Céret

10 minutes by car from our house

 

The small medieval market town of Céret is an absolute delight to those wishing to taste a little Catalan life. Located in the foothills of the Pyrenees and boasting an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, Céret is a charming gem of a place. It has a wonderfully shady old town overhung by towering plane trees. The streets are typically narrow and winding opening onto small squares and old trickling fountains. It is a perfect place to sit down at one of the numerous restaurants or umbrella-covered cafes and enjoy a cool drink and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

In the first half of the 20th century Céret was home to a huge collection of artists including Picasso, Matisse, Braque, Dufy, Soutine, Gris and Chagall, and was regarded as the Capital of Cubism. It has been a magnet for artists and art buffs ever since drawn by the history and magic of the place. A must see for all visitors is the remarkable Musée d'Art Moderne which boasts an amazing collection from the aforementioned artists. Among the Picassos is a marvellous series of ceramic bowls depicting bullfighting scenes and a sketch of the traditional sardane.

Céret is famed for both its cherries and their early harvest (around mid April). The very first portion is sent to the French president as a reminder of sweet and sunny Catalonia. The morning Saturday market in Céret is a dazzling array of local food and crafts. There are handmade cheeses and little jars of local honey, cured meats, fresh oysters, wines, fresh fruits and vegetables and even live chickens. There are wonderful fabrics, pottery, scarves and paintings and all manner of crafts. In the summer months street artists add to the vibrant feel of the place.

Céret is also a passionate town and vibrates with various festivals, concerts and exhibitions. The fete de Cerise is celebrated in April/May time along with the first batch of cherries. There is the famous Feria de Céret in July whereby the whole town celebrates bullfights (animals are not harmed) and there is a bull run through the town. The musical festival is also in June. La Sardane, again in July, is one not to be missed. This is a spectacular traditional Catalan dance festival filling the town with colour and music.

Céret has something to offer everyone. Nature lovers and sport enthusiasts will delight in the magical landscape of the Pyrenees. There is amongst other things canyoning, with trips down gorges, waterfalls and canyons; walks, mountaineering; cycling; aquatic mountain trips and hand gliding all organised in the locality.

"Céret is the real Mediterranean fed on a diet of sunshine, light and colours"
Experience it for yourself!

 

Tourist Office: 1 Avenue Georges Clémenceau 66400 Céret
Tél : 04 68 87 00 53 - Fax : 04 68 87 00 56
E-mail : contact@ot-ceret.fr