Elne

Elne has been occupied since Neolithic times and is the oldest town in Roussillon. When the Arabs crossed the Pyrenees in 719 Elne was one of the first towns to be attacked, and when the Counts of Roussillon achieved independence and Perpignan became the capital of the country, Elne remained the Episcopal City. Situated between Perpignan and Argeles-sur-Mer, the name Elne originated from the Empress Hélène, mother of the Emperor Constantin Le Grand.

Surrounded by ramparts, and suffering many sieges which caused widespread destruction, Elne still retains much of its past glory with its eleventh century Cathedrals of Saint-Eulalie and Sainte-Julie which has a magnificent Romanesque cloister beautifully carved with motifs of foliage, lions, goats and biblical figures. It is the best introduction to Roussillon/ Romanesque architecture you could ever hope to see.

There are also various archaeology, history and art museums exhibiting excellent artifacts illustrating past history of the town. Elne even played host to Hannibal who camped under its walls en route to Rome.

Just thirteen kilometers south of Perpignan, Elne is a lively Catalan town with an excellent market held there on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings where you can purchase fresh local food and produce, wines, arts and crafts. There is always something to see, the Ballades de Sardannes is the largest and most popular music festival in Elne which takes place in the main square at 9.00 pm every Wednesday evening throughout July and August.

With its central position, you have a choice of airports when traveling to this part of Languedoc. Perpignan is just a few kilometers away or you can fly into Carcassonne, Montpelier or Girona and still be in Elne is less than two hours.

Situated in the heart of the Pyrenees Orientales at the foot of the mountains, the surrounding countryside is very beautiful with views of the Pyrenees and rolling hills covered with peach trees and vineyards. And for the sun worshippers the Saint-Cyprien beach is just six kilometers away.