Céret: Catalan pearl of the Pyrénées-Orientales

Nestled in the heart of the Vallespir, Céret is one of the most iconic destinations
in the Catalan south. Between heritage, modern art, local gastronomy and an easy-going lifestyle,
this small town offers a unique experience less than 20 minutes from our We Are Living homes.

Céret in a few words: cobbled streets, plane trees, cafés, artists’ studios
and the scent of cherries in spring – the perfect snapshot of the Catalan Eden.

🕰️ A slice of history

Céret has a thousand-year history shaped by the meeting of
Catalan culture, Mediterranean influences and pastoral traditions.

Roman origins: traces of ancient occupation around the Tech river and old trade routes.
Middle Ages: development around the Pont du Diable (14th century), a major architectural landmark.
Modern era: the town becomes the economic hub of the Vallespir.
20th century: the arrival of many artists (Picasso, Braque, Gris) turns Céret into a hotspot of modern art.

📍 Where is Céret?

Céret lies in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, just 15 minutes from Spain
and 25 minutes from Perpignan.

From Perpignan: around 25 minutes by car
From our We Are Living homes (Tresserre, Vives, Roussillon): 10 to 20 minutes
Access: A9 motorway (exit Le Boulou), TGV station in Perpignan, Perpignan–Rivesaltes airport

🎨 Culture, exhibitions & festivals

Céret is one of the most vibrant cultural centres in the Roussillon, renowned for its historic ties
with Cubist artists and modern art.

🖼️ Musée d’Art Moderne de Céret (MAMC)

Founded in 1950 by Pierre Brune and Frank Burty Haviland
Major collections: Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, Soutine, Miró
Prestigious temporary exhibitions all year round

🎉 Festivals & events

Cherry Festival (May): a flagship event celebrating Céret’s cherries, famous throughout France.
Céret Feria (July): taurine traditions, music and lively Catalan atmosphere.
Sardana Festival: open-air traditional Catalan dances.
Concerts, craft markets and exhibitions across the historic centre.

🍽️ Gastronomy & local specialities

The town is known for its Catalan cuisine: simple, fragrant and generous.

Céret cherries: the first cherries to ripen in France, a true symbol of the region.
Boles de picolat: traditional Catalan meatballs in a rich, slow-cooked sauce.
Escalivada: fire-roasted vegetables served with olive oil.
Catalan tapas: a tasty legacy of the nearby Spanish border.
Roussillon wines: Banyuls, Collioure, Côtes du Roussillon Villages.

You’ll find many authentic restaurants in the historic centre, especially under the plane trees
and along the shaded lanes.

🏞️ What to do around Céret

Hiking in the Vallespir: exceptional viewpoints between sea and mountains.
Visit the Pont du Diable: a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
Céret market (Saturday morning): one of the most beautiful markets in Occitanie.
MTB & gravel biking: renowned routes between Céret, Maureillas and Le Boulou.
Le Boulou thermal baths: wellness and balneotherapy.