Le Boulou offers several different ways to experience a stay: the history of the town, contemporary art, water-related activities and trails through nature. If you are looking for more than just one theme when planning your trip, you can consider these highlights side by side and tailor your stay accordingly.
History and art
At the Maison de l’Histoire « Casa del Voló », the permanent exhibition on the history of Le Boulou spans from prehistoric times to the present day. The exhibition panels have been translated into Catalan. The museum preserves the local cultural heritage while also sharing the history of the town. The exhibition includes an important collection on the Battle of Le Boulou, as well as a frieze by the Master of Cabestany.
The Église Sainte-Marie and the Chapelle Saint-Antoine also offer tangible historical points of reference. The Église Sainte-Marie is first mentioned in a text dating from 976. The Chapelle Saint-Antoine was built in 1417 as a funerary chapel on the former cemetery of Le Boulou. The early written mention and the later chapel thus represent different periods and functions in the history of the town.
The Espace des Arts offers a different focus, presenting contemporary art by local and visiting artists. Historical themes and current artistic works thus stand alongside one another as distinct cultural highlights.
Water: museum and thermal baths
The Thermes du Boulou is a thermal spa whose waters are known for their therapeutic properties. Treatments include drinking cures, mud packs, steam baths and underwater massages. The spa is set in a green park about 800 metres from the town. Its location and approximate distance are useful points of reference when including water-related activities in your travel plans.
The Maison de l’Eau et de la Méditerranée offers a different perspective. The museum is dedicated to sharing scientific and technical culture; its interactive, educational visit focuses on water. It also offers conferences and guided tours throughout the year. Le Boulou therefore offers a choice between a thermal spa and a scientific and cultural exploration of water as distinct themes for a stay.
Exploring the Tech and the surrounding nature
An 11.2-kilometre section of the Voie Verte runs between CĂ©ret and Le Boulou. It follows developed riverside paths along the Tech to Le Boulou. This section is used by pedestrians, inline skaters, people with reduced mobility and cyclists. Its distance, riverside route and listed user groups give the trail a clear character, without implying any particular walking or cycling time.
The Sentier de la bataille du Boulou offers a different nature experience, with views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can also observe local wildlife and plant life along the trail and enjoy a picnic in nature. When choosing between the two, you can distinguish the route along the Tech, with its stated length, from a trail with mountain views and opportunities to observe nature.
Le Boulou’s highlights thus range from historic sites and contemporary art to water-related activities and nature trails. To plan your stay, you can first decide whether local history, the different water-related experiences or time outdoors should shape your visit.
Discover more destinations: Porta, Corsavy, Serdinya, Saleilles, Serralongue, Bompas, Le Tech, Perpignan.
For the overview of the wider region: Pyrénées-Orientales.
