Eastern Pyrenees

Overview

Key facts

• Type of place: department.

• Location: it is the last department on the Mediterranean coast before Spain.

• Department code: 66.

• Bordering departments: Ariège, Aude, plus Andorra and Spain.

• Prefecture: Perpignan.

• Sub-prefectures: Céret, Prades.

• Number of municipalities: 226.

• Population: 474,452 inhabitants (2017).

• Area: 4,116 km².

• Density: 115 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point:

• Lowest point: sea level.

• Coastline:

• Highlights (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★★; Culture ★★; Relaxation-holidays ★★★/ ★★★★

• Website: http://www.tourisme-pyreneesorientales.com

History of the Eastern Pyrenees

Geography and environment

Culture and economy

What to see in the P.O.

• What to see in Occitanie and the Eastern Pyrenees

The "P.O." is one of the few French departments that combines both sea and mountains, offering beach pleasures and skiing. With the seaside resorts of its Vermilion Coast (from Argelès to Spain) on one side and the Canigou Massif or the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees on the other, outdoor and nature lovers usually find what they're looking for here. What's more, you can also discover beautiful abbeys, military remains from the Vauban era (Mont-Louis, Villefranche, etc.), charming villages (Castelnou, Evol, Mosset...), and all the Catalan traditions still very much alive in the region.

What to do in the P.O.

Climate and weather

The department has a Mediterranean climate, very sunny, with mild winters in the plains (though they can be cold at higher altitudes) and hot, dry summers. The end/beginning of the year is when rainfall is most frequent. As for the wind, the tramontane is ever-present and can sometimes blow in (very) strong gusts.

Sea temperature throughout the year

Transport

Getting there

Getting around

Accommodation

Food

Additional information