Top 10 things to do in Prades

Top 10 things to do in Prades

1- Saint-Pierre Church

The Church of Saint-Pierre is the city's iconic monument. Built in the 17th century on the ruins of a Romanesque church, of which the bell tower remains, it houses the largest Baroque altarpiece in France. This altarpiece on the high altar is a work by the Catalan sculptor Joseph Sunyer, who created it at the end of the 17th century.

Its treasure is made up of the goods of the parish and the abbey of Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa located near Prades

2- Hikes to the northern balconies of Canigó

From Prades, take the Belvedere Trail, the Balcons Nord du Canigó. This magnificent hike takes you from Prades to Millas over 68 kilometers and eight stages. Along the way, you'll learn the stories of this land and admire unique landscapes. On foot or by bike, explore the many marked trails to discover enchanting landscapes. Follow the Bohère Canal or do the Arboussols Marcevol loop for unforgettable walks.

3- The Garnet factories

In Prades, you will discover the secrets of jewelry makers by visiting the oldest garnet workshop in the Pyrénées-Orientales, created in 1804. Visit the Garnet factory , its workshops and its eco-museum, not forgetting the reconstructed garnet mine. This is a unique opportunity in France to immerse yourself in the know-how and history of these jewels. The Privat family has been specialists in Catalan garnet since 1945. The tour takes you from the permanent exhibition with old tools to the reconstructed garnet mine. A guide tells you the history of this stone while a video explains the entire manufacturing process. Finally, the Privat family workshops show you these professionals at work.

Prices:

• Adult: 3 euros;
• Free for children under 18.

4- The Casals space

Prades offers an exhibition of archaeology and landscape paintings by Catalan artist Martin Vives. The building also houses a museum dedicated to one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century, the cellist Pablo Casals . To escape the Franco regime in 1939, he settled in Prades. You can see his personal belongings, his pipes, his first piano, his many umbrellas, but also the cello with which he gave concerts… On site, it is possible to consult his correspondence and watch films including one of the creation of the Prades festival in 1950.

5- The market

The farmers' market is held every Saturday. It's an opportunity to take an unforgettable culinary journey with cheeses, artisanal ice creams, olive oil, fruits and vegetables.... The farmers' market is held every Saturday. It's an opportunity to take an unforgettable culinary journey with cheeses, artisanal ice creams, olive oil, fruits and vegetables....

Prades is famous for its potatoes, which have been cultivated for centuries, and the crop now benefits from a Protected Geographical Indication. Their quality undoubtedly stems from the purity of the region's water, the altitude, and the intense cold that kills insects. You can enjoy boiled jacket potatoes then simmered with bacon, or "cim i tomba," a Catalan fricassee with fish, potatoes, and aioli.

6- Guided tour of the village

To discover the secrets of Prades, enjoy a guided tour . Discover the capital of Conflent, its red facades with sculpted plasterwork, let yourself be surprised by its heritage, its pink marble wash house, its oratories… The “vila vermella” or “red city” lives up to its name. As you stroll through the historic center, between the ruins of the castle, the church of Sant Miquel or the church of Santa Maria Major, you will be surrounded by red. The church, the wall, the houses are built in red sandstone which makes the city unique.

Prices:

• Adult: 4 euros;
• Child 12-18 years: 3 euros;
• Free for children under 12

7- Prades Aventura Park

A change of scenery and fun are guaranteed at Prades Aventura Park , a park reminiscent of the American Wild West for adventure activities in the great outdoors. Several areas await you: Prades City, a real-life American Western town for Paintball and the Western Raid Skills Circuit. The rocky area is dedicated to climbing and caving, while the Apache area allows you to practice archery, orienteering, hiking, etc. Not to mention the escape room, the Paintball area, the Tour de l'Ouest, and Tot Park.

Prices:

• Escape room: 20 euros/person;
• Paint-Ball: 27 euros/person;
• TotPark multi-adventure: 18 euros/person
• Great Western Walk: 20 euros

8- The astronomical park

You'll fall in love with the skies above Prades thanks to astronomical experiences led by professional guides. At the Montanas de Prades Astronomical Park , you'll enjoy sessions for all ages and audiences. This park was created in 2016 in an exceptional natural setting. It boasts a privileged location for observing the universe from Pla de la Guardia, a plateau located at an altitude of 1,130 meters. You can enjoy shows at the Planetarium 360 and from the Sant Roc astronomical viewpoint, dine with the stars, and many other wonders.

9- The hermitage La Abellera

Two kilometers from Prades, the La Abellera hermitage was built over a cave at an altitude of 1,020 meters. It is a superb little red stone building, erected at the end of the 16th century and embedded in the rock. It owes its name, "The Hive," to a legend according to which a shepherd found a statue of the Virgin while he was looking for honey. The hermitage offers a splendid view of the valley and the Costa Daurada mountain range.

10- Nearby, the Grandes Canalettes cave

The Grandes Canalettes cave , or the underground Versailles of the Pyrenees, is one of the most beautiful in France. It can be visited at a leisurely pace, with children guided by Ed, the mascot. We begin with the Drapery, with its spectacular concretions of astonishing whiteness, then the White Room, the Atoll Lake, and the immense hall of the Angkor temple. It's a truly unforgettable and fabulous journey to the center of the Earth.