Activites during your stay. What to do and see.
Less than an hour drive
What to do in winter :
Skiing
There are 3 ski stations near Odeillo de Real: Formiguères les Angles, Font-Romeu, Bolquère (less than an hour drive).
Dog-sledding, snow-shoeing and many in-station activities can be enjoyed at these locations.
https://www.tourisme-pyreneesorientales.com/experience/glisse-hiver
Bowling
Bibiche in les Angles offers bowling, food, dancing, concerts and organises kid’s birthday parties.
SPAS/Balneotherapy
30 mins drive to Fontrapédouze, the Saint-Thomas outdoor natural sulphur-hot springs (with 3 pools at 37°C), paddling pools for children and jacuzzis, sauna & steam rooms to unwind in. https://www.bains-saint-thomas.fr/en/formulas/the-baths/
Les bains de Llo are a hot springs wellness universe awaits at only a 40 mins drive (that can be tagged onto a visit to neighbouring Llivia). With its 5 outdoor and indoor pools of sulphurous water at 35 ° C (95° F), this is a kids friendly place, providing parents with well deserved massages and treatments.
Espace Angléo is another SPA balneotherapy complex in les Angles providing activities like aquabike and aquagym, relaxing in the baths and going for treatments.
https://angleo.com/en/ (the website is not in working in english – call for any information in english: +33 (0)4 68 04 39 33
What to do outdoors in spring/summer:
Hiking
The Catalan Pyrenees are ideal for hiking no matter what your level. There are marked itineraries going from a short walk around the Puyvalador lake to longer hikes including camping for a few days.
Nature-lovers will be served as the accommodation is based at the foot of the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park.
https://www.france-voyage.com/tourism/catalan-pyrenees-regional-nature-park-2052.htm
Intensive sports
For those seeking more intensive sports, there are itineraries for trail, down-hill mountain biking, rock-climbing, and kayaking.
Download activity maps here: http://pyrenees-catalanes.com/en/map
http://pyrenees-catalanes.com/sites/all/themes/pyrcat/carte.pdf
https://www.france-voyage.com/travel-guide/formigueres-commune-26224.htm
Trout fishing
The Oriental Pyrenees are an ideal place for trout (especially rainbow) fishing and fly fishing. The clear mountain lakes with splendid views are an ideal get-away from the heat of summer. Find out more about a local fly-fishing expert who will show you the ropes and organise the trout-fishing tour you need. http://chaletduticou.fr/adultes-famille/sejour-a-theme/ete/test or call 05 65 22 68 21.
Over an hour drive
Day trips
The area surrounding lake Puyvalador is rich with culture and activities and is perfect for day trips. Here are some to name a few:
– Aude gorges (also great for whitewater sports and the Galamus gorges with their limestone cliffs overlooking the Agly river
– Mont-Louis fort, the highest walled town in France
– Vernet-les-bains to treat yourself to spas at the base of Mount Canigou (Catalonia’s sacred mountain).
– The Montségur castle, a symbol of the Cathar resistance
– The sunny Cerdanya high plateau surrounded by mountains and typical villages, and its solar furnace.
– The Cerdaya yellow train (or Canary) not far from the Spanish border spans 63 km along the highest railway line in France with spectacular views.
– The Font-Romeau Hermitage, one of the most famous places of pilgrimage (a miracle is said to have occurred there).
https://www.france-voyage.com/tourism/puyvalador-commune-26292.htm
– Trips to neighbouring Spain: Baix Cerdanya’s main site is the typical village of Puigcerda with its beautiful views of the snow-topped mountains, gothic murals, Parc Shierbeck and hiking paths including the Saint James’ way.
In summer, there are famous festivals including the Festa de l’Estany with firework displays over the lake. The curious Spanish enclave of Livia hosts a known music festival in August.
Further south, the Parc Natural del Cadí-Moixeró and the Pyrenean peaks to the west are other incredible sites for hiking and climbing.
https://www.puigcerdaturisme.cat/que-fer/turisme-actiu/
If you want to go to the sea, head back east past Perpignan and you can stay in the famous sea-side towns of Colliure, Bacarès, Saintes-Marie-la-Mer and others in a 2h30 hour drive.