Top 10 things to do in Céret

Top 10 things to do in Céret

1- The Museum of Modern Art

This is the unmissable event for contemporary art lovers. You will discover the imprint of great 20th-century artists who found inspiration in Céret, described as the "Mecca of Cubism." Soutine, Braque, Matisse, Chagall, Hugué, and Picasso are among the artists exhibited. The permanent collection houses 53 works by Picasso, 14 drawings by Matisse, and other more recent works. This museum, founded in 1950, presents works by internationally renowned painters. It is a true collection of the art of the last century... It is possible to enjoy a guided tour.

Prices:

• Adults: 10 euros;
• Reduced rate: 7 euros;
• Free for children under 12

2- The Music Museum

This museum will introduce you to collections of traditional and popular instruments from around the world: oboes, flutes, strings, percussion instruments, presented by those who play them and those who make them. Admire musical instruments from Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas! This museum houses the second largest collection of musical instruments in France with more than 3,000 musical instruments and contextual objects, 15,000 scores, photographs, etc.

Prices:

• Adults: 5 euros;
• Children (7-18 years): 3 euros;
• Free for children under 7

3- Saint-Pierre Church

There was first a pre-Romanesque church in 814 then a Romanesque church in the 11th century, a Gothic-style church whose gray marble portal of the Carol farmhouse and the bell tower can be admired. Finally, a church was built in the 18th century on the model of the Saint-Pierre basilica. You can admire two organs, one of which dates from 1880, the altarpieces of the high altar from 1809, the Saint Joseph and Saint Anthony from the 18th century, that of the Rosary… Céret is also home to many chapels and convents such as the Capuchin convent, the former Saint Pierre hospital, the Saint Roch chapel…

4- Different ways to discover Céret

From the Porte de France and the Maison Campanyo to the Porte d'Espagne, passing by "La Douleur" by Maillol, the fountain of the nine Jets, the Castellas or even the monument of the irrigation canal, there are many monuments to discover during the visit "The secrets of Old Céret".
The "Artists' Lives" guided tour reveals many secrets, from the early stays of Picasso and Braque to contemporary art, including the landscapes that charmed painters.
Another visit takes you through the “Ponts de Céret” which have spanned the Tech for almost seven centuries.

Prices:

• Adult: 5 euros;
• Adolescents (12-18 years): 3 euros;
• Free for children under 12.

5- Routes in the city center

The “Chemins faisant” route takes you to discover the monuments and historical heritage of Céret, from the Fountain of the Nine Jets built in 1313 to the Porte d’Espagne.

"Chemins Sublimés" takes you on a journey of discovery through in situ reproductions of paintings by famous painters who lived or stayed in Céret. The steel path, chronologically engraved with the names of the painters who worked in Céret since the beginning of the 20th century, leads you to the statue of the Seated Catalan Woman.

6- The Devil's Bridge

The Devil's Bridge is a curiosity with its unique 45-meter stone arch that has resisted the flooding of the Tech since the 14th century. It can be reached by a picturesque path passing in front of the Clinic, going down to the left the "barred road" crossing the orchards before following the Tech and climbing to the Devil's Bridge. The return is made by the Chemin du Moulin, arriving at the Jet d'eau roundabout. This bridge was built in 1321 during the reign of the kings of Majorca. It is a true masterpiece of medieval architecture and legend has it that it was built in one night by the devil himself.

7- The marble mines

The white marble of Céret , extracted since the 4th century, is renowned far beyond the region. All the quarries line the "forest road" which was used by marble workers. Some are still in operation, such as the Mas Carrol and Armangué quarries. At the end of the track are the two quarries in the town's woods.

8- Cherries and mimosa

Céret cherries are said to be the earliest-ripening in France. Every year, the very first cherries are sent to the President of the Republic. For over 150 years, from mid-April, it has been possible to taste them before everyone else!

The cherry capital celebrates its red fruits every year in May. The streets come alive for several days with numerous stalls from local producers, bandas, cherry-themed crafts, as well as events such as the "pit spitting" or the pitting competition... Céret also boasts an abundance of yellow with the mimosa flowers. The harvest begins in February.

9- Canyoning

For canyoning , the water temperature is good even in spring! Take advantage of it from April to October to get your fill of thrills. Several canyons await you, including the Gourg des Anelles canyon with its abseiling descent of nearly 30 meters for the start. Discover the most beautiful natural sites around Céret and Vallespir with a refreshing and unforgettable adventure. Activities are accessible from 8 years old by reservation.

Price:

• From 40 euros per person

10- Fontfrède and the Baoussous waterfall

For a bit of coolness, head up to Fontfrède on a very hot day to see Spain in Picasso's footsteps. Greenery, a refreshing fountain, a terrace overlooking the Roussillon plains and the Mediterranean: this is what awaits you at an altitude of over 1,000 meters in a privileged location. If it's really hot, the site is accessible by car!

A trail leads you to another heavenly site, the Baoussous waterfall and its lush vegetation. During the hottest hours, it's a perfect place to relax. It's accessible for families via a shaded path, a half-hour walk from the historic center.