Vingrau is a commune in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, in the Occitanie region, 25 km northwest of Perpignan.
Its territory of 32 km², bordering Aude to the west and north, ranges from 119 to 575 m above sea level.
Its cirque-shaped relief is part of the first foothills of the Corbières massif.
On the borders of Catalonia and Languedoc, the locality has preserved green landscapes: it is covered with natural shrubby or herbaceous environments (69%) but also cultivated areas (16%). The latter are planted with vines producing renowned red wines for aging...
The village developed from the second millennium, first on the heights overlooking the valley, then, more recently, on a plateau (houses individual).
Attached to the county of Roussillon in the 11th century, descending towards Perpignan and the coast or, conversely, climbing towards Corbières.
Green tourism enthusiasts are welcome.
In terms of heritage, the town has the particularity of having three places of worship including two parish churches!
The first, at the very top of the village, dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption, is of Romanesque origin (11th century). We note its bell tower with three arches, its semi-circular apse and its modest portal. The building is now disused.
In the village itself, the Notre-Dame de Fontfroide church dates mainly from the 17th century. More massive than the previous one, with a brick porch, it houses elements and works classified as objects: altarpieces from the 17th and 18th centuries, statues.
Finally, worth mentioning is the Notre-Dame du Bon Conseil chapel, built in 1860 to the north-east of the small town, restored, listed in the Inventory. A remarkable Virgin and Child is preserved there: classified, the statue is 1.50 m high on its feet, in painted wood and probably dates from the 16th century.
Several crosses, a very beautiful washhouse, a fountain with a trough can also be observed along the village streets. Or don't forget the old windmill, which is the subject of a renovation project.
On the cultural side, shows and association events are regularly hosted in the village hall: contact the town hall on +33 4 68 29 40 73. Away from the town, on the road to Opoul (to the east), at a place called Génégals, the farmhouse and workshop of contemporary sculptor Marcel Gili (1994-1993) allow you to discover modernist works which have not abandoned all figuratism, in their time exhibited in Paris, Venice or America. The artist who worked on different materials also taught at the Fine Arts. Open on weekends and by appointment. Contact +33 4 68 29 40 17.
For sports enthusiasts, football and rugby fields, a bowling alley, but also a city stadium and a tennis court are accessible. Information on +33 4 68 29 40 73.
The town was also long renowned for its cliffs dedicated to climbing. Please note: the site is no longer approved and there are no longer any secure routes equipped with hooks. Considered an "adventure terrain", the cliff is therefore reserved for seasoned specialists. Information on +33 4 68 29 10 42.
It is finally time to explore the territory via marked trails to enjoy the superb views of the vineyard hillsides, the plain or the first peaks of the Corbières. Loops are designed on the territory itself, and others, also accessible to mountain bikers, allow you to reach Tautavel (to the southwest), or to "go down" towards the south, Rivesaltes and the coast (the beaches are only about ten kilometers away)…
In all cases, the areas protected for their biodiversity (presence of birds of prey and scrubland landscapes) appeal to walkers or cyclists, without forgetting possible tasting breaks in one of the wine estates by Vingrau!
For the youngest, note that a “rally route” with a fun questionnaire has been designed to discover the heritage and major sites of the town. Maps and information for hikers on +33 4 68 29 10 42.
It remains to mention the activities (exhibitions, thematic hikes, workshops, etc.) offered all year round by the Corbières-Fenouillèdes Regional Natural Park of which the commune is a member. Information on +33 4 68 33 99 80.
