Prats de Molló is a small unique village in the Pyrénées, recently labelled one of the most beautiful villages in France. Having only lived here for a few months, we have already become enchanted with its beautiful landscapes, historic buildings and friendly population. Although small, it has everything you might want on offer. National parks and stunning scenery surround it, offering easy access to towns and cities across the border such as Camprodón, Girona and Barcelona, all reachable for day trips if you want to. There are trails for off-road biking, hiking or riding. A common pastime, particularly on the mountain roads is to take your bicycle or motor-bike and cruise around enjoying the spectacular jagged peaks as you wind up to the village over the Col d’Ares and into Spain. You can even go for a day out to the Mediterranean coastline, many of the popular beaches are only just over an hour away.
Within the village there are two outdoor swimming pools that are frequented by locals and tourists alike. The village also boasts two tennis courts and pétanque areas, one in the “village basse”, the other in the “village haut”. You can even go down to the river either past the swimming pool or over the bridge and into the forest. If perusing the little boutiques of the region more your thing, don’t forget to visit the “Can Gironella”, a bookshop that will contain old French and Catalan volumes, the small jewellery boutique on the Place de la Trinxeria, or even the small Catalan-themed friperie Fem Pas Com Tothom that is an Aladdin’s cave of treasures. There is also the stamp shop, Vallespir Philatélie, yes really, for those of you who have a fetish for this item. As you wander through the cool cobbled streets in the summer sunshine, you will notice of course the usual clothes and tourist boutiques along with a Presse and numerous bars and eateries. Buy an ice-cream and sit in a corner for example at Ludo’s Bar which is frequented by the locals. Watch out for the swallows however, that will zip through the streets almost brushing through your hair on kamikazi missions of their own. Once the jovial brollies go up in the main squares, you will know the summer has arrived!
Those of you who want to stay in the village can comfortably leave your car for a week or even a month, particulary in the summer as there are regular cheap buses which can take you down the valley or into Spain. There is a main supermarket in the village, admitedly small, but has all the important groceries you might need with another tiny one in the historic centre. If French markets are more your thing, take the time to visit the one on the Place de Firal every Friday, where local produce is sold and particularly in the summer there is a large fruit and vegetable stall. If you fancy going a bit further afield there is the market on Sunday morning in Camprodón (Spain) which is a site not to be missed. There you can take a break on the terrace of the luxurious Hotel de Camprodón, a neo-classical building that has retained its historic charm from a bygone era. Surrounded by the bustling sounds of people you can languidly sip at your café, shaded under the terrace from the sun. You can almost feel the phantom silk dresses that swish past you from over a century ago.
There are so many options of where you could book if you are thinking of spending your holiday in Prats de Molló, either staying in one of the numerous gites in the centre of the village or even the new luxury hotel that is being built. You could venture out into the mountains and stay at a sprawling Mas with your own private pool and garden.
Finally, no visit is complete unless you have explored the historic buildings of the fortified village as you wind through the narrow cobbled streets past brightly-coloured narrow homes, sometimes with doors that you would struggle to get through! If you are lucky, you might spy the two local cats “Les Inséperables” who are affectionately looked after and photographed throughout the seasons. You might, if you are feeling fit, go through the tunnel from the spectacular and unusual church up to the fort that towers over the village, protecting the vicinity from fabled invaders. If not, the staff at the tourist office can direct you to the navette during the tourist season, that can take you on an accompanied tour of the impressive building dating from the seventeenth century.
The time of year when is best to come? Well the summer is always the public’s favourite time of year, however if you want to experience something really special that is part of the UNESCO Heritage, come in February where you can watch and even take part in ” la Fête de l’Ours.” Tip: Don’t wear expensive clothes if you want to take part, and watch out for those bears!
Parking
This is limited. You would be lucky if you find a spot near the centre of the village. If not, there are places down by the swimming pool, or go over the main bridge and there are parking spots to the left or the right by the river.
Dogs
Dogs are able to visit the village and the areas outside the church and the fort on a lead. Dog mess bags are provided around the village.
Toilets
There are public toilets available at the entrance to the village by the Logis Hôtel le Bellevue.
MidLife Crisis In France
COPYRIGHT Ⓒ 2023-2024
