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Pyrenees-Orientales
The Pyrénées-Orientales lives up to its reputation as a leading wine-growing and holiday destination in the south of France, primarily due to the mix of terrain to be experienced.
The plains and seaside coasts that both border it provide sunny weather to make it a perfect vacation escape all year round.
In the foremost southern part of the Languedoc-Rousillon area and adjacent to the northern Spanish borders and shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the Pyrénées-Orientales primariy consists of three river valleys within the Pyrenees mountain range. River valleys Agly, Têt and Tech, traverse the department north to south, and join the eastern Roussillon to form the Pyrénées-Orientales.
Though the main language is French, minor languages such as Catalan and Occitan are also prevalent, owing to proximities of northern Spain as well as its long and colorful history of conquest. It was only until1659 with Treaty of the Pyrenees that Pyrénées-Orientales became part of France. Previously, the area was controlled by the kingdom of Aragon and the Spanish Crown.
The best of French holidays await visitors to the Mediterranean coast between Perpignan and Montpellier. Of exceptional beauty is a nearby fishing port of Agde with its unspoiled seaside landscapes heralded by Le Cap d’Agde where sun-baked beaches abound in a nudist resort.
Those looking for the freshest pick of the vine will have their hands full with local vineyards and chateaux which have been producing reds, whites and rose wines since ancient Roman times. Locals and visitors will find themselves at the Banyuls-sur-Mer (Catalan Banyuls de la Marenda) with glasses of its famous Grenache-based Banyuls wine after a walk through the wineries.
In more mountainous regions, treking and cultural heritage go hand-in-hand. Of exception are the Prats de Molló and Sales, important defensive castles from the 16th-17th Centuries which both share spectacular views from its towers.
