Two kilometres from the motorway (Boulou exit) towards Céret, on the right, a road winds towards the Aspres hills and passes through wonderful cork and holm oak forests.
If you slow down, suddenly, you can see an European rabbit, a partridge and even a wild boar crossing.
In this wild nature, illuminated by the sun, brimming with pure air, immersed in the aroma of thyme, rosemary, the joy of a blooming spring explodes: golden brooms, or the sweetness of an autumn: violet vineyards, yellowish foliage.
Vivès. Photo: Mairie de Vivès
WHAT TO SEE?
Vivès. Photo: Mairie de Vivès
It is in this environment where Vivès has managed to maintain the typical of a Catalan town, with its narrow and steep streets, its houses with outstanding old stone facades adorned with “CAYROUX”, its red tile roofs, like its town hall, restored in the purest Catalan style.
In the square, a beautiful fountain offers us precious and unique water in Aspres.
In the centre of the town stands the bell tower of the small restored church (12th century): in it we can see a magnificent altarpiece and its lipsanothèque.
In the cul-de-sac that surrounds the church there is a typical square where you can rest in the shade of the olive trees.
WHAT TO DO?
Hike 12: Vivès’ path
This path takes you to discover authentic landscapes. Located on the south-eastern flank of Aspres, the town of Vivès and its surroundings are the cradle of remarkable vegetation. Montpellier cistus, juniper, scorpion broom, heather or even holm oak flourish in an airy and sunny landscape. The cork oak forests surround and shelter the pretty town. The contrast is strong between the Mediterranean landscape that welcomes us and that of the nearby Canigó massif.
The directions will provide you with information about the ridges and peaks that surround you along this walk. The Albères and Canigó massifs, the Neulous peak and even the Saint Christophe peak and the Roc de France are indicated. You will also follow the footsteps of Human and their cultures along the vineyards where the small grains of Muscat of Alexandria shine under the rays of the sun. If you are attentive, the clay paths will reveal the secrets of the local fauna through the footprints of a wild boar or a fox.
Duration: 2:45h
Distance: 10km
Indications: yellow
Slope: 243m
Cork forest in Vivès. Photo: Lluís Català
INSTITUT MÉDITERRANÉEN DU LIÈGE
The Institut Méditerranéen du Liège was created in 1993 in Vivès to promote and defend cork and its applications. This institute is also a formidable centralizer of technical studies, conference reports, and unifier of actors in the cork sector.
The meeting of cork producers, especially during VIVEXPO (biennial event that takes place in Vivès), allows coordinating their actions in favour of the production and promotion of this material, pooling their knowledge, their reflections, both for economic development of the sector and for the development and sustainable use of these forests.
TOURIST OFFER
Finally, a country house, harmoniously equipped as a hostel, will welcome you: L’HOSTALET DE VIVÈS, the mecca of Catalan gastronomy.
Serenity, fresh air, relaxing walks, these are the assets of this place that we invite you to discover, these are the charms of Vivès, often called “JEWEL OF ASPRES”.
FURTHER INFORMATION
MAIRIE DE VIVÈS
3 rue de la Mairie
66490 Vivès
T. 0468832080
F. 0468835549
mairie.vives@orange.fr
OPENING HOURS
Monday: from 13:30pm to 17:00pm
Thursday: from 9:00am to 12:00pm
Sources: Mairie de Vivès
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