Torreilles is a village of the Pyrenees-Orientales in Occitania, located on the Mediterranean coast, about ten kilometers northeast of Perpignan.
The heart of the village whose streets have retained a medieval appearance is traditional in appearance (pink bricks, pebbles). But although it has become a seaside and residential resort, the municipality which has nearly 3400 inhabitants has preserved its natural heritage and especially the environment of its beaches (over a length of 4 km).
Its agricultural vocation (culture of apricot, artichoke, olive) and viticole remains, which is an added attraction for tourists in search of sun, sea... and authenticity.
The heart of the village deserves the visitor's attention. Starting with the Saint-Julien church, which was once an example of Catalan Romanesque style with a square tower topped by a pyramidal bell tower. Rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century, some walls of the first building remain. Inside, however, a 15th century chapel, an altar stone which was cut from a 4th century sculpted sarcophagus, a baptismal font of ancient origin and baroque style statues from the 17th century have been preserved.
After passing through Place Blasi, the nerve center of the town, nicely lined with plane trees, we will reach the Juhègues chapel (15th century) at the edge of the town, a preserved and restored site including a chapel, a typical hermitage Catalan architecture and an enclosure which make it a rallying point for the inhabitants during the cultural festivities which mark the year.
Also worth seeing is the Llobet house (now a bed and breakfast establishment), a 17th century stately building with an interior courtyard, whose accommodation includes a vaulted room, whose pink brick facade is typical, but also the town hall (19th century) and its bell tower characteristic of Roussillon, and the Secall house, a former café with a ballroom where cinema screenings also took place, which has become a place of creation and artistic exhibitions.
Guided tours of the village are offered. Information on 04 68 284 110.
It is then time to go to the coast, which allows you to cross several hundred hectares of “Salanquaise” (salt) land, former marshes suitable for cultivation and preservation. of a protected natural environment (fauna, flora).
The 4 km of coastline are divided into three beaches, labeled Blue Flag. Open for swimming, they are only supervised in summer.
The north beach extends as far as Barcarès, and blockhouses dating from the Second War are still visible there. Rocks at the mouth of the Agly river allow fishing and some offshore reefs are suitable for diving. An access channel to a reserved area has been created for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts.
The “center” beach belongs to a natural area (presence of protected birds). In season, free sports activities are scheduled in the morning by the Tourist Office (information on 04 68 284 110). Specific access is provided for people with reduced mobility.
The south beach, finally, the largest, has a section reserved for naturism enthusiasts.
For hiking enthusiasts, marked circuits for cyclists have been set up to better understand the local heritage (lengths of 9.14 and 20 km).
The greenway developed by the Department along the Agly is also popular with cyclists, walkers, joggers and rollerbladers. In all cases, leaflets and mobile applications are available (contact 04 68 284 110).
At sea or in fresh water (ponds, rivers), fishing is a popular leisure activity in the town. To obtain a card, contact +33 4 68 66 88 38.
For pétanque enthusiasts possibly wishing to play official matches, the local club has adequate facilities. Contact on +33 6 25 74 83 23.
As for tennis players, they can rent a court or even play in the club tournament during the second half of July. Contact +33 6 28 28 71 89.
At Easter, on the site of Juhègues, after the religious ceremony, a convivial meal and folk dances are organized by the city.
At the end of June, the fire of Saint-Jean perpetuates the tradition, a pyre being lit by a flame "descended" from Mount Canigou. Tastings of local products take place in parallel.
A legacy of jazz concerts given to Torreilles in the 1920s, the Jazz Festival in Juhègues (on the site of the chapel) offers a program of renowned artists in mid-July.
Late July-early August, "Tous yeux tout Torreilles" offers concerts of variety and French song.
During the second half of August, Estiu Musica organizes concerts of classical music on the site of the chapel of Juhègues.
In a different way, in order to better know local products, in July and August, a morning market takes place on Monday on the beach and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday morning Blasi square and in the evening on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday on the beach.