sábado, 17 de mayo de 2014

FRANCE: VILLEFRANCHE DE CONFLENT AND TRAIN JAUNE

Villefranche-de-Conflent (Vilafranca de Conflent) is historically a town in the Conflent region of Catalonia, and now a commune in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France.

Villefranche is an eleventh century medieval town fortified by Vauban in the 17th century because of its strategic position in lands that changed hands between French and Spanish occupation. It lies at the foot of the Canigou at the heart of the Pyrenees. 

Classed as one of the 'Most Beautiful Villages in France', Villefranche is one of the 14 Vauban sites retained for UNESCO World listing.

Town walls of Villefranche de Conflent
Town walls of Villefranche de Conflent (Vilafranca de Conflent) surrounded by the Pyrenees


In Villefranche de Conflent we strolled around at our leisure taking in the Medieval Town and enjoying the fantastic views from the Train Jaune (Tren Groc de la Cerdanya) which runs from Villefranche de Conflent to Latour de Carol taking you on an unforgettable journey through Cerdanya (Viaducts, tunnels, bridges).

Finally we had lunch in Puigcerdà, where we could make a short visit. So, during this intense day we visited and enjoyed:

  • Villefranche de Conflent (Vilafranca de Conflent in Catalan)
  • Train Jaune (Tren Groc de la Cerdanya, Yellow Train)
  • Puigcerdà

Villefranche de Conflent




Spanish Gate of Villefranche de Conflent
Spanish Gate of Villefranche de Conflent


Church Square in Villefranche de Conflent
Place de L'Église (Church Square) in Villefranche de Conflent


Romanesque church of Villefranche de Conflent
Bell tower of the romanesque church of Villefranche de Conflent


Rue de Saint-Jaques in Villefranche de Conflent
Rue de Saint-Jaques in Villefranche de Conflent


Rue de Saint-Jaques in Villefranche de Conflent
Another view of Rue Saint-Jaques in Villefranche de Conflent


French Gate of Villefranche de Conflent
French Gate of Villefranche de Conflent


Town walls of Villefranche de Conflent
Town Walls of Villefranche de Conflent and Fort Libéria beside La Têt


Town walls of Villefranche de Conflent
Comtal Gate is the starting point of rue Saint-Jean in Villefranche de Conflent


Town walls of Villefranche de Conflent
A closer view of the town walls of Villefranche de Conflent, designed by Vauban


Comtal Gate in Villefranche de Conflent
Comtal Gate in Villefranche de Conflent


Rue Saint-Jean in Villefranche de Conflent
Rue Saint-Jean in Villefranche de Conflent



Nice corner of Villefranche de Conflent
Nice corner of Villefranche de Conflent


Fort Liberia and the walls of Villefranche de Conflent
Fort Libéria and the walls of Villefranche de Conflent


Train Jaune 


Train Jaune in Villefranche de Conflent
From the station of the Train Jaune in Villefranche de Conflent you can see the Fort Libéria


La Tet from Le Train Jaune
La Têt from Le Train Jaune (Tren Groc de la Cerdanya)


Train Jaune (Tren Groc de la Cerdanya)
Enjoying the journey on the Train Jaune


Train Jaune (Tren Groc de la Cerdanya)
Viaduct over which passes the Train Jaune (Tren Groc de la Cerdanya)


The Pyrenees from the Train Jaune
Beautiful view of the Pyrenees from the Train Jaune (Tren Groc de la Cerdanya)



The Pyrenees from the Train Jaune
Small village in the Pyrenees near the railway of Train Jaune (Tren Groc de la Cerdanya)


El Canigo from Le Train Jaune (Tren Groc de la Cerdanya)
El Canigó (Le Canigou) from Le Train Jaune (Tren Groc de la Cerdanya)



Train Jaune Station in Mont-Louis
Train Jaune Station in Mont-Louis

Puigcerdà


Estany de Puigcerda
L'Estany de Puigcerdà (Puigcerdà Pond)


Carrer Major (Main Street) of Puigcerda
Carrer Major (Main Street) of Puigcerdà


I have visited more places and cities in France:



In the Pyrenees of Catalonia and Andorra I have visited the following places too:


- Catalonia




- Andorra





Finally, clicking on the next link, you will find links to other beautiful places and villages of Catalonia.


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