Ille-sur-Têt is a locality in the Pyrénées-Orientales, in the Occitanie Pyrénées-Méditerranée region, located 25 km west of Perpignan.
Bathed by the Têt, a river that takes its source in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees and flows into the Mediterranean at Canet-en-Roussillon, the city has developed in the Roussillon plain, whose fertility has allowed its development an agriculture focused in particular on the cultivation of fruits. This is still the case today, Ille-sur-Têt having also become a commercial and service center.
Having belonged to the Kingdom of Aragon in the Middle Ages, Ille-sur-Têt inherited from this period an important built heritage for military (ramparts) and religious vocation. Its picturesque historic heart and its unspoiled natural environment make it a popular stopover, especially since the city, which has about 5,400 inhabitants, shows a certain cultural dynamism.
Among the unmissable religious buildings, a visit to the Church of Saint-Étienne de Padraguet is a must. Rebuilt in the 17th century on the foundations of an older church (11th century), with a bell tower, baroque style, its dimensions evoke a cathedral. Inside, many elements of furniture and sacred art are preserved: a funerary stone (13th century), two pulpits (18th century), a Spanish organ case (1722 - 1724), a wooden cross (15th century)), several remarkable altarpieces from the 18th and 19th centuries (reservation required at +33 6 67 65 36 76).
The Romanesque-style church of Sainte-Marie-la-Rodona, the ruins of the Romanesque monastery of Saint-Clément de Reglella (9th century), the Romanesque Saint-Sauveur de Casenoves (11th century) chapel are also to be included. a discovery of this rich heritage.
As you stroll through the Catalan city, you will not miss the remains of the medieval walls (which have been pierced with doors over the centuries) or the Alexis Tower (11th century), built in pebbles of river (it could have been an old dungeon). A discovery map of the old center of Ille-sur-Têt is available at the Roussillon Conflent intercommunal tourist office.
This dive into the architectural and religious history of the city will be completed with a visit to the Hospice d'Ille, a former 17th and 18th century hospital, made up of a chapel and two series of alcoves, transformed into a museum and a "resource and promotion center for Catalan heritage through Romanesque and Baroque art". The permanent collection, very rich, includes wall paintings from the 12th century, sacred works from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Information 2021: the museum is closed to the public for a period of 2 years because renovation work on the entire historic building is underway.
A large part of the built heritage can be visited by reservation with the guide-lecturer of the Hospice d'Ille. Information from the Roussillon Conflent intercommunal Tourist Office on +33 4 68 57 99 00.
In a different register, Ille-sur-Têt is also famous for the protected natural site of Orgues: "fairy chimneys", like it are nicknamed, that is to say, columns of clay and sand sculpted by water for five million years. An astonishing spectacle! Guided tour at the same price as the free visit. Information on +33 4 68 84 13 13.
For any other information, do not hesitate to contact the Roussillon Conflent intercommunal Tourist Office on +33 4 68 57 99 00.
To discover the gourmet local products, go to the market, all year round, Place de la République, on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Every Saturday morning, from mid-May to mid-September, in the parking lot of the Place du Foirail, a local Producers market is held.
At the beginning of March, the Art of gardens fair at the Espace de la Catalane. Exhibition and floral market. Information on +33 4 68 57 99 00.
Easter weekend, egg festival in the Catalan room on Saturday and Sunday, in the city center, religious procession, choral concert in the pure tradition of the region.
May 1, garage sale.
From mid-June to mid-July, in odd-numbered years, international biennial of visual poetry.
End of June, Saint-Jean celebrations. Parade, musical entertainment then conflagration (Place de la République).
The North Balcony of Canigó hikes allow you to climb from the towns on the edge of Têt towards the balconies where the view of the Canigó massif is breathtaking! A great way to discover this destination!
The priory of Serrabona is a must! Nestled in the Aspres above Boule d'Amont, this 9th century priory retains an exceptional rood screen in pink marble from Villefranche-de-Conflent. Its columns and its semi-cloister will appeal to all lovers of Romanesque art.
The Bélesta Prehistory Museum is a fun gold mine! Installed in the village castle, you will find a unique collection of objects dating from the Neolithic era in an absolutely remarkable state of conservation. Reconstructions of scenes of life and workshops for children allow young and old to project 6000 years in the past!