La Cerdanya, like all Catalonia, is a place where nature is definitely fixed in the landscape. The Cerdanya valley is one of the sunniest valleys in Europe (360 days of sunshine a year), and has idyllic landscapes and mountain routes. Its strategic location, in the heart of the Pyrenees and divided between Catalonia and France, gives it a unique rich landscape and heritage. But those who know the valley know that its attraction is not only focused on the mountains, or you still don’t know its lakes? In Eclair we are a real estate agency in CerdanyaWe are nature lovers, with respect for the traditional architecture of the area using local materials and elements, so we want to tell you more.
What are the most beautiful villages in Cerdanya?
The region of La Cerdanya, a spectacular valley between the north of Catalonia and the south of France, is characterized not only by its impressive mountain routes and landscapes that seem to be taken out of a fairy tale, but also for hosting some of the most charming villages full of history. Today, we take you on a journey through the 5 most beautiful villages of this region: Puigcerdà, Meranges, La Tour de Carol, Bellver de la Cerdanya and Llívia, each with its own character and beauty.
Puigcerdà
When we talk about Puigcerdà, we are talking about the capital of Cerdanya. It is a town located in the Pyrenees, on the banks of the river Segre. The town has a medieval charm and its natural environment is spectacular and, of course, is full of activities to practice at any time of the year. If you dare to visit it, here are some ideas of what to see and what to do in Puigcerdà. Puigcerdà is a hidden gem in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees, offering a unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty that captivates all visitors. This picturesque town, founded in the 12th century, stands as a bastion of traditions and a meeting point. Its old town, with the church of Santa Maria and its cobbled streets, invites you to lose yourself among its corners full of history.
Puigcerdà Lake
The lake is surrounded by a coniferous forest and offers idyllic scenery in both winter and summer. It is an ideal place to practice outdoor activities such as hiking, rent rowboats to have a good time on the lake or just relax and enjoy the scenery. Puigcerdà Lake is one of the most emblematic and charming attractions of this Pyrenean town, constituting an oasis of serenity and natural beauty. Surrounded by a breathtaking mountain scenery inviting residents and tourists to enjoy moments of tranquility and outdoor recreational activities, the perfect place to stroll, jog or just sit and admire the view, especially during sunset, when the sky is tinged with vibrant colors.
Sunday weekly market
If you can visit Puigcerdà on Sunday, the best thing to do is to see the weekly market. The weekly market of Puigcerdà takes place every Sunday in the center of Puigcerdà. It is one of the largest markets in Catalonia and offers a wide variety of fresh, local and handmade products.
Meranges
With its 1,539 meters of altitude is the capital of the highest municipality of Catalonia, the views are a spectacle, as well as its restoration. It is a small village that has managed to maintain the traditional Ceretan architecture, and retains a rustic mountain look super authentic. Meranges is a picturesque village located in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees, a dream destination for lovers of nature and tranquility. This charming corner of Catalonia, located at a considerable altitude, offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and an atmosphere of peace that is hard to find.
Routes
In Meranges you will find a wide variety of mountain routes to enjoy all year round. We recommend a walking route from Meranges to Malniu, or to the nature reserve of Tossa Plana de Lles-Puigpedrós, with an obligatory stop at the Girul restaurant. Who can give more?
Latour de Carol
A charming little village next to the border, located on the banks of the river Carol. The center of the village is very well preserved, has a lot of services and a bar with a lot of magic in the center of the village. It is worth mentioning the routes by the river on the famous Promenade de la Rivière, with river beaches, leisure and barbecue areas, and horseback riding at sunset. If you are a lover of snow sports, you will be delighted to know that it is only 20 minutes from Pas de la Casa, and 15 minutes from the lakes of Porté-Puymorens. In addition to its unique railway attraction, Latour de Carol is surrounded by mountain scenery of extraordinary beauty, offering endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and winter sports, thanks to its proximity to several ski resorts.
International Station
Latour de Carol is perfectly connected, as it has a train station with direct connection to Barcelona and Paris. Famous for hosting the Latour de Carol-Enveitg train station, one of the few stations in the world with three different track gauges, this place is a real crossroads for railroad enthusiasts.
Bellver de la Cerdanya
We talk about another charming village located in the Cerdanya. Bellver de Cerdanya, is surrounded by mountains and has a very beautiful landscape. In the village there is a church, a castle and a viewpoint from which you can see the valley. Bellver de Cerdanya is an ideal place for hiking and enjoying nature. Bellver de Cerdanya, is a tourist destination of remarkable beauty and historical richness in the heart of the Catalan region of Cerdanya. This town, characterized by its dreamlike natural landscapes, offers a perfect combination of culture, history and outdoor activities.
The old town
The old town of Bellver de la Cerdanya is a historic-artistic site dating from the fourteenth century. The most representative building is the Church of Santa Maria, Catalan Gothic style. The church is surrounded by a beautiful pedestrian promenade with typical houses of the village. One of the main attractions of Bellver de Cerdanya is its old town, which highlights the Bellver Castle, a medieval fortress that offers panoramic views over the valley and surrounding mountains.
Llívia
Llívia is a village in Cerdanya characterized by its medieval buildings. This peculiar village, which dates back to ancient times, is distinguished not only by its interesting geographical location but also by its rich history and cultural heritage. Most of the buildings in the historic center of Llívia have retained their original appearance, which gives it a unique and very special air. The rectory building and the church of Mare de Déu dels Àngels stand out. All these monuments are a reflection of the importance of Llívia during the Middle Ages. Visitors can also enjoy the exceptional local gastronomy in several restaurants offering Catalan and international dishes. Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, Llívia is a perfect destination for lovers of history, culture and outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and winter sports – and you won’t want to miss the market of cuttings for the vegetable garden in summer!
Do you want to know more about Cerdanya?
The scenic beauty of La Cerdanya, characterized by its vast green fields, dense forests and mountain peaks, together with its almost perpetual blue sky, makes this region an exceptional place to disconnect from routine and reconnect with nature. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation or deep cultural contact, La Cerdanya offers an unforgettable experience for all its visitors, making it one of the most outstanding destinations in the Pyrenees.
