We stayed in a little cottage in Vernet-les-Bains to explore the surrounding mountains. The most prominent peak in the area is Mont Canigou, and is commonly known as the ‘Pic du Canigou’ and is the Catalans’ sacred mountain. It is 2,785 meters high and a hot spot for hiking and outdoor activities.
We were there in May and the mountaintop was still snowbound so with no mountaineering equipment the peak wasn't accessible to us though we climbed to the snow line. The whole area is full of wild life and stunning scenery.
Highlights of the trip were a climb to an area where butterflies were in abundance, and a bus trip to Villefranche to catch le petit train jaune (the little yellow train) fore a spectacular ride up to the fortress town of Mont Louis. Amazing!!
cloud-topped Canigou
Wall brown butterfly
Scarce swallowtail butterfly
Green Hairstreak butterfly
Swallowtail butterfly
Stunning Wisteria in Vernet-les-bains
Train Jaune on suspension bridge
Le Petit Train Jaune
Tower of Goa
Mountainside rock balancing act
green hills above Vernet-les-Bains
Old fort ruins at Mont Louis
Sunset from Vernet-les-BainsMade with Mobirise site themes
