Unterwegs

Les Franqueses des Valles (Pop: 20,700)

This is the birthplace of Sergi, former left-back for Spain and FC Barcelona. He played 56 times for Spain between 1994 and 2002, winning three national titles with Barça (1994, 1998 and 1999) and a Cup Winners' Cup in 1997. He ended his career in 2009 to become a coach.

Since 2024, the town has organised the Gran Premi Les Franqueses KH7, an international junior race.

Caldes de Montbui (Pop: 18,330)

Since Roman times, Caldes de Montbui has been renowned for its thermal waters. But it was in the 19th century that Caldes de Montbui really developed, with the construction of numerous buildings intended not only for water treatment but also for water-related leisure activities. Recently renovated to modern tastes and standards, Caldes de Montbui has managed to preserve its unique modernist charm.

Roman baths

Construction: 1st century BC

History: The Roman baths, dating from the 1st century BC, remain from the ancient spa town of Caldas, located in the middle of the present-day town. In Roman times, the town of Caldas was a spa around which an urban centre of considerable importance developed at the beginning of the Roman Empire. Its identification as Aquae Calidae, mentioned by Pliny the Elder and Ptolemy, is still uncertain.

Characteristics: the remains, a pool and the gallery surrounding it, are only part of a major thermal complex, as evidenced by the votive inscriptions found representing important figures from the ancient city of Tarraco. The pool, located in the basement of the spa, which was demolished in 1955-1956, has been restored by the Provincial Council of Barcelona. The work consisted of rebuilding the arch that covered the pool (only the original base has been preserved) and the arches that made up the south gallery.

Special feature: a thermal museum, housed in a medieval building, traces the thermal history of the city.

Listed as: cultural asset of national interest. Santa Maria Church

Construction: 11th and 17th centuries.

Style: Baroque.

History: the original church is mentioned in the 11th century. It was rebuilt in 1589 above and around the former royal palace. Work was interrupted in 1622 due to lack of funds. In 1679, King Charles II granted the city a contribution to complete the church. In 1699, the Chapel of the Holy Majesty was completed. Meanwhile, French sculptor Pierre Ruppin began work on the Baroque portal, which was completed by mason Pau Sorell and crowned with the town's coat of arms in 1701. The work was completed in 1714.

Characteristics: it is a single-nave building with side chapels. The roof is covered with tiles. The octagonal bell tower is attached to the apse. The façade has simple lines, which highlight the beautifully crafted Baroque portal. This consists of three columns on each side of the door, decorated with plant motifs. The whole is surmounted by the coat of arms of Caldes, flanked by two lions. The sacristy door is in Renaissance style.

Special feature: inside the main chapel is the Majestat de Caldes, a 12th-century polychrome Romanesque sculpture. It was burned during the war in 1936 and only the head was saved, from which a replica was made.

Listed as: site of local cultural interest.

Centelles (Pop: 7,775)

Centelles was built around its Baroque-style Santa Coloma church, which was restored in the 19th century in the Catalan modernist style. Like many churches, it was damaged during the Spanish Civil War. Every year on 30 December, the very popular Festival of the Pine Tree is celebrated there, paying homage to Saint Columba, the patron saint of the town.

Palace of the Counts of Centelles

Construction: 15th century.

History: in 1415, Baron Gilabert VII had his residence built here. The second house was built by Baron Guillem Ramon II around 1540, a few years after the main square was built. After the War of the Spanish Succession, the palace was rebuilt by Count Francesc Xavier de Blanes i Centelles-Carròs (†1742). During the Spanish Civil War, the palace was severely damaged.

Characteristics: it is a large square building with four floors and a central courtyard. At the four upper corners are small watchtowers. The main entrance is a three-sided angular arch, above which is a coat of arms supported by angels.

Listed as: asset of national cultural interest.

Taradell (Pop: 6,850)

Taradell Castle

Construction: 9th century.

History and characteristics: this ancient fortress is located just over two kilometres from the centre of Taradell, on top of a rocky hill, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Its history dates back to 893, when it was first mentioned in writing. Over the centuries, the castle changed hands, passing from the lords of Taradell to the Vilademany family through marriage, and then to the Cruïlles family in 1500. Originally designed for military purposes, it lost its strategic importance around the 16th century with the construction of new fortifications in Taradell. Since then, time and neglect have reduced the castle to ruins, but recent consolidation work has made it possible to visit what remains of this historic fortress. A special feature is its position above a large cave, adding a touch of mystery to the visit.

Listed as: site of Cultural Interest since 1988.

Vic (Pop: 49,500)

The former capital of the Iberian tribe of the Ausetanos, Vic has been an important town since ancient times, as evidenced by its Roman temple, discovered in the 19th century embedded in the walls of a medieval castle that was being demolished. The old town is famous for its medieval architecture, for the Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Peter (1038), which, although much altered, contains treasures and a Gothic cloister, and for its Episcopal Museum, the second most important museum in Europe for medieval art. Vic is also renowned for its many charcuterie specialities, notably longanissa, a typical dry sausage.

Vic is the birthplace of Melchor Mauri, winner of the 1991 Tour of Spain. Winner of three stages that year, including the opening time trial, the Catalan held his own against a promising young rider, Miguel Indurain, who finished second in that edition ahead of Marino Lejarreta. A former carpenter and time trial specialist, Melchor Mauri competed in the Tour de France eight times, finishing sixth in 1995. He ended his career in 2002. The city has regularly hosted the Tour of Catalonia and the Semana Catalana and has been a particular inspiration to Erik Zabel, who has won there three times. Vic also featured on the route of the 1998 Tour of Spain, as the starting point for one stage.

Roman temple

Construction: 1st and 2nd centuries AD

Style: Roman temple.

History: built between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD and used until the 4th century, the temple is incorporated into the masonry of a 9th-century medieval castle. It was only when the castle was demolished in 1882 that the existence of the ancient monument was revealed. Relatively well preserved, it can be restored to a condition close to its original state.

Characteristics: this is a Roman temple of classical architecture. Its construction and ornamentation draw on techniques that may have "travelled" between Narbonese Gaul and the Catalan coast. The temple stands on a podium that allows for the installation of a colonnade façade in accordance with the principles set out by Vitruvius in De architectura. The cella, which opens to the east, measures 12.50 × 10 m on the outside. Above the door of the cella, a plaque engraved in Latin mentions the circumstances of the temple's discovery.

Listed as: site of national cultural interest in 1931. Saint Peter's Cathedral in Vic

Construction: 11th to 19th centuries.

Style: Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical.

History: the current neoclassical cathedral was built between 1781 and 1803 by Josep Morato y Codina to replace an 11th-century building erected by Abbot Oliba, Bishop of Vic from 1018. Only the bell tower and crypt remain from the original building. It is the seat of the Diocese of Vic. It was elevated to the rank of minor basilica in 1893.

Characteristics: With its different styles, it encapsulates much of European architectural history, from Romanesque to Neoclassical, Gothic and Baroque.

Special feature: The interior of the cathedral was completely decorated in 1930 by Josep Maria Sert. Six years later, during the Civil War, the interior of the building was ravaged by fire, completely destroying the decoration on the walls. The artist resumed his decorative work from 1939 to 1945, and it is this decoration that can be seen today.

Listed as: Site of national cultural interest since 1931. Episcopal Museum

Opening: 1891.

History: the museum was inaugurated in 1891 by Bishop Josep Morgades. It occupies the cloister of the cathedral and the bishop's palace. In 1898, Joseph Gudio i Cunill was appointed curator; he considerably expanded the museum's collections, as did his successor Eduard Junyent i Subirà, curator from 1931 to 1978. The expansion of the collections led to the museum's transfer to the former Saint Joseph's College. In 1995, the municipality of Vic, the bishopric and the Generalitat of Catalonia decided to build a new museum, which was inaugurated on 18 May 2002.

Characteristics: the basement houses artefacts dating from prehistory to the early Middle Ages, found in Vic during excavations, as well as a stone collection. The ground floor is devoted to Romanesque and Gothic painting and sculpture. Among the most notable works from the Romanesque period are the portal of the church of Saint Vincent in Malla, elements from Vic Cathedral, a collection of Virgins with Child, and frescoes from the churches of Sant Sadurní d'Osormort, El Brull, Sescorts, La Seu d'Urgell... In terms of Gothic painting, there are numerous altarpieces (painted by Pere Serra, Bernat Martorell, Ramon de Mur, Jaume Huguet, Lluís Borrassà, Antoine Peytavi, etc.) on display, as well as the alabaster altarpiece from the monastery of Sant Joan de les Abadesses. The first floor displays paintings and sculptures from the 15th to the 19th century, as well as liturgical objects. The second floor is devoted to Catalan decorative art (goldsmithing, ironwork, ceramics, leatherwork, etc.).

Montesquiu (Pop: 1,100)

Montesquiu Castle and its park

Construction: 13th century.

History: since its origins (around 1285), the fortified house of Montesquiu was designed as the residence of the lords of the Besora district and, over time, it underwent modifications and additions that gave it its current structure. It has always been linked to Besora Castle, a true centre of power at the end of the Middle Ages. In the 19th century, it passed into non-noble hands and, in 1976, in accordance with the wishes of its last owner, Emili Juncadella, the castle and estate were transferred to the Barcelona Provincial Council to create the Montesquiu Castle Park. The park is a protected area located at the foot of the eastern Pyrenees, at the northern end of the Osona region. Covering an area of 546 hectares, it occupies part of the municipalities of Montesquiu, Sora, Sant Quirze de Besora and Santa Maria de Besora. The park is home to magnificent oak and pine forests, as well as old farmhouses, some of which have been renovated to host educational or agricultural activities.

Ripoll (Pop: 10,700)

Located at the confluence of the Ter and Freser rivers, the town of Ripoll developed around the Benedictine monastery of Santa María de Ripoll, founded around the 9th century.

This Romanesque monastery is considered one of the most important monastic centres in medieval Catalonia, particularly in terms of repopulation. It has a magnificent cloister and a church with an extraordinary 12th-century portal carved with curious reliefs depicting biblical scenes. In addition to the monastery of Santa María de Ripoll, the 12th-century church of Sant Pere, with pre-Romanesque elements, is also worth mentioning. It houses the Ethnographic Museum. The manufacture of nails and weapons was once the main economic activity in the town, to the extent that between the 16th and 18th centuries it was one of the most important centres of weapon production in Europe. With the arrival of the railway and the textile industry, the town experienced a new period of economic growth that has continued to the present day.

Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll

Founded: 880

Construction: 9th to 19th centuries.

Style: Romanesque.

History: in 880, Bishop Gotmar of Vic was informed by shepherds of the presence of strange lights appearing on Saturdays in the mountains. Count Wilfred the Hairy founded the monastery that same year and his son Radulfo was later appointed abbot of Ripoll and bishop of Urgell. Wilfred's daughter, Emma, founded the monastery of Sant Joan de les Abadesses. The monastery of Ripoll enjoyed great influence in the Middle Ages (9th to 11th centuries). Gerbert of Aurillac spent three years there from 967 to 970 and later became Pope Sylvester II. Its influence was also due to the writing of manuscripts, the most valuable of which is the Ripoll Bible. At the end of the 13th century, the GestaComitumBarcinonemsum, considered to be the first history of Catalonia, was also written within these walls.The monastery then declined and came under the authority of the Abbey of Saint Victor in Marseille in 1070. In 1428, it was destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt in the Gothic style. Secularised in 1835, it was rebuilt between 1886 and 1893.

Characteristics: the current church is the result of the 19th-century reconstruction carried out by Elies Rogent, who based his work on that of Abbot Arnulfo and Abbot Oliva. Arnulfo ordered the construction of a church with five naves and five apses. It is 60-metres wide and 40-metres long. In 1032, Oliva added a transept and seven apses; he opened up the crypt and framed the entrance with a portico decorated with two bell towers on either side. The reconstruction carried out in 1830 left only three of the original five naves. The counts of Besalú and some counts of Barcelona, from Wilfred the Hairy to Ramon-Berenguer IV, are buried in the transept of the basilica. The cloister has two floors. Construction of the first floor began around the 12th century but was not completed until the early 15th century. The upper floor was built between the 15th and 16th centuries.

Special feature: in the town, the church of Saint Peter was the parish church of Ripoll until 1893, when the parish was transferred to the restored monastery church. It was ransacked during the Civil War of 1936-1939 and has never been returned to worship. Today, it is a venue for exhibitions and cultural activities.

Listed as: Site of National Cultural Interest since 1931.

Toses (Pop: 200)

La Molina

Since the 1960s, La Molina has been one of the most popular winter sports resorts for Catalans. In 1943, the first ski lift in Spain was installed there, and the following year, the first ski school was established. It is accessible by road and train.

La Molina hosted events in the Women's Alpine Skiing World Cup in 2008 and the Snowboard World Championships in 2011.

La Molina hosted a stage of the Vuelta, won in 2011 by Spain's Santiago Blanco. But it is above all a classic finish for the Tour of Catalonia, with no fewer than nine finishes since 2014. The list of winners at the resort speaks for itself: Joaquim Rodriguez (2014), Tejay van Garderen (2015), Dan Martin (2016), Alejandro Valverde (2017 and 2018), Miguel Angel Lopez (2019), Ben O'Connor (2022), Remco Evenepoel (2023) and Juan Ayuso (2025).

Occitanie region

Departments: Ariège, Aude, Aveyron, Gard, Haute-Garonne, Gers, Hérault, Lot, Lozère, Hautes-Pyrénées, Pyrénées-Orientales, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne.

Population: 6.1 million.

Prefecture: Toulouse

Area: 72,724 km²

Specialities: foie gras, cassoulet, aligot (mashed potatoes and cheese), Sète tielle, cod brandade, Tarbes beans, garbure, sweet onions, Céret cherries, wines (Pic Saint-Loup, Corbières, Cahors, Costières de Nîmes, blanquette de Limoux, Minervois, Tavel, Madiran). Perrier spring water.

Sports clubs: Stade Toulousain, Castres Olympique, Montpellier HR, USAP Perpignan (rugby), Montpellier HSC, Nîmes Olympique, Toulouse FC (football), Dragons Catalans (rugby league), Montpellier Handball, Fenix Toulouse, USAM Nîmes-Gard (handball)

Competitions: Tour de France, Open Sud de France (tennis), Route d'Occitanie (cycling).

Economy: aeronautics and space (Airbus, Ariane, Toulouse), defence, IT, nuclear, agri-food, agriculture (wines, cereals), tourism, pharmaceutical industry. Universities (Montpellier, Toulouse).

Festivals: ferias in Nimes and Beziers, Rio Loco (Toulouse), Radio France Montpellier Festival (classical music), Comédie du Livre (Montpellier), Electro Beach (Port Barcarès), Jazz in Marciac, Cinémed (Montpellier), Circa Auch, crime fiction festival in Frontignan.

Tourist attractions: Cité de Carcassonne, Basilica of Lourdes, Toulouse (Capitole, Saint- Sernin, the Pink City), Montpellier (Place de la Comédie, Écusson), beaches, Pont du Gard, Nimes amphtiheatre, Cathar castles, Canal du Midi, cathedrals of Albi, Castres and Rodez. Millau Viaduct, Niaux and Maz d'Azil caves. Pont Valentré bridge in Cahors. Villages of character. Beaches of Aude, Gard and Hérault. Ski resorts in the Pyrenees and Ariège.

Website:www.laregionoccitanie.fr

Ur (Pop: 370)

Saint Martin's Church

Construction: 12th century.

Style: Romanesque.

History: Saint Martin's Church in Ur was built in the 11th century but underwent significant alterations to the nave and bell tower in the 18th century. In June 2023, a painted medieval beam dating from the 12th or 13th century was found behind wooden panels.

Characteristics: it has a chevet characteristic of early Romanesque art, consisting of a central apse and two apsidioles.

Listed as: historic monument in 1934.

Targasonne (Pop: 190)

The commune is home to the Thémis solar power plant, a research and development centre, and a solar power plant that generates electricity for the French electricity grid (EDF). The Thémis power plant, owned by the Pyrénées-Orientales Departmental Council, was strategically located in Cerdagne due to its favourable weather conditions for the development of solar energy. Cerdagne enjoys nearly 2,400 hours of sunshine per year, with very little wind limiting the downtime of the power plant's facilities and is located at an altitude (1,650 to 1,690 m) that promotes direct solar radiation.

Bolquère (Pop: 800)

The municipality is home to the Bolquère-Pyrénées 2000 ski resort, which hosted two stages of the Tour de France in 1973 and 1976. These two stages promoted the resort, which was created in 1971.

In 1973, Lucien Van Impe won the second of his nine stage victories in the Tour de France. The winner of the 1976 Tour finished about twenty seconds ahead of Joop Zoetemelk and Luis Ocana, the Yellow Jersey, and saved his Tour de France, which had been ruined by dysentery that caused him to lose eight kilos! Three years later, on the instructions of his sports director Cyrille Guimard, Van Impe let Raymond Delisle get away, who not only won the stage at Pyrénées 2000, but also took the Yellow Jersey from the Belgian climber. The future winner regained it two days later at Saint-Lary-Soulan.

La Llagonne (Pop: 220)

This is the village where Martin Fourcade, France's most decorated Olympic athlete with six gold medals and one silver medal in biathlon, was born. His father Marcel was mayor of the village from 2008 to 2014. His brother Simon was also an excellent biathlete.

Martin Fourcade

Martin Fourcade, born on 14 September 1988 in Céret, is a French biathlete who is one of the most successful in his sport with six Olympic titles and thirteen world championship titles. He has a total of 84 individual victories, including 79 in the World Cup, 6 at the Olympic Games and 13 at the World Championships. Fourcade also won seven consecutive large crystal globes between 2012 and 2018, as well as 26 small globes in various biathlon disciplines. The Frenchman began his major competition career at the 2009 World Championships in PyeongChang. In addition to his Olympic and world titles, he has also won seven World Cup titles. Martin Fourcade competed in three Olympic Games, his last major competition being the World Cup in Kontiolahti in March 2020. He ended his career in 2020 at the age of 31.