The capital of Vallespir, nestling at the base of the Albères massif, the welcoming Catalonian town of Céret unites tradition with modernity with its shady avenues and tall plane trees.
The Porte d'Espagne, a relic of the town's medieval ramparts, houses the Françoise Claustre Heritage Centre in its guard tower: an archaeological museum which has collections from Prehistory to the Middle Ages, including items unearthed during digs in the Vallespir.
Céret's famous, unmissable Museum of Modern Art, on the Boulevard Maréchal Joffre, displays a remarkable range of art from the 20th century. Inspired by the great artists who passed through or stayed in the town and the local area, it displays work by famous artists who have made a mark on the 20th century, such as Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, Dufy and Masson.
Each year in July, the Sardane Festival takes place, celebrating the sardane, a renowned Catalonian dance...all in a joyously festive spirit!
Famous for its Museum of Modern Art or cherries, Céret is a town of Pyrénées-Orientales that does not lack charm. With its favorable climate and its historical and natural heritage, this city with a strong Catalan footprint has medieval origins, long before its annexation to the Kingdom of France in the Treaty of the Pyrenees (1659).
Céret is in the Tech Valley, at the foot of the Pyrenees, becoming border to Spain. This proximity to our Iberian neighbors has earned a strong influence, especially through the passion of the city for bullfighting. Bullfights contest Sardana, traditional dance of the Catalans, are organized in this city and honored especially by painters such as Picasso, Braque, Dufy and Soutine.
The sweetness of life reigns in this city of Vallespir with spring flowers of its cherry orchards that dominate the city. This fruit is also the specialty of Céret, and since the beginning of the twentieth century. Hazelnut production is also very important. It is nice to relax on cafe terraces in the shade of plane trees.
Built around its church and a circular rampart, the town of Céret offers a beautiful panorama of Catalan architecture, as well as beautiful testimonies of regional culture.
There is no shortage of museums in Céret, starting with the famous modern art museum founded by Pierre Brune and Franck Haviland, located in the heart of the city center, in a former Carmelite convent. Bullfighting cups by Pablo Picasso, or even works by Miro, Matisse, Chagall, Dali or even Braque are visible in the various rooms.
The Françoise-Claustre heritage house, an archaeological museum, provides a better understanding of the history of the city and its region, while the instrument museum, Music, presents visitors with collections of instruments from the former international center for popular music.
Listed as a Historic Monument, the Saint-Pierre church is the result of the superposition of four buildings. On pre-Romanesque and Romanesque remains, one can still appreciate remains of the third Gothic church, as well as the current church built in the 18th century on the model of Saint-Pierre basilica.
Céret has many testimonials from the various painters who passed through its streets. Thus, one can admire a statue by Manolo Hugué, as well as a monument to the dead classified as Historic Monuments, by Aristide Maillol. Other sites listed as Historic Monuments dot the city, such as the Portal de France, the Neuf Jets fountain built in 1313, the Château d'Aubiry, or the Devil's Bridge (14th century) and its impressive stone arch.
Guided tours organized by the Tourist Office and Cross-Border Heritage present the historical and cultural heritage of the City.
Lively and lively, the city of Céret continues to organize many events to bring the city to life and offer good times to its inhabitants.
All year round, a market takes place in the streets of Céret on Saturday morning. In this market considered one of the most beautiful in the region, warmth and friendliness are essential.
Local producers present their almonds, olives, mandarins, vegetables and culinary specialties depending on the season.
The highlight of the city is the cherry festival, at the end of May. Céret celebrates the fruit that has made it famous with a large market, bandas that enliven the streets, pitting or cherry stone spitting competitions, or even parades.
Quieter, but just as entertaining, the Havaneres del Vallespir festival in June highlights the music of Havana, the habanera. Sailor song or chamber music, all styles are represented at Céret. At the end of June, the Querencias festival, focused on Catalan music, takes over in the streets and large halls of the city.
Summer is very lively in Céret, notably thanks to the July feria, the Céret of Toros, or the famous Sardane festival. On this occasion, dancers present the different facets and other choreographies of this Catalan specialty. Dance demonstrations and a competition are also organized.
On Tuesdays, in summer, evenings are organised. During this night market, it is possible to appreciate the best of local crafts. In August, for two days, the potters market takes up residence at Céret.
Make way for sport in September with the Ronde Cérétane. On the occasion of this race, activities are organized, like a Mediterranean market, Catalan festivals, and guided tours of the old town.
Céret makes an ideal base for hiking. Signposted circuits for family walks run through the surroundings, such as the excursion to the Saint-Ferréol hermitage.
The Voie Verte, a cycle path passing at Céret, allows you to join the major cycle tourism routes such as "The Mediterranean by bike" and "Pirinexus".
5 km away, in Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts, there is the leisure base with a swimming lake, water games and a tree climbing park for all levels.
The famous Canigou massif, classified as a Grand Site de France, offers many mountain routes.
In terms of historical heritage, Catalan Romanesque art offers rich opportunities for visits in the neighboring valleys.
