DATE: May 28 at 8 a.m.
A very complete excursion to the Costa Vermella (Côte Vermeille), in the north Catalan region of Rosselló (France), which will allow us to visit the three most beautiful coastal towns in the area: Cotlliure (Colliure), Port-Vendres and Banyuls de la Marenda (Banyuls sur Mer).
LA CÔTE VERMEILLE (The Côte Vermeille)
From the village of Cervère to the north of Argeles-sur-Mer the reddish mountain foothills suddenly enter the sea and give shape to the Côte Vermeille, a beautiful coastal strip full of coves, picturesque villages, terraced vineyards, ancient fortresses and a lot of history. It was not until 1659, with the Treaty of the Pyrenees, that these lands became part of France. Hence, although listening to Catalan is becoming more and more difficult, the feeling of Catalanness is still very much alive.
– COTLLIURE (COLLIOURE)
The most picturesque and visited population of this little piece of coast is a charming town with colorful houses, a spectacular medieval castle (it was the residence of the kings of Mallorca), a beautiful beach, narrow streets, a port with colorful wooden boats and countless art galleries. Cotlliure, the birthplace of Fauvism, has welcomed painters attracted by the light and beauty of the village for more than a century. Matisse, Derain, Hanicotte and other great artists were seduced by the village’s light and painterly style. Also in Cotlliure rest forever the poet Antonio Machado and the novelist Patrick O’Brian.
– PORTVENDRES (PORT-VENDRES)
Portvendres is probably, after Cotlliure, the most beautiful village of the Costa Vermella. Discovered by the Greeks, called Portus Veneris -port of Venus- by the Romans, one of the most important ports of the kingdom of Majorca in the 13th century, strategic French commercial port due to its relationship with Africa in the 19th century… It is clear that the nickname “port of history” is not accidental.
– BANYULS DE LA MARENDA (BANYULS SUR MER) and the BAHÍA DE PAULILLES (PAULILLES BAY)
The birthplace and hometown of the great sculptor Aristide Maillol is a charming village surrounded by vine-covered mountains. Among its attractions are the aquarium and the Mediterranean garden of Mas de la Serre. In addition, a few kilometers from Banyuls we find the bay of Paulilles, one of the most beautiful corners of the coast.
THE PLAN
– 8h: We meet at Plaça Universitat (at the main entrance of the University of Barcelona) to catch our private bus. We stopped for breakfast on the way.
– 10.30-12h: Arrival in Cotlliure and guided tour
– 12-12.30h: Bus to Banyuls de la Marenda
– 12.30-13.30h: Guided visit
– 13.30-15.30h: Free time to eat
– 15.30-16h: Bus to Portvendres
– 16-18h: Guided tour and some free time
– 18h: Return bus, arriving in Barcelona around 8:30 p.m.
Languages: Spanish and Catalan
DATE: May 28, 2022
ACCOMPANYING GUIDE: Toni Bellido
| DEPARTURE PLACE | Plaça Universitat (main entrance of the University of Barcelona) | ||||
| DAY AND HOUR | Saturday, May 28, at 8 a.m. | ||||
| INCLUDED |
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| NOT INCLUDED |
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