Today in Eclair we are going to show you 4 places that you cannot miss if you visit Cerdanya. These places are very beautiful and full of history. Each one has something different to offer you, so you are sure to find something that suits you. Don’t miss the opportunity and discover what the valley has to offer you!
Where is Cerdanya located?
La Cerdanya is located in the north of Catalonia, between France and Spain. It extends through the municipalities of Puigcerdà, Bellver de Cerdanya, Dorres, Llívia and Bourg-Madame. It is a mountainous region formed by the basin of the river Segre, which crosses the entire region from east to west. In addition, Cerdanya is a historical region located in Catalonia. However, due to a historical agreement known as the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659, the region was divided between Spain and France. The northern part, known as Upper Cerdanya, belongs to France, while the southern part, Lower Cerdanya, is part of Catalonia in Spain. This region stretches between the Pyrenees mountain range and the Cadí and Moixeró mountain ranges. It borders Andorra and Alta Cerdanya to the north, Ripollés to the east, Bergadá to the south and Alto Urgel to the west. The Segre river flows through Cerdanya, falling gently from east to west. The region covers an area of 1086.07 km², almost equally divided between Spain and France.
What to do in Cerdanya?
The area is perfect for hiking, as it has a pleasant climate throughout the year and a very varied landscape. There are also many gastronomic or tourist activities that can be enjoyed in the villages that make up the Cerdanya. It offers a variety of activities for both nature lovers and those looking to relax or enjoy the local culture. Here is a detailed plan to make the most of your visit to Cerdanya, taking into account different interests and times of the year.
Places not to be missed in Cerdanya
La Cerdanya is an emblematic and historical place of Catalonia. Among the places you can not miss in La Cerdanya are:
Estanys de la Pera
It is one of the most beautiful places in the Cerdanya. They are located in the Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone of the Garrotxa, in the municipality of La Cellera de Ter. The landscape surrounding the estanys is spectacular, with views of the volcanoes in the area. They are a perfect place for hiking, fishing or simply enjoying nature. The Estanys de la Pera, two beautiful lakes located in Cerdanya, are a popular destination for nature lovers. They are located in a small glacial cirque at the top of the Arànser valley and have historically been a smuggling route to Andorra. To reach these lakes, take the LV-4036 road from Martinet towards Lles. Before reaching Lles, take a left turn towards Arànser. From there, follow a paved track that leads to Fornell and the Nordic ski resort of Aransa. During the summer, when there are more visitors, there is usually a shuttle bus service.The trail to the lakes is of low difficulty, with a cumulative drop of 275 meters and a total distance of 5.4 km. The total time of the route is approximately 1:50h, including 0:45h to climb from the start to the Estanys de la Pera refuge, 0:25h to visit the two lakes and 0:40h to return to the start. The Estanys de la Pera are very popular with hikers in Cerdanya. The lakes are surrounded by impressive peaks such as Monturull (2,759m) and the peak of Perafita (2,752m), which is just above the Estany Gran de la Pera (the upper lake).
Route of the 12 lakes
The route Les Bulloses – Carlit Lakes, is a circular route starting from the Bulloses Lake and covering a total of 12 lakes (11 km) in 5 hours. At the top of the route is the Carlit, the culminating peak of the French department of the Pyrénées Orientales. The entire trail is about 11 km long and can be covered in about 5 hours. There is a shorter version of the route that passes through 9 lakes and measures 7 km, which can be completed in about 2h 30min.The starting point of the route is the parking lot of the Bullosas lake. Please note that during the summer, between 7am and 7pm, access by car is not allowed and a shuttle bus service is provided. In winter, or when there is snow, the road is closed and access can only be made on foot from this point, which can take about 4 hours. It is an accessible route full of natural beauty, perfect for nature lovers who want to enjoy the stunning lakes in the area.
Puigpedrós
The mountain Puigpedrós is one of the most beautiful places in the Cerdanya. It is a mountain that has a height of 2,914 meters, which makes it the third highest mountain in the Pyrenees. From the top of the mountain you can enjoy magnificent views of the entire region. On clear days, you can even see the Balearic Islands. It is an ideal place for hiking and enjoying nature. The path to climb Puigpedrós is a circular route of 13.1 km that starts at the refuge of Malniu. The total height difference is 900 meters and it is estimated that the route can be completed in about 6 hours. Despite its height, the ascent does not present great technical difficulties. From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Cadí mountain range and the mountains of Andorra. It is a challenging summit but with a pleasant relief, perfect for those who are beginning to explore high mountain ascents.
Tourism in Puigcerdà
When we talk about Cerdanya, inevitably comes to mind the bridge of Puigcerdà, one of the main attractions of this tourist area. But Puigcerdà is much more than that. It is a town with a special charm, which enchants all who visit it. Among its main tourist attractions we can highlight the Museu de la Cerdanya, the Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa and Montsoriu Castle. But if there is something you can not miss is a walk through the old town, where you can admire its architecture and make a stop at one of its many restaurants or stores.
What to visit during the day or at night?
La Cerdanya is a region with a lot of charm, located in the Catalan Pyrenees. It is a perfect place to to visit all year roundIt is a perfect place to visit all year round, as you can enjoy the outdoor activities on offer at any time of the year. Although the valley is mainly known for snow sports (more than 11 ski resorts), summer is a fascinating time for hiking trails and visiting lakes. In Cerdanya you can lose yourself at any time of the day, as there are many places to discover. You can also visit some of the tourist attractions in Cerdanya, such as the Castle of Llívia or Castellas de n’Hug and the Llobregat springs. And if you feel like doing some sport, you can practice some mountain sports such as skiing in winter or hiking in summer. During the night, gastronomy is queen. The high tourist interest has generated a large concentration of haute cuisine restaurants scattered throughout the villages of the region. The atmosphere in Cerdanya is very quiet and you can relax watching the incredible starry sky, or explore some of its charming bars and nightclubs.
Living in Cerdanya
Because living in Cerdanya is a unique experience. The nature, the landscape, the people… everything invites you to enjoy life to the fullest. La Cerdanya is an ideal place to relax and disconnect from the world and enjoy yourself, because here you can breathe a calm and serene atmosphere. Not in vain, this region has been chosen by many families as their habitual and secondary place of residence. Another of the great attractions of Cerdanya is its climate, which allows you to enjoy the seasons of the year with total freedom. In winter, you can enjoy the best ski slopes in Spain; in spring and summer, you can hike through the beautiful landscapes that surround the region; and in autumn, you can enjoy the mushrooms and the wonderful smell of roasted chestnuts that permeates the entire region. In short, living in Cerdanya is a real pleasure.
