This UNESCO-listed fortified city is the ideal place to regenerate in the sun this winter in France.
While France is currently experiencing temperatures that can drop to -10 degrees, a few rare places in France remain protected from the cold snap. Among the lucky territories, this surprising destination is even bathed in sunshine, offering an unforgettable getaway in the middle of winter. While you will be enchanted by its exceptional heritage, you will at the same time stock up on vitamin D!
The thermometer shows mild temperatures in the afternoon around 14 degrees and yet we are not on the Côte d’Azur. Heading for the Catalan Pyrenees, head for a high-perched medieval town, a true architectural gem classified as a UNESCO world heritage site, which extends over the Conflent massif, between 390 and 1,395 meters above sea level.
Ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Villefranche-de-Conflent is a town fortified by Vauban which will appeal to lovers of heritage and nature. Between watchtowers and fortified gates, its ramparts surrounding the city offer an exceptional historical walk. We absolutely won’t miss Fort Liberia, accessible via a footpath. After climbing its 734 steps, visiting its prisons, its chapel and its rampart walk, this masterpiece of military architecture offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valley.
From Villefranche-de-Conflent, we set off to explore natural wonders such as the Grotte des Canalettes with its numerous stalactites, stalagmites and rock formations, we go hiking in the Têt gorges to discover its hidden waterfalls… Finally, the fortified cave Cova Bastera offers, for young and old, an immersive journey into prehistory with Dinopedia Experience, its underground theme park.
The Yellow Train which serves the city is a major tourist attraction. A true symbol of the Catalan country, this little steam train travels the 63 kilometer long Cerdagne line, linking Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour-de-Carol. “The Canary”, nicknamed so because of its yellow color, is a unique opportunity to visit the surroundings in an original way, offering spectacular views of the steep cliffs of the Têt gorges, breathtaking panoramas of the summits snow-covered, crossing vast coniferous forests passing by dizzying suspension bridges (Viaduc Séjourné and Pont Gisclard). The train makes a total of 21 “stops” including the perched villages of Kodony, Montalba-le-Château, Eyne or Font-Romeu which is also a ski resort.
How to get to Villefranche-de-Conflent? The simplest solution is the car. Allow around 9 hours by road from Paris, but only 3 hours from Toulouse. Good to know for those traveling to Barcelona, pass through Villefranche-de-Conflent on your way back to France, as it is barely 2 hours’ drive from the big Catalan city!