Walled towns and medieval buildings.

Economically this region was not appealing. This is reflected in the still existing and well preserved buildings and fortifications.

Villefranche-de-Conflent is even today walled completely. The narrow streets are often lined with pink marble.
Prats-de-Mollo is a medieval fortified town on the southern slopes of the Canigou. In summer there are regular performances with simulated medieval military exercises.
Also Arles sur Tech has existed since the Middle Ages.

Forts.

Sebastien Le Prestre, Marquis de Vauban and a famous architect of fortifications was commissioned by Louis XIV to build a number of defenses in the south of France . In the area around Mas de la Balma some of these fortifications can be visited.

You can choose from a visit to Fort Liberia, Fort de Bellegarde, Fort de Salses Fort and Mont-Louis. And if you find it hard to choose, you can of course visit all the forts.

Castles

The region has a wide variety of castles. This ranges from the ruins of the famous Cathar castles like Peyrepertuse and Queribus to the Chateau Royale of Collioure, the palace of the king of Majorca in Perpignan, Chateau de Canet-en-Roussillon, and the 10th century castle of Castelnou, one of the most beautiful villages of the Vallespir.

 Beautiful towns

Speaking of beautiful villages and towns. Like Castelnou, there are three other villages classified as most beautiful villages of France. Eus, Evol and Mosset also have this label, but there are many other towns that are definitely worth a visit, including for example Palalda.

Monasteries and churches

To wealth in a region always belonged richness of religious life. That is still visible in the many monasteries and churches.

Whether it's Prieuré de Serrabona (above) with its cross gallery, carved out of pink marble, or the perched one in Saint Martin de Canigou with a nice walk up to it, the Abbaye d 'Arles-sur-Tech or Saint Martin de Fennolar with its 12th century frescoes, they are all worth a visit.

Mediterranean Sea.

With the Mediterranean Sea at less than an hour's drive a day at the beach can not be missed on your vacation. There's even a naturist beach!

For children

Children sometimes have their own wishes. For them various options for trips for children exist.

Finally.

On this website, we can only give a limited view of what can be visited and what can be done in the area .
At the reception of La Balma a comprehensive updated overview of all possible interesting excursions is always available .