Pyrénées / France
The village of Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via became popular with tourists in the early 1900s, thanks to its natural thermal springs and the growing popularity of winter sports. The inhabitants of this village in the Cerdagne, on the border between Andorra and Spain, are proud of their Catalan identity, and will be delighted to help visitors discover their culture, their traditions and their delicious local produce.
The region is a paradise for winter sports fans! With over 40 slopes of varying difficulty, four ski schools, a snowpark, two toboggan runs as well as slalom and biathlon stadiums, there’s something for skiers of all levels in the Font-Romeu Pyrénées 2000 ski area. There’s even more to discover in the resort of Les Angles, just 20km away.
Just a few minutes from Font-Romeu, the Mantet Nature Reserve showcases the flora and fauna of the Eastern Pyrenees. It's a fantastic summer playground for nature lovers, hikers and mountain bikers.
Other activities on offer in the Font-Romeu area include climbing, paragliding, caving, horse riding, canyoning and golf. The resort has been awarded the “Famille Plus” label for its programme of activities and facilities for children, making the area an excellent choice for families.
And when you’re ready to relax, head to the nearby thermal springs. Combined with the pure air of the Pyrenees, the therapeutic waters will take care of your body and your mind – the perfect way to wind down during your holiday in the Pyrenees with family or friends.
Skiing, hiking and mountain biking are some of the most popular activities in the Font-Romeu area, but there’s plenty more going on, whenever you decide to visit. Here are some of our recommendations:
Horse-riding Discover the flora and fauna of the Cerdagne valley on horseback – the Centre de Tourisme Équestre in Font-Romeu offers a number of horse-riding packages, lasting from just an hour to several days. There are also pony rides for younger children.
Take a hot-air balloon flight Discover the Pyrenees from the air, with a peaceful hot-air balloon flight. You'll fly over one of the widest valleys in Europe, with Spain on the horizon. And if you’re looking for an unforgettable romantic experience, why not consider a private flight, just for the two of you? It is advisable to book your flight at the start of your stay, in case of cancellation due to bad weather.
Thermal springs The Font-Romeu region is well-known for its sulphurous thermal waters with therapeutic properties. Several establishments in the area offer wellness sessions, including the Llo, Dorres and Saint-Thomas baths. Try hydromassage, whirlpool baths, the vaporarium or hammam to give your body a treat during your stay!
Ice diving This unforgettable experience takes you swimming beneath the ice in a frozen lake. It’s an unbelievable world that few people get to see. For your safety, you will be supervised by two instructors throughout the dive. You must be at least 16 years old and in good physical condition to take part.
Visit the animal park The Parc Animalier des Angles is in the Capcir natural region, 20km from Font-Romeu. Perched on a plateau at an altitude of 1,800m, it is the natural habitat of wild sheep, deer and marmots, as well as wolves and bison. You can find out more by following one of the educational trails in the park, which is open in July and August.
Quad bike outing Enjoy a trip out on a quad bike – a four-wheeled mountain bike that lets you explore the Cerdagne paths in a fun and environmentally-friendly way. The route has been specially prepared and you will be supervised by an instructor. Helmets are provided, but be sure to bring water to keep hydrated.
Enjoy a walk and a story Cédric is a mountain guide and professional storyteller who will introduce you to the legends and superstitions of the Catalan Pyrenees through his captivating stories. He offers hikes, evening visits to various villages, excursions on board the Train Jaune, or simply evenings by the fireside.
Go caving Just a 30-minute drive from Font-Romeu lies the Fontrabiouse cave – the highest cave in Europe. There are several chambers to explore, as well as an emerald-green underground lake, and impressive geological formations. Open to all the family, the site also offers an “old-fashioned” tour lasting around two hours, where you’ll be equipped with acetylene lamps.
Try Biathlon One of Font-Romeu's specialities, biathlon combines rifle shooting with roller skiing or running. Roller skiing lessons are also available, and the year-round activity is open to visitors as young as three.
Life-size Cluedo The Font-Romeu Tourist Office is offering a life-size game of Cluedo through the streets of the town. The whole family can set off to solve the mystery surrounding the resort, and meet some of the local characters. Will you be able to spot the murderer?
La table des saveurs (7, avenue du Maréchal Joffre, 66120 Font-Romeu, tel: 04 68 04 88 49)
In an elegant mountain setting, this Gault et Millau-listed restaurant offers sophisticated French cuisine using local produce. The many fish dishes betray the chefs' origins in the Vendée, but you'll also find quality meat and a range of local cheeses on a menu that changes with the seasons.
La Chaumière (96, avenue Emmanuel Brousse, 66120 Font-Romeu, tel: 04 68 30 04 40)
This rustically-decorated mountain restaurant offers refined cuisine at affordable prices. All dishes are homemade, of course, and feature regional produce and Catalan specialities. There's a lovely terrace where you can soak up the sun. A lunch menu is available during the week, and you can also order takeaway meals.
Restaurant Stars (1, av. Emmanuel Brousse, 66120 Font-Romeu, tel: 04 68 30 91 63)
This unique sports bar is a treat for all the family. Sports matches are broadcast in a cosy setting, including a spacious terrace. Bowls, ramen and meat dishes can be eaten in or taken away, and there are plenty of vegetarian options. Hearty brunches, served until 3pm, will give you the energy you need to tackle the mountains.
Chalet des Airelles (at the foot of the Airelles chairlift, 66120 Font-Romeu, tel: 04 68 30 44 80)
Situated at the bottom of the Airelles chairlift, this chalet has been converted into a self-service restaurant – a great lunch stop during your mountain adventures. The cuisine is simple but comforting, and there's something for everyone, from grilled meats and salads to sandwiches and homemade desserts. The icing on the cake is the breathtaking views of the slopes and mountains.
Papa ós Snack (Parc aventure, Route de l'Ermitage, 66120 Font-Romeu, tél : 09 67 87 26 95)
This pleasant outdoor snack bar belongs to the “Chacun sa trace” adventure park. You will find a colourful selection of salads and sandwiches, made with fresh produce, for the whole family to enjoy in the shade of the pine trees. Finish off with an ice cream or waffle. Continuous service from 11am to 7pm offers a well-deserved break after a round of tree-climbing.
Shopping options are limited in this small mountain village. There are, of course, a number of sports shops where you can hire skis, boards and bikes, as well as a few craft shops, but there's also an interesting choice of grocery shops, specialising in local produce (cheeses, charcuterie, honey, as well as Roussillon wines and fruit) and Catalan specialities.
A Carrefour Contact will cater for your daily needs, complemented by several bakeries, a cheese shop, a butcher and a delicatessen.
By air: The nearest airports to Font-Romeu are Perpignan-Rivesaltes (91km away), Girona (178km) and Toulouse (192km).
By car: From Perpignan, it takes 1hr 30 to get to Font-Romeu on the N116. The last few kilometres are on the D618. If you're coming from Toulouse, take the A61 motorway, then the A66 southwards. At Pamiers, take the N20, which joins the Spanish border before branching off towards Font-Romeu. The journey takes just under three hours.
By train: The nearest TGV station to Font-Romeu is Perpignan. From there, a shuttle bus will take you to the resort in two hours, or you can take a regional train, which is much slower, with a change at Villefranche – Vernet-les-Bains.