Corneilla-de-Conflent is a village in the Pyrénées-Orientales, in the Occitan region, 50 kilometers southwest of Perpignan.
The territory of the municipality is located in the middle mountain, between 397 and 823 m above sea level, on the northern part of the Canigou massif, in the Conflent natural region.
The village, which now has nearly 500 inhabitants, has developed on a nipple protected from the prevailing winds and enjoys a pleasant microclimate.
A Roman villa was established there, but it was from the eleventh century that Corneilla-de-Conflent took off after the Earl of Cerdagne built his palace and a religious community under the rule of St. Augustine He settled there.
Later, deposits of iron-rich pyrite were exploited, as well as quarries of pink marble, talc and manganese. These activities were abandoned, agriculture (arboriculture, viticulture, breeding) and tourism related to the historical and environmental heritage of the town and the amazing caves Canalettes now constituting the major economic assets of the village.
A stage of interest for who stays in this part of the Pyrenees.
A discovery of the heritage of the small city can begin with the church Sainte-Marie, listed since 1840, considered a masterpiece of Catalan Romanesque art. Former collegiate church, with three naves and five apses, its foundations date back to the 11th century for its bell tower of Lombard inspiration in the shape of a dungeon, and the 12th for its facade and its chevet, sumptuously adorned with marble decorations of Conflent. The church houses thirteenth century stalls and, in terms of sacred art, virgins of Romanesque style, and a magnificent alabaster altarpiece by sculptor Jaume Cascalls, dated 1346. Visit the afternoon from April to October from Monday to Friday, and in the morning also in July and August. Price: 2 and 3 euros. Information on +33 4 68 05 77 59.
To see then, the remains of the former castle of the Counts of Conflent-Cerdagne, erected in the eleventh century. What remains of the once fortified enclosure is now dominated by a round tower of the twelfth century whose seats are pebbles. A small courtyard and a gateway to the walkway, nearby, seem to date from the fourteenth century. The counts then did not reside in these places, but the village remained seat of a royal bailiwick.
Located on the territory of Corneilla-de-Conflent although closer to Villefranche-de-Conflent, the caves of Canalettes are then the other heritage jewel, even natural, of the locality.
The first site, sometimes referred to as the underground Versailles, was unearthed in 1951. The second, known as Les Canalettes, was unearthed at the same time. Finally, the Cova Bastera, already explored during Prehistory, whose fortified access was imagined by Vauban, was redeveloped for visitors at the end of the 20th century. It benefits from the UNESCO label.
The caves combine discovery of the underground world, geological wonders, and their vast area also allows the organization of entertainment and shows, even concerts.
The Grotte des Grandes Canalettes is open from April to October. Unguided tour. Entry: 6 and 10 euros. The other caves are guided tours by reservation in July and August. Entry: 6 and 10 euros. All information at +33 4 68 05 20 20.
For hikers, the village as its verdant and hilly surroundings have led to the realization of several courses centered on the same town or linking to Villefranche or around the Canigou. To learn about the possible difficulties due to the relief... Documentation and information on +33 4 68 05 77 59 and +33 4 68 51 52 53.
On the occasion of the national holiday, fireworks on July 14 in the evening.
In mid-August, the village celebrates two days the patronal festival: the program, gourmet entertainment, concerts, prom.
