Welcome to Belesta: A Hidden Gem in Southern France
Day 1: Discovering the Village
Morning:
Breakfast: Start your day at Café du Village, a cozy spot offering freshly baked croissants and coffee for around €5. Address: Place de l'Église, 66320 Belesta.
Activity: Explore the historic center of Belestra. Visit the Château de Belesta, a ruined castle perched on a hilltop that offers panoramic views of the valley. Admission is free.
Afternoon:
Lunch: Head to Auberge de la Vallière, a rustic restaurant serving traditional French cuisine. Try their daily menu (Menu du Jour) for approximately €15. Address: Route de Prades, 66320 Belesta.
Activity: Take a leisurely walk along the Rivière de la Têt, which flows near the village. This is a perfect spot for a picnic if you bring snacks from a local bakery.
Evening:
Dinner: Enjoy a simple dinner at Le Petit Bistrot, known for its affordable dishes starting at €10. Address: Rue Principale, 66320 Belesta.
Accommodation: Stay overnight at Airbnb or Booking.com. Look for budget-friendly rooms in nearby villages like Vinça or Corneilla-de-Conflent, where prices start at €30 per night.
Day 2: Exploring Nature
Morning:
Breakfast: Grab breakfast at Boulangerie du Belesta, offering baguettes and pastries for under €3. Address: Avenue de la République, 66320 Belesta.
Activity: Visit the Gorges de la Fou, a stunning canyon located about 20 minutes by car from Belesta. Entry is free, but parking costs €5. Hike along the trails and enjoy the dramatic rock formations and waterfalls.
Afternoon:
Lunch: Pack a picnic using supplies from the local market in Belesta (open Wednesdays and Saturdays). Alternatively, stop by Le Relais in nearby Corneilla-de-Conflent for a hearty meal starting at €12. Address: 1 Rue de la Fontaine, 66820 Corneilla-de-Conflent.
Activity: Drive to Fort Liberia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Vauban fortresses in France. Entrance fee is €8. Address: Fort Liberia, 66210 Mont-Louis.
Evening:
Dinner: Return to Belesta and dine at La Table de Belesta, offering seasonal dishes for around €15. Address: Rue de l'Église, 66320 Belesta.
Accommodation: Continue staying at your Airbnb or Booking.com accommodation.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion
Morning:
Breakfast: Have breakfast at Crêperie du Belesta, specializing in sweet and savory crêpes for about €6. Address: Place Centrale, 66320 Belesta.
Activity: Visit the Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires in nearby Prades (15-minute drive). Learn about Catalan culture and traditions. Entry fee is €5. Address: 1 Rue de l'Église, 66500 Prades.
Afternoon:
Lunch: Eat at Le Bistrot du Pra in Prades, offering affordable set menus for €14. Address: 2 Rue du Portail, 66500 Prades.
Activity: Spend the afternoon exploring the picturesque streets of Prades, often referred to as the "Red City" due to its distinctive terracotta rooftops.
Evening:
Dinner: Conclude your trip with dinner at La Maison Rouge in Prades, serving Catalan-inspired dishes for around €18. Address: 4 Rue Saint-Jean, 66500 Prades.
Departure: Check out of your accommodation and head to the nearest train station in Perpignan (30-minute drive).
Additional Expenses That Could Enhance Your Trip
- Car Rental: Renting a car would make transportation between attractions easier. Prices start at €30/day via platforms like Rentalcars.com.
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour of Fort Liberia or Gorges de la Fou for deeper insights. Costs range from €10–€20 per person.
- Souvenirs: Purchase locally made crafts or wines from markets in Prades, budgeting around €10–€30 depending on preferences.