Architecture Saint Michel de Cuxa Villefranche and Prades

Start this tour with a dive into the heart of history and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa. This Romanesque architectural gem, listed among the seven wonders of Catalonia invites you on a journey through the centuries. Visit next a fortified city, Villefranche de Conflent, a town that became an important French defense against possible Spanish incursions back in the 17th century. The construction of the Fort Libéria on a hill above the village is part of the Fortifications of Vauban (military engineer of Louis XIV) a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, made up of 12 groups of fortified buildings and sites along the borders of France Finish this tour by the visit of the church of St Pierre in Prades. The nave is flanked by 14 chapels. The high altarpiece, created at the end of the 17th century by the Catalan sculptor Joseph Sunyer, is the largest Baroque altarpiece in France.

1. 1

   Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa

   1 hour

   Founded in 878, theAbbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa has spanned more than 11 centuries of history. Its thousand-year-old stones have witnessed great events and profound transformations. With more than eleven centuries of existence, it is one of the oldest abbeys some Eastern Pyrenees.

2. 2

   Villefranche-de-Conflent

   1.3 hours

   From its very foundation, the town protected itself behind its ramparts. The wall is exceptional because Vauban doubled it by superimposing two levels of covered walkways, a unique feature in his work. The exceptional nature of the ramparts of Villefranche-de-Conflent led to their inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage

3. 3

   Prades

   40 min

   The altarpiece built in 1866 shows Our Lady of Victories between Saint Anne and Saint Germaine. The keystone, dedicated to Saints Crispin and Crispinian, points to the primitive titular saints of this chapel where the brotherhood of tanners and shoemakers had established its seat. This brotherhood owned a « mystery » representing the Flagellation of Christ.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.