Vinça is a town of Pyrénées-Orientales, in Occitan region, 35 km west of Perpignan.
The 7.7 square kilometers of its territory belongs to the natural and historic region of Conflent, Canigou dominated south and the massive Madres north, and through the course of the Tet.
The city, which now has just over 2,000 inhabitants has developed in the Middle Ages and has preserved historic heart and a heritage of quality.
The creation of the twentieth century two reservoirs and oldest irrigation channels have boosted both its agriculture (farming, viticulture with production of wine appellations Cotes du Roussillon and Côtes-Catalan) and its tourist appeal.
Near the coast and the Pyrenean mountains and other nature areas (as Prades), this is a pleasant stopover during a stay in the area or a resort first class.
Formerly with the status of royal city Vinça preserved in its historic center number of special corbelled houses, while cross, fountains and chapels (some classified) punctuate the city as its surroundings.
The church of Saint-Julien-et-Sainte-Baselisse is the jewel of the local heritage. A first Romanesque building is attested from the eleventh century, but the church was rebuilt in the fifteenth and especially the eighteenth (excluding the bell towers of the seventeenth). It has a gothic and baroque Roussillon whose wealth comes from an estate donation decided by a notable of the city. the exceptional quality of the furniture Note (doors, wainscoting, chair, pipe organ) and works of sacred art: no less than 11 altars are identified, and a statuary including a Virgin of the fourteenth century, a Pieta from the fifteenth Entombment and a sixteenth. Finally, paintings and religious objects (including reliquaries) complete the package.
A walk in the center also can observe some remains of the fortified walls and doors of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, medieval half-timbered houses and Renaissance, or the former Capuchin monastery and former medieval hospice.
Far away, on a ridge overlooking the Tet, we must not forget the Saint-Pierre de Belloch Romanesque base (XII), formerly the center of a priory which depended on the abbey of Aurillac.
In a different, but now part of that heritage of the town, the concrete dam built in 1976 during the Tet, 55 m high and 191 m wide, obviously deserves the glance.
Its development has enabled the creation of a long lake 5 km and wide 200 1000 m which proves a tourist attraction. Especially as nearby Lake Escoumes built on the creek of the same name, extensive ten hectares.
Vinça thus boasts of possessing two beaches, one of which is reserved for residents of the municipal campsite. The second adjacent sports area has a lifeguard in July and August, open access, and a fun center, Aquagliss park. There are routes for children and adolescents with slides, pedal boats hire points or paddles and spaces for toddlers. Open from 15 June to late August. Price: from 9 euros. Information 07 68248348.
Fishermen are celebrating in this environment: contact the local association +33 6 95 42 84 57. Moreover, for a game of tennis, you need to book a short +33 4 68 05 91 00.
Whether exploring the city and its remarkable buildings, enjoy the banks of the head or lakes, or to walk the green areas of the town and vineyards (with tasting possible breaks), and of course marked trails dedicated to hikers were accessible trails for some mountain bikers. It is even possible for the town to reach the foothills of the Canigou. Maps and information +33 4 68 05 41 02.
In early January, patronal feast.
The last weekend of April or the first weekend in May, raising festival on Saturday with exhibitions and competitions of cattle, sheep and horses. And Sunday farmer's market with crafts and local products, local meals, entertainment on the theme of the environment, sheep shearing demonstration.
From June to September, in different sites of the town, music festival and organ with classical music (baroque, romantic etc.) and songs.
From mid-July to late August, every Thursday, introduction to fishing for families (including young children) on the lake.
Last November weekend, fair of St. Andrew with traditional Catalan entertainment (Sardana, bandas), fire shows, farmers market.
Finally, on Tuesday and Thursday, the market can appreciate the richness of the local region.
