Nestled in the heart of the Pyrénées-Orientales region, Villefranche-de-Conflent is located near Perpignan. This fortified city in Catalonia appeals to travelers seeking authenticity and a change of scenery. It promises cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and a variety of activities.
You may have heard of this charming town, but what exactly can you do once you're there? What hidden gems are waiting to be discovered? In this article, we reveal the secrets and 5 must-do activities that make Villefranche-de-Conflent a top destination for history, nature, and culture lovers.
Written by Anto
30 April 2025
read in 1 min
Summary
Top 5 things to do in Villefranche-de-Conflent
1- Visit Fort Liberia
Fort Liberia is a cultural treasure worth discovering in Villefranche-de-Conflent. Perched at the top of the town, it offers magnificent views of the surrounding area. Once used to house up to 100 soldiers in peacetime, it is now open to visitors in both summer and winter.
To discover it, we invite you to explore its underground passages, admire its impressive ramparts and soak up its atmosphere steeped in history.
To access Fort Liberia in Villefranche-de-Conflent, you can follow the footpath, take the 784 underground steps, or opt for a 4x4 transfer from the square behind the village tourist office, available approximately every 15 minutes.
In the meantime, you can still visit the fort digitally: https://visitezlepayscatalan.fr/fort-liberia/index.html
2- Discover the Grotte des Canalettes
A visit to the Canalettes Cave is a must-do for a family day out in Villefranche-de-Conflent. Located in the heart of the town, this attraction is easily accessible on foot. The cave, made up of two distinct sections, gradually reveals itself throughout the visit, which lasts approximately an hour and a half.
It is recommended to cover up as the temperature inside remains cool, averaging 14 degrees.
A captivating activity not to be missed during your stay in Villefranche-de-Conflent !
3- Take a tour of the village
A visit to the town of Villefranche-de-Conflent will immerse you in Catalan history and charm.
Begin your visit to the city by strolling through its cobbled streets. You'll discover a remarkable architectural heritage, with its medieval stone houses and imposing fortifications. I invite you to discover the magnificent Saint-Jacques church as well as the ramparts. This city promises an enriching and discoverable visit for travelers seeking authenticity.
4- Take the children to the cova bastera - Dinopedia
Are you a fan of prehistory? Take the whole family to Cova Bastera – Dinopedia , a cave fortified by Vauban.
This experience immerses you in the age of the dinosaurs, with a visit lasting approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This innovative underground theme park promises a thrilling adventure for children, offering them a unique opportunity to learn more about prehistory while having fun.
5- Take the yellow train
The famous little yellow train is a key attraction in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Running along a 63-km line, it connects no fewer than 21 stations, from Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour-de-Carol. Built in 1910, this line offers a unique opportunity to explore the splendid landscapes of the Pyrénées-Catalanes Regional Natural Park, revealing breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
A must-see for train enthusiasts, history buffs and nature lovers, the little yellow train offers a memorable and friendly experience for discovering the region.