historytraveler

We ( two couples) will be traveling from Empuribrava, Spain to Prades for two nights in mid- late September 2010. My original plan was to drive to Le Boulou, then west to Amelie-les-Bains and go north on the D 618 stopping at Prieure de Serrabone. However I am somewhat concerned about the road especially the 8km up to the priory. Another option would be to take the D 615 to Thuir and then Castelnou. I would appreciate any advice or suggestions as to which might be the best choice. Personally, I love visiting sites such as de Serrabone. I'm just not sure the others would think the trip worthwhile.We will be going to several similar sites ( Abbaye St. Michel and Abbaye St. Martin) while staying in Prades. I am also interested in anything medieval, so Castelnou would be a happy alternative.

Pvoyageuse

The road from Amélie (via Col du Fourtou and the beautiful 10th century church of La Trinité in Prunet et Belpuig which houses one of the most magnificent "Christ en croix" of Catalunya) is long, very winding but not dangerous if you are a bit used to mountain roads.

Since you'll be staying in Prades, you can also reach Serrabone from Boule d'Amont near Ille sur Têt, it won't take as long but it will also be winding ! In Ille, don't miss "Les Hospices", the medieval hospital with its collection of religious paintings and silver objects.
Corneilla-de-Conflent has a nice church.

Castelnou is a very pretty village with a 12th century castle, it won't be too touristy in mid-September but in my opinion it is not comparable to Serrabone which is a very special place.

If you stop in Le Boulou, go to Saint Martin de Fenouillar (4 km from the town on the old road to Le Perthus). It is a 12th century Roman chapel with frescoes.


Salses (on the road to Narbonne) has a 14th century castle built by a Spanish architect and half buried in the ground.

historytraveler

Pvoyageuse,

Thanks for your comments and suggestions. I've made notes and hope to add some of the sites to our itinerary. I already have the church in Planes, which you mentioned early on in my quest for information on this area, on my list.

Via Michelin has it taking about 2 1/2 hours from Empuriabrava to Villefranche-de-Confluent via the E15, D 115 and the D 618 not allowing time for the priory or any other stops. Is that about right?

Pvoyageuse

Yes, it's about right. You can't speed on winding roads

Just curious : why do you want to exit the highway at Le Boulou? You could take the first exit in Perpignan (there are two) and be just a few kms from Thuir and Castelnou. Or you could drive directly to Prades and Villefranche via the D116 which is an excellent two-lane road. It should not take you more than 40 minutes to get from Perpignan to Villefranche. Besides, the road from Thuir to Villefranche via Corbère-les-Cabanes is not very interesting.

Are you planning to visit Empuries while in Spain? There are Roman ruins in Ullastret.

historytraveler

Actually I have considered going to Perpignan before exiting. I just thought the D 618 route looked more interesting. I will have another look at itinerary and consider the option.There are so many excellent places to visit that the time element will make a difference.

We will be visiting friends in Empuriabrava, so I've left that part of the trip up to them but, if they ask where we'd like to go, I'll certainly mention Empuries.