Visit the Region
Castelnou Village
Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow cobbled streets of Castelnou, admire the ancient stone houses, and visit the Castle of Castelnou.
Castelnou is a haven for artists attracted to this beautiful village by its medieval streets and castle built in 990 by the Viscount of Castelnou. Lots of little boutiques and studios are dotted around the village with artists, sculptors and jewellery makers displaying their creations. The restaurant L'Hostal's sun terrace is a wonderful spot to take refreshment during a day of visiting this enchanting village. Castelnou Market is on Tuesdays during the summer season and some special occasions.
Castelnou is a lovely walk of about an hour or a 10 minute drive from Mas d'en Llinas.
The Emerald Coast
The Emerald Coast is home to the magnificent Collioure and enchanting coves of crystal emerald waters and its marine reserve around Banyuls. Wide sandy beaches are to be found at Argeles sur Mer, St Cyprien and Canet en Roussillon.
Collioure
Visit the charming coastal town of Collioure, famous for its vibrant colors, art galleries, and picturesque harbor. Enjoy the sandy beaches and try local seafood delicacies.
Abbey of Saint-Martin
Discover the picturesque Abbey of Saint-Martin du Canigou, perched on a mountainside. It is a place of tranquility and spirituality.
Castles of the Cathars
Château de Peyrepertuse
Perched dramatically atop a rocky outcrop in southern France, Peyrepertuse Castle commands awe-inspiring views of the rugged Corbières mountains. Dating back to the 11th century, this imposing fortress stands as a testament to medieval military engineering, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Chateau de Carcassonne
The Château of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a captivating medieval fortress nestled in the picturesque Languedoc-Roussillon region. Its imposing walls, punctuated by 52 towers and battlements, enclose a labyrinthine network of narrow streets, historic buildings, and charming squares. With origins dating back over two millennia, the château has witnessed centuries of history, from Roman rule to the turbulent Cathar Crusades. Visitors can explore its well-preserved ramparts, climb towering watchtowers, and immerse themselves in the enchanting atmosphere of this iconic symbol of medieval Europe. A journey to Carcassonne is a journey through time itself
Les Orgues d’Ille-sur-Têt
There are plenty of activities and places to visit in the region while staying at Mas d'en Llinas.
The surreal sand formations at Les Orgues d’Ille-sur-Têt are spectacular.
The Famous Caves Byrhh
Close to home in the nearest town of Thuir, visitors can tour this historic French apéritif winery based in Thuir, with tastings & a cellar of huge oak vats. This aperitif drink was sold under the name of “Hygienic Tonic Wine with Cinchona”. In the latter half of the 19th century. Www.cavesbyrhh.fr
Cathar Castles
There are some fantastic castles worth visiting, in addition to the Château de Peyrepertuse and Carcassone. Queribus is also sublime standing at 728 m at the top of the Corbieres mountain range. To name but a few, Montsegur, Puilaurens, d'Aguilar and the Châteaux de Lastours are also among the many castles on the route of the cathars.
Abbaye de St Martin de Canigou
There is a fantastic walk up to the Abbaye de St Martin de Canigou, which is on the side of the mountain of Canigou and you feel like you are nearing the peak... the walk is uphill for around 45 minutes but its not too challenging and the scenery is stunning. https://stmartinducanigou.org/
Collioure
Collioure is just breathtaking. This medieval port has a 13th century castle that stands tall over this stunning town and the 17th Century bell tower is the focal point encapsulating this beautiful mediterranean bay. A wonderful place. https://www.tourism-occitanie.co.uk/major-sites/collioure-cote-vermeille
Vineyards
Just down the road from Mas d'en Llinas, Terrassous at Terrats organise walking tours in and around the vineyards followed by a meal.
Www.terrassous.com/oenotourisme and Domaine Lafage produces the best Rose from the region.
The Languedoc is home to some of the best wines in France with numerous vineyards particular in the valleys of the Corbieres. Mas Amiel, Caramany, Chateau de Jau, to name but a few.
You can also do a tour on horseback from a riding stables in Corneilla-la-Rivière: http://equitet-rando.com/randonnees/
Hiking and Cycling
There are lots of walks and cycling around the Mas and the local area.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ON SOME MAPS THE HOUSE IS IDENTIFIED AS MAS D’EN JAN, THE OLD NAME FOR THE HOUSE.
www.visorando.com
Komoot is a great App for walking and cycling and works with GPS. You can plan your route and then you can be guided by the GPS along the route and it will adapt if you choose to change your route, or you get lost!
Google maps in satellite is also useful, showing all the different paths one can take.
Cycling
Mas d’en Llinas is a great spot head out on mountain bikes. For road cycling the world is your oyster throughout the region but be ready to take on the hills!
The Gorges of Galamus
The gorges of Galamus are one of a number of gorges where one can go canyoning and other activities.
http://www.gorgesdegalamus.fr
https://www.campingsgrandsud.fr/en/article/the-gorges-and-caves-of-the-oriental-pyrenees/
Canyoning and Multi Activities
Exterieure Nature at Marquixanes is fantastic offering canyoning, tree top adventure and zip lining, Tubing, rafting and other activities – www.exterieure-nature.com
This is 40 minutes away and very near Eus.
Horseriding
There are lots of places to go horseriding in the area.
Horseriding at Rando et Chariot takes you on rides around the River Tet valley and beach rides. We can recommend these stables for the quality of the horses and the riding. Rando et Chariot at Palau del Vidre - https://www.randoetchariot.com
There are also a number of ranches near Argeles.
One can even do a vineyard tour on horseback at www.equitet-rando.com
The most local is: https://www.thuir-equitation.fr
Extend your holiday to horseriding trips of a few days or more up into and around the Pyrenees. Again, this may be something you would like to tag on to the beginning or end of your holiday at Mas d’en Llinas.
https://www.equus-journeys.com/riding-holidays/languedoc-roussillon-pyrenees-to-the-mediterranean-47586.html
For other options of places to ride you can try this website - https://www.petitfute.com/d56-pyrenees-orientales/c1171-sports-loisirs/c1253-loisirs-et-sports-individuels/c357-equitation/
Canigou
Mount Canigou, that we are blessed as a background to Mas d'en Llinas, is a majestic peak in the Pyrenees straddling France and Spain, is revered for its natural beauty and spiritual significance. Rising to 2,784 meters, it commands breathtaking vistas of the Catalan countryside. The Canigou flame, lit annually on its summit since 1955, symbolizes solidarity and freedom for the Catalan people. This tradition, kindled by hikers from across Catalonia, evokes a sense of unity and cultural pride.
Each year, on the eve of the Feast of Saint John, the 23rd June, hikers and pilgrims from Catalonia and beyond embark on a journey to the summit to light the Canigou flame. This age-old tradition, dating back to 1955, symbolizes solidarity, freedom, and cultural pride for the Catalan community. The flame, kindled using a primitive method known as the "battage de flama," is then carried down the mountain and shared among villages and towns across Catalonia, igniting festivities and celebrations throughout the region and welcomes the summer with a traditional celebration of the summer solstice.
The Canigou flame represents a beacon of unity, connecting Catalans with their shared heritage and fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie. As the flame illuminates the night sky, it serves as a poignant reminder of Mount Canigou's enduring significance in the hearts and minds of the Catalan people.
Mount Canigou's rugged slopes, dotted with alpine meadows and ancient forests, beckon adventurers and pilgrims alike to explore its enchanting landscapes and embrace the timeless spirit of the Catalan homeland.
Trek to the Peak of Canigou
One can do treks up to the top of Canigou taking a couple of days staying over night at a lodge.
https://www.tourism-canigo.com/organize/not-to-be-missed/hiking/itineraries-in-conflent