Nestling at the foot of Mont Canigou, between Perpignan and the Spanish border, Prades offers a unique blend of history, heritage and nature.
Discover Prades, a typical Pyrénées-Orientales village
Surrounded by the Canigou mountains to the south and the Madrès massif to the north, Prades is the historic capital of Conflent, a natural region of the Pyrénées-Orientales. This charming Roussillon village, with a year-round population of 6,000, is renowned for its rich historical heritage and summer cultural activities.
A former fortified town in the 12th century, which became a prosperous market town in the 18th century, Prades is both a cultural destination and a place to recharge your batteries, surrounded by mountains and orchards. It was here that the Catalan cellist Pablo Casals found refuge during the dark days of Franco's regime.
Listed as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Detours in France', the town of Conflent can be visited all year round, but the mild, sunny spring is the ideal time to stay.
The town has preserved a remarkable heritage that bears witness to its rich past. Stroll through the town and you'll discover facades adorned with sculpted decorations, trompe-l'œil, fountains, wash-houses and numerous oratories in pink marble, typical of the region. A walk that will immerse you in the authenticity and charm of this Pyrenean village.
What can you visit in Prades?
Saint-Pierre de Prades church and its treasury
The church of Saint-Pierre (Sant Pere de Prada) is the emblematic monument of Prades, renowned for its impressive high altarpiece and the wealth of its reliquary treasure. Built in the 17th century on the foundations of a Romanesque church, the Prades church has preserved a beautiful 12th-century Lombard bell tower.
Inside, the immense baroque altarpiece, created by the Catalan sculptor Joseph Sunyer at the end of the 17th century, is the largest in France: 16 m high and 11 m wide! The Treasure Room is a veritable museum in itself. It contains pieces of silverware, chalices, reliquaries and other precious objects, as well as some of the furnishings from the abbey of Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa (4 km away).
• Address: Place de la République, 66500 Prades. Free admission to the church; visit to the treasury from mid-June to the end of October, except public holidays and religious services.
Espace Martin Vivès
Art lovers should visit the Espace Martin Vivès, located on the ground floor of the restored former prison. The space houses a permanent collection of works by Prades-born painters Martin Vivès (1931-1990) and François Branger (1912-1994). Temporary exhibitions complete the visit.
• Address: 80-84 rue du Palais de Justice, 66500 Prades.
The Prades market
The Prades market is one of the largest in the Pyrénées-Orientales. It is held every Tuesday morning, around Saint-Pierre church, and features over 200 stallholders. A second, smaller market is held on Saturdays from 7am to 1pm (organic producers). Fruit, vegetables, olive oil, cheeses, charcuterie and local wines attract large crowds.
In the vicinity of Prades
Swimming at the Salt Gros waterfall in Catllar
Five kilometres from Prades, the village of Catllar is home to the Salt Gros (‘big jump') waterfall. A 20-minute walk from the village takes you to a magnificent natural pool, which locals and tourists alike can enjoy free of charge. The water is very cool, making it pleasant to swim when the heat is on. If you're feeling adventurous, don't hesitate to jump into the waterfall's deep end.
• Access: park at the cemetery car park in Catllar, then follow the path to the waterfall (2.5 km). Bring walking shoes.
The Abbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa
Two kilometres from Prades, in the commune of Codalet, this 12th-century Benedictine monastery offers visitors an enchanting setting, with its ancient cloister and iris garden. During the summer months, there are guided tours of the abbey church, crypt, atrium and lapidary museum.
• Address: Route de Taurinya, 66500 Codalet. For more information, visit the abbey website.
Hiking along the Bohère canal
In the foothills of the Canigou, the Bohère canal is a delight for walkers who follow its course to reach the abbey of Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa on foot. It's an easy walk, cool and shady. At the siphon, from which the water geysers, you can take some great photos of Cuxa abbey.
• A 7.7km loop (2h20). From the heights of Codalet, follow the path to the Col de Clara. Return via the abbey, the siphon and the Bohère canal.
Upcoming events in Prades
Every summer, Prades is the scene of numerous cultural events.
• The Pablo Casals Festival (late July to mid-August): a not-to-be-missed international event devoted to Baroque music.
• Les Ciné-rencontres (July): an auteur film festival with around sixty films screened, including feature-length and short films, documentaries and more.
• St Peter's Festival (last weekend in June): Catalan traditions take centre stage with ‘correfocs' (typical fireworks displays), ‘castells' (human pyramids) and ‘gegants' (Catalan giants).
Prepare your visit : route planner
Restaurants in Prades
• L'Alegrìa: in the main square, opposite the church of Saint Pierre, this restaurant has a large, sunny terrace. Fresh seasonal produce, simplicity and reasonable prices. 32 Allée Arago, 66500 Prades.
• Le café de la Paix: typical Roussillon cuisine, duck breast, mussels au gratin with aïoli, gâteau au fromage ferré, crème catalane... a treat for the taste buds! 15 Place de la République, 66500 Prades.
• Le Galie: gourmet restaurant recommended by the Michelin guide. Chef Benjamin Bakir offers a creative and refined cuisine that highlights the Catalan terroir. 3 avenue du Général de Gaulle, 66500 Prades.
Tourist Office
The Prades Tourist Office is located in the old centre of the village, opposite the church: 10 Place de la République, 66500 Prades. Tel: 04 68 05 41 02.
How do I get there?
By car: A9 motorway to Perpignan (50 km), then N116, direction Andorra. From Foix: N20 towards Andorra, then N116 towards Perpignan.
Camping in Prades: a holiday between sea and mountains
Are you looking for a campsite in Prades ? Our 4-star campsite, just 10 km from Prades, invites you to enjoy a unique experience in the heart of the Pyrénées-Orientales.
Book your mobile home or pitch today and get ready for some memorable moments. On site, take advantage of an indoor heated swimming pool, an outdoor fitness area and a variety of daytime and evening activities.
At the foot of the Canigou mountain, discover the Catalan countryside, a land rich in history and local traditions. Contact us on 04 68 05 54 54 or book online now.
