Prades (Pyrenees-Orientales)
Prades is capital of the Conflent region, nestling in the foothills of Mount Canigou where the plains meet the mountains.
Prades was first mentioned in historical documents in 843 by its latin name Prata Virent meaning “green fields”. Charles le Chauve gave the town as a gift to Sunifred Count of Urgell.
Situated at the confluent of several rivers and the base of the Canigou mountain Prades enjoys a micro-climate characterised by many hours of sunshine. In Spring it is a delight to contemplate the landscape where the snow on the Canigou blends with the colour of the peach blossom.
It was this setting that inspired Pablo Casals to choose Prades as his second homeland. This famous composer and musician is honoured every summer during the renowned Pablo Casals Festival of Chamber Music.
Prades has all the shops and services you will need for your holiday. The Tuesday morning market is well known throughout the region and provides a wide variety of items, such as fruit, vegetables, clothing, household goods, and holiday mementos. The Farmers market is held on Saturday mornings in the main square, providing the shopper with local produce.
Wander through the typical streets and discover the decorated facades of the houses, the artistic wrought iron work and balconies, the door surrounds made of local pink marble, the oratories, the fountains and the communal wash house.
Prades with its several bars and restaurants, makes an ideal base for exploring the region. Local attractions include the fortified town of Villefranche de Conflent where you can also take a trip on the Little Yellow Train; the abbeys of St Martin du Canigou and St Michel du Cuxa; there are the classified 'Prettiest Villages in France' of Eus and Mosset neraby; there is plenty of walking up and around Mount Canigou, the Gorges of Caranca and the Lac du Bouillouse.
The ski resorts are under an hour away, the beaches 45 minutes and Spain one hour.