SurroundingsFew regions in Europe offers as great diversity in nature, as the one you find here in southern France. There are only 60 km from the Mediterranean beaches to the top of the 2784-meter-high mountain Canigou. If you are interested in hiking, skiing, wine or beaches, you will find it here.
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Vernet-les-Bains
Vernet-les-Bains has nearly 2000 citizens, is located in the Pyreness, approximately 60 km from the coast of the Mediterranean to the east, and some 40 km from good ski resorts to the west. The town is blessed with a lovely climate. There are 300 sunny days a year, this combined with the dry and healthy mountain air, has made the town a popular health resort. Among others, an exited H.C. Andersen visited the town for this reason, in 1846.
The Pyrenees
Vernet-les-Bains is the starting point for a vast number of hiking trips with great variety in length and difficulty; from hikes lasting two hours, to trips spanning days with the possibility of sleeping in cabins. The Pyrenees contain a widely branching and linking net of routes all the way from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic (The famous GR10 route for example), and from Vernet-les-Bains you can reach the outermost nooks and crannies.
The Mediterranean Sea
A few km east from Perpignan, and 45 minutes from Vernet-les-Bains, lies the Mediterranean with its enticing sandy beaches, stretching kilometres. Some of our favourites include: Canet-Plage, Cyprien-Plage og Argeles-sur-Mer.
Driving a bit longer south, you will find the famous coastal city Collioure, the pearl of Cote Vermielle where, among others, Picasso lived and painted.
Driving a bit longer south, you will find the famous coastal city Collioure, the pearl of Cote Vermielle where, among others, Picasso lived and painted.
Skiing
In the winter season (December to April) the ski resorts are open. The most well-known places are: Font-Romeu/Pyrenees 2000 og Les Angles, approximately 50 km from Vernet-les-Bains. With more than 3000 hours of sunshine a year, these ski resorts are some of the most certain-for-sun areas in France. All types of skiing are possible (cross country, alpine, etc.). A huge amount of snow canons ensures that there is snow the entire season, and it is cheaper than the Alps.
70 km further to the vest, the tiny state of Andorra, offers some of the best ski resorts.
70 km further to the vest, the tiny state of Andorra, offers some of the best ski resorts.
St. Thomas-les-Bains
Located Ca. 30 km to the west of Vernet-les-Bains, lies the charming outdoor bath St. Thomas-les-Bains. Here you can relax in 37°C hot water all year round, while you enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains. In the winter, you can end a day of skiing here!
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Villefrance-de-Conflent
5 km from Vernet-les-Bains, lies the old fortress town Villefranche-de-Conflent, Built in 1674. Today it has 280 inhabitants and is a popular tourist destination, with small niche shops, booths and restaurants spread out in the small streets. On the mountain cliffside above lies the Fort Liberia, which you reach by foot.
Stalacite caves
Only a stone’s throw away from Villefranche, lies the beautiful stalactite caves, La Grotte des Grandes Canalettes and Les Canalettes.
The Little Yellow Train
From Villefranche you can board the famous, little yellow train, which slowly climbs the mountainside of the Conflent valley towards Mont-louis and Font-Romeu, through a vast number of tunnels and over spectacular bridges. During the summer open carriages are added, so the trip becomes even more intense.
Abbaye Sanit Martin du Canigou
Abbaye Saint Martin du Canigou is a famous monastery from the 11th century. It is located high above the village Casteil, 3 km from Vernet-les-Bains. The monastery is still active and can be visited during peak-season.
Parc Animalier de Casteil
Casteil has a little wildlife park/zoo with bears and lions among other things. It is located on the mountain cliffsides that surround the village. The walk around the park is about 3 to 4 km, but it is worth the trouble. If you have smaller children, the park is a must.
Wine
15 km east from Vernet-les-Bains, the extensive wine area Cote de Rousillion begins. Many winemakers have their own sales with possibility for wine tasting.
