from the area.

Library

90 Ave Emmanuel Brousse, 66122 Font Romeu. Tel: 0033 (0)468 303488. Email: bibliotheque-de-font-romeu@wanadoo.fr
There is a state library in Font Romeu open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Visits to the Local Farms

Some of the local farmers in the area open up their farms to show you the joys of farming in the Pyrenees. This free evening out is great fun for all the family.

La Ferme Du Rialet: Located in the small village of Llagonne which is a 20 minute drive from Font Romeu. This is a full working farm with cows, sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys, work horses, geese, ducks, turkeys, chickens, rabbitsand even carrier pidgeons. There is a dairy which produces, cheese, yogurts, fresh milk and butter. Small children can be lead around the farm on a pony.
Open: Daily during school holidays, otherwise Fri – Sunday. 16:00 – 19:00.

Getting there
Car: Llagonne is approx. 11km from Font Romeu and takes approx. 20 minutes to reach.

La Ferme Du Cambre D’aze: Located in Saint Pierre dels Forcats which is a 20 minute drive from Font Romeu. This mountain farm allows you to take part in the running of a mountain farm – so you can feed the animals.
Open: Daily during February school holidays, 15:30 – 18:30.

Getting there
Car: Saint Pierre dels Forcats is approx. 12km from Font Romeu and takes approx. 20 minutes to reach.

Museum de Cerdagne

Musée de Cerdagne - 66800 Sainte Léocadie. Tel: +33 (0)678 176419. Email: www.ferme-calmateu.fr.
Located just 20 minutes from Font Romeu in the small village of Sainte Léocadie in the Cerdagne area is this pretty farm cum museum. It is situated in a Cerdanya farmhouse with characteristic architecture and organized around exterior and interior spaces, the Cerdanya museum is a memorial to the daily life of local farmers as well as to the history of this area and its local border. It also hosts exhibitions.

Getting there
Car: Sainte Léocadie is approx. 17km from Font Romeu and takes approx. 22 minutes to reach

The Village of Dorres

This quaint Pyrenean village is located just 20 minutes from Font Romeu. The village with its granite quarry has conserved all of its original charm and features over the years. The authentic Cerdane farms and houses are very much still as they were hundreds of years ago.

The Granite Museum in Dorres

66760 Dorres, Tel: +33 (0)468 046069
The quaint Pyrenean village of Dorres with its granite quarry is located just 40 minutes from Les Angles. It is here that you will also find a museum about granite and the mines which shows the life and work of the granite workers over the last two centuries.

L’Abbaye de Saint Martin of Canigou (Abbey)
Casteil on the RN 1116. Tel: 0033 (0)468 055003. www.stmartinducanigou.org
The impressively located Saint Martin of Canigou Abbey is situated in the Tet valley which is to the west of the resort on the way towards the coast. Nestled on a rocky mountain outcrop, at 1,100m this is a jewel of Romanesque art.
Getting there
Car: Casteil is approx. 47km from Font Romeu and takes approx. 1 hour to reach.

L’Abbaye de Saint Michel de Cuixa (Abbey)
Codalet on the RN 1116. Tel: 0033 (0)468 961535. www.abbaye-cuxa.com
The beautiful Saint Michel de Cuixa Abbey is located in the Tet valley which is located to the west of the resort on the way towards the coast. The Benedictine Abbey was an important cultural centre during the regency of Abbot Oliva. It has a mixture of pre Romanesque and Romanesque architecture and parts of it now makes up the Cloisters museum in New York City..

Getting there
Car: Codalet is approx. 44km from Font Romeu and takes approx. 50 mins to reach

La Chapelle de Villeneuve de Formigueres

This votive chapel has a typical mountain style to its architecture and dates from the 18th century. It houses one of the most beautiful Baroque altar pieces in the area as well as a Virgin Mary statue from the 14th century.

Getting there
Car: Villeneuve is approx. 25km from Font Romeu and takes approx. 30 minutes to reach.

Château De Montségur (Castle)
Montsegur. Tel: +33 (0)561 010694. Email: info@grands-sites-ariege.fr. http://www.grands-sites-ariege.fr/
At an altitude of 1,207 m, in an unspoilt and wild location is the beautiful castle of Montségur. Built on a pog, (mountain) surrounded by forests and mountainous cliffs, the castle has a stunning situation above a small village of the same name From as early as Neolithic times the “pog” (mountain) of Montségur was an emblematic site of Catharism. It was from atop of the pog, between 1204 and 1244, that the Cathar Church and the Occitan knights who had taken refuge here, defied the two greatest powers of the 13th century - the Roman church and the French Crown.

In 1232, the Cathar bishop, Guilhabert de Castres, made Montségur the seat and the head of the outlawed Cathar church – leading to a later siege to the pog by crusaders. After a fierce battle and a siege which lasted ten months, the castle’s garrison laid down their arms in March 1244 and just weeks later more than 250 Cathars were burnt alive at the foot of the mountain.
Guy III de Lévis Mirepoix became the new lord of the castle and Montségur castle remained in his family until the French Revolution after being abandoned for many years since the 16th century.

The guided tour comes highly recommended and is led by a lecturer-guide qualified in accordance with the Ministry of Culture. The tour is a moving one, evoking images of the glorious past of this amazing castle and lasts just over an hour. The history of the area, the Cathars and the mountain is all revealed as well as the horrendous end to the Cathars who lived here.

The Montségur Museum has a splendid collection of archaeological artefacts and there is a moving account of the days to day’s lives of local people who lived at the summit of this famous mountain for half a century and beared witness to the fighting in 1243-44. There are also historical display boards, reproductions of archive texts and a video presenting a digital reconstruction of a Cathar house in the Montségur castrum – a great way to understand the living conditions of the Cathars on the pog in the 13th century.
Price: Adult/€4.50; Children/ €2
Open: All year round: 10:00 – 17:00

Getting there
Car: Montségur is approx. 94km from Font Romeu and takes approx. 2 hours to reach.

Château De Foix

Place du Palais de Justice, 09000 Foix. Tel: +33(0)561 051010/+33(0)534 098383
The Château de Foix, built on limestone rock, dominates the skyline of the town of Foix. It has been listed since 1840 as a 'Monument Historique' by the French Ministry of Culture. The first written mention of the castle dates from around the year one thousand, when it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. At that time, the castle consisted of a single tower and its surrounding wall. It was only in the 12th century that the town of Foix started to grow and the castle became the centre of power for the new County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. It is very difficult to know how the castle evolved from an architectural perspective in the Middle Ages because the information available is limited and imprecise. The seals of the Counts of Foix, dating from the end of the 12th century, are testimony to its appearance at that time: a second square tower was built in addition to the original tower (11th-12th centuries) and another building was erected later to connect the two (12th-14th centuries). The famous round tower was built in the 15th century. The castle has been everything from a garrison, to a prison and a museum. The castle became a garrison in the 16th century and remained as one until the Revolution in the late 18th century. The towers of the castle were used to house civil and political prisoners from the 18th century up until 1862 when the prison was moved to the outskirts of the city. It was at this time that the castle underwent a period of restoration. In the 1950s, the castle evolved into a museum, housing the collections of the Ariège region. The museum still exists today and its exhibits concentrate on the history of the castle, so as to recreate the life of Foix at the time of the Counts. The castle takes about 45 minutes to visit and there are up to 9 daily guided tours during the peak summer period that last for 1 hour (guided tour in English at 13:00).
Price and availability: www.grands-sites-ariege.fr/en/agenda

Getting there
Car: Foix is approx. 98km from Font Romeu and takes approx. 1 hour 40 minutes to reach.

Bastide De Mirepoix

09500, Mirepoix. Tel: +33(0)561 688376. E-mail: contact@tourisme-mirepoix.com. Website: www.tourisme-mirepoix.com
The charming medieval walled town of Mirepoix is situated in the Hers valley between Carcassonne and Pamiers, in the heart of the Pyrenees Cathar Country. The original town was virtually destroyed by flooding of the Hers-Vif river in 1289 and was subsequently rebuilt by Jean de Levis in 1290. The square, the 'Place aux Couverts' is flanked by timber framed arcades that are of typical medieval construction, and on their overhanging, exposed beams you can see some 150 individually carved wooden heads. The square also houses the 14th century 'Maison des Consuls' - a large noble building and the main attraction in the square due to the medieval sculptures on its exterior walls. Not to be missed is the cathedral of St-Maurice. This listed Ancient Monument took six centuries to complete and is of Southern Gothic style architecture. The cathedral has a particularly wide nave, 22 metres wide. Other notable sights in the town are the Bishops' Palace which adjoins the old Cathedral, the Baltard-style 'Halle' covered market, the 14th century 'Porte d'Aval' gateway and the seven-arches bridge which stretches across the Hers River. There is also a large and colourful market in the town every Monday morning.
Price and availability: www.grands-sites-ariege.fr/en/agenda

Getting there
Car: Mirepoix is approx. 131km from Font Romeu and takes approx. 2 hours to reach.

Cité De Saint-Lizier

Situated on a small hill in the Salat river valley, the medieval walled town of Saint-Lizier has a rich history stretching back to pre Gallo-Roman times. The town is named in honour of its 6th Century bishop Lycerius, who was canonized as Saint Lizier. Saint-Lizier is dominated by the imposing Bishops' Palace which was built in the 14th century and looks out towards the Pyrenean peaks. The picturesque town has many historical attractions and boasts numerous monuments that are testament to its rich cultural and historical past. Its cobbled lanes, lined with half-timbered houses typical of the area, are a delight to wander along and have much to do with Saint Lizier being listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Here, you can see the remains of the ramparts dating back to the 3rd century! A must visit is the Church of St Lizier with its 11th century frescoes and the romanesque cloister adjacent to the church. The town has also been used as a stopping point by pilgrims travelling along the route of Saint James to Santiago de Compostela and is one of the 'Grands Sites Midi-Pyrenees.
Price and availability: www.grands-sites-ariege.fr/en/agenda

Getting there
Car: Saint-Lizier is approx. 143km from Font Romeu and takes approx. 2 hours 20 minutes to reach.

Forges De Pyrènees

Route de Paris, 09330, Montgaillard. Tel: +33(0)534 093060. Email: info@grands-sites-ariege.fr. Website: www.grands-sites-ariege.fr
Situated near Foix and covering a site of five hectares, the Forges de Pyrene displays a wealth of Ariégeois heritage. The museum houses an art gallery as well as a large collection of tools (approx. 6500 items) and has several heritage workshops that aim to keep alive the skills and trades from the beginning of the last century. The Forges de Pyrene gives a unique insight into the working lives of the local people and old professions such as the shoemaker and the blacksmith are reborn. The site houses a forge hammer which is powered by a watermill and dates back to the middle Ages. This impressive piece of manufacturing is considered to be one of only a rare few that are still operating in France today. Facilities at the museum also include a lake-side picnic area and restaurant along with a playground for the children.
Price and availability: www.grands-sites-ariege.fr/en/agenda

Getting there
Car: Forges De Pyrène is approx. 96km from Font Romeu and takes approx. 1 hour 40 minutes to reach.

Parc De La Préhistoire (The Prehistoric Park at Tarascon)

09400 Tarascon-sur-Ariège. Tel: 0033 (0)561 051010
With its museum spaces and workshops, the Prehistory Park will allow you to try out some Magdalenian activities, in an amusing way, while keeping an educational and scientific approach. It also casts an original light on Prehistoric man, their way of life and art.

The Museum
The “Great Workshop”, a vast 2,000 sq.m exhibition area dedicated to prehistoric art proposes: a series of films on cave paintings from around the world, the reproduction of the “Salon Noir”, such as the Magdalenians made it 14,000 years ago, reproductions of engraved and sculpted objects, facsimiles of animals engraved in the floor of the Niaux cave (such as the two salmon and the “bison aux cupules”).

Workshops
Flint knapping: this activity shows you how to make tools starting from the raw material, and how they are used: cutting, scraping skins, piercing, engraving, the working deer bones or antlers…
Fire lighting: display of the two fire-lighting techniques probably used in the Upper Palaeolithic age. Mankind’s greatest invention! A magical moment!
Cave painting: a reconstituted cave wall offers the opportunity to try to reproduce prehistoric drawings and discover this art’s subject-matter and techniques.
Hunting: learn how to use a throwing stick, the Magdalenian weapon, understand how it works, and above all discover how homo-sapiens used to eat.
Archaeological digs: reproduction of an archaeological dig allowing you to understand the archaeologists’ approach and their working methods.

Getting there
Car: Tarascon-sur-Ariège is approx. 82km from Font Romeu and takes approx. 1 hour 30 minutes to reach.

The Roman churches of Ax Valley & Route Des Corniches
During the XI and XII centuries, Roman art was extending over Europe at a magnificent rate. All Roman art became sought after: the architecture, the quality of the materials, the aptitude of the craftsmen, the artistic forms that gave the sculptures a life-like appearance. These Roman churches in the Ax valley became treasures, protected during wartime, tucked away in their green enclave of the heart of the Pyrenees. They represented a remarkable heritage – simple and magical. The rustic charm of these churches is equalled in the authentic small villages that surround them and the picturesque mountain roads that rise up to meet them.
The Route des Corniches, is a cliff road that runs between Ax les Thermes to Bompas. It acts as a natural observation point for the mountain peaks, the valley and three Roman church gems in the Ax valley. The churches of Sainte Marie–de-Vernaux, Saint-Saturnin-d’Axiat and Saint-Martin-d’Unac are all visible from this route.

Passerelle Culture organises trips to the area during the French February school holidays.
Booking: Information and bookings at the Tourist Office
Price: 6€. Children under 7 free of charge

Getting there
Car: Ax valley is approx. 73km from Font Romeu and takes approx. 1 hour 30 minutes to reach.

Natural Wonders & Wildlife in Font Romeu

Natural Regional Park of the Catalan Pyrenees
1 Rue Dagobert, 66210 Mont-Louis.Tel: 0033 (0)468 049760. www.parc-pyrenees-catalanes.fr
The Natural Regional Park of the Catalan Pyrenees was recently classified as a Regional Natural Park. The Park covers an area of 138,000 hectares taking in the territory of the Cerdanya, Capcir and Haut Conflent in the department of Pyrenees-Orientales. It comprises 64 municipalities and is home to some 21,000 inhabitants and seven nature reserves. The famous yellow train which has run since 1910, crosses the park from one side to the other taking in the 62 km between Villefranche-de-Conflent and Latour-de-Carol. It is an amazing way to see the park which is home to nine resorts and 2 spas.The Cerdane Mountain alone has many conservation zones filled with exceptional fauna and flora whilst the pastoral practices implemented in some of the valleys and mountain pastures also count as integrated preservation missions. Remarkable sites and unique habitats can be found here and the park offers beautiful vistas between summer pastures and mountain lakes. One stunning example of beautiful mountain scenery is the magnificent Carlit mountain chain. Here you can escape the towns and cities and embrace nature in all its beauty wandering amongst the pretty mountain lakes and small paths.

Wildlife Park
Les Angles Animal park. Les Angles. Tel: +33 (0)468 041720. www.faune-pyrenneene.fr
Located at the Pla Del Mir ski base, this site is not to be missed. Learn all about the wild and wonderful animals that inhabit (or once did) the Pyrenees. The brown bears are the most photogenic ever – whilst the wolves run in packs on the mountain slopes in full view. All animals have their own large roaming area and dangerous animals are set below the natural managed walkways through the enclosure. The odd red deer may wander pompously across your path and stare questioningly at you whilst pretty chamois deer smile pleasantly and prance gaily. The park is amazing and if you want to make a half day of it, you can bring a picnic to eat.

Getting there
Car: Les Angles Animal Park is approx. 17km from Font Romeu and takes approx. 22 minutes to reach.

Fontrabiouse Cave
Cave, 66210 Fontrabiouse, Tel: +33 (0)468 309555. Email: cabrespine11@orange.fr. www.grottes-de-france.com
Located in the village of Fontrabiouse is Fontrabiouse Cave. It was discovered in 1958 during the mining of marble -a quarry rock blast revealed an enormous hole set on two levels and displayed an extremely rich underground landscape.

For 25 years, the cave was only a speleologists' territory before the town council finally decided to make this mysterious underground world accessible to the general public. Thanks to the comfortable equipment – set on two levels – of the cave, visitors can discover a fascinating and perfectly preserved underground world at their own pace.

Several chambers follow one another during this underground circuit which stretches for approximately 1km. There is an underground lake with jelly fish as well as columns and aragonite. The hundreds of fistulous stalactites hanging from the roof look like remarkable draperies or fine silver hair whilst the array colours brighten up this spectacular circuit.

Open: The cave is open all year round as the temperature remains constant and cool. Closed 5,24,25,31 December and New Year’s Day
Price of guided visit: Adult/9.90€; Child/6.20€. Visits operate at 10:30 / 11:30/ 14:30 / 15:30 / 16:30 from December to March.

Getting there
Car: Fontrabiouse is approx. 27km from Font Romeu and takes approx. 30 minutes to reach.

Caranca Gorge
Thues Entre Valls on the RN 1116.
The beautiful Caranca Gorge is located in the Tet valley which is located to the west of the resort on the way towards the coast. Taking a walk through the Caranca Gorge is not like and normal walk – the steep sides of the gorge tower above you as you make your way through the stunningly beautiful gorge – cool and shady on a warm summer’s day. The gorges is carved out of the cliffs that line the valley and at some points actually passes above the river floor due to its hanging bridges cut into the side of the cliff. A round trip through the gorge normally takes ca. 4 hours.

Getting there
Car: Thues Entre Valls is approx. 22km from Font Romeu and takes approx. 26 minutes to reach.

Lake Matemale
Close to Les Angles, Lake Matemale is located in the Capcir part of the Natural Regional Park of the Catalan Pyrenees, the highest cultivated mountain plateau in Europe at an altitude of 1,600m. It is accessed by traversing the beautiful De la matte forest which contains many sporting and leisure activities for all the family (see activities section for more details).
The area surrounding the lake is great for outdoor activities and contains the following facilities:
- Picnic areas with barbecues and grill areas
- Beautiful walking paths and bridal ways for horse riding
- Fishing areas
- mountain bike tracks
- water sports activities on the beaches and lakeside (catamaran, wind-surfing, kayak, canoe etc
- plenty of sporting and fun activities amongst the trees (horse riding, archery, trampoline, outdoor pools, inflatable castles and games).

Getting there
Car: Lac de Matamale is approx. 17km from Font Romeu and takes approx. 20 minutes to reach.

Lake Balcère
Close to Les Angles, Lake Balcère is located high above the resort at an altitude of 1,170m in a picturesque location surrounded by a pine forest. It is easily accessible by car or local shuttle bus and contains many sporting and leisure activities for all the family (see activities section for more details).
The area surrounding the lake is great for outdoor activities and contains the following facilities:
- Picnic areas
- two small chalets ( one for drinks and the other for those partaking in fishing.
- Easy walking or cycling path around the lake
- Natural Climbing rock (unsupervised) for beginners and enthusiasts
- Fishing locations (rainbow trout, Pyrenean brown trout, fresh water salmon)

Getting there
Car: Lake Balcere is approx. 22km from Font Romeu and takes approx. 32 minutes to reach.

Grotte De Niaux (Niaux Cave)

094000 Niaux. Tel: +33 (0)561 051010. Email: info@grands-sites-ariege.fr. http://www.grands-sites-ariege.fr/

This cave is one of the most famous Palaeolithic caves in Europe and even more impressively, one of the few decorated caves still open to the public today. The cave holds ancient paintings and sketches made by Man and believed to date back 14,000 years.
Tarascon-sur-Ariège, where the cave is located was close to a great plain and the entrance of one of the valleys that cut deep into the central Pyrenees. It was through this valley that the great Ariège River cut a path through which animals and man must have wandered since time immemorial. It is therefore not surprising that it was predestined to become an important prehistoric settlement. The cave was located in the Lesse Massif and most probably hidden by the glaciers on the northern slopes of the Pyrenees. Once those glaciers started to withdraw, Niaux Cave became accessible to Magdalenian man – he could hardly miss the 55m high and 50m wide porch which opened into the cave.

During your visit, you are supplied with a portable lamp to be used to illuminate the cave drawings and sketches. On entering the cave, you have 800m of truly impressive galleries before entering the Salon Noir (Black Chamber). Just before you reach this chamber, you can see the “Panneau de signes” (panel of signs), on which there are a large number of geometric signs whose meaning remains a mystery still today.
The Salon Noir (Black Chamber) is a monumental rotunda whose walls are covered with outstanding and highly detailed paintings of animals such as bison, horses, ibex and deers. This chamber is the centrepiece of the tour and the highlight – over 80% of the caves paintings are located here and nearly all of them are of high quality and precision.