A 3.70-metre-high granite menhir, a parish church first mentioned in 1010, and hikes of varying lengths give Oms a distinctive blend of cultural history and landscape. This offers two clear focal points for a stay: historic landmarks and trails through the surrounding area.
Menhir, Church, and Historic Traces
Roc del Ram is a Neolithic granite menhir. It is 3.70 metres high and weighs more than 10 tonnes. The parish church of Saint John the Evangelist has been mentioned since 1010 and has Romanesque origins. It was classified as a Monument historique in 1964. The church also houses the marble sarcophagus of Bernât d’Oms, which was classified as a historic monument in 1927.
Next to the church is Portanella, the surviving entrance portal of the former castle of Oms. Another historic site is Font Nova: the surviving fountain dates from 1699 and offers a shady place to rest during a visit. The menhir, church, sarcophagus, portal, and fountain represent different aspects of Oms’s history—from a Neolithic stone monument to traces of the former castle.
Compare Hikes by Distance and Format
Le Tour du Puig is a 5.5-kilometre circular hike in Oms with 190 metres of elevation gain and a very easy difficulty rating. The circular hike Santa Maria d’en Costa, also in Oms, covers 9 kilometres with 250 metres of elevation gain and is rated easy. Oms à Taillet is an easy 7-kilometre out-and-back hike starting in Oms.
By distance, Le Tour du Puig is the shortest of the three routes mentioned, while Santa Maria d’en Costa is the longest; Oms à Taillet falls in between. The routes also differ in format: two are circular hikes, while one is an out-and-back route starting in Oms. When comparing the hikes, you can consider distance, elevation gain, difficulty, and route format together.
Views and Mediterranean Plants
The La Calcine hike combines scenic views with botanical information. The highest point of La Calcine is at an elevation of 600 metres and offers views of the sea and the Roussillon plain. Along the hike, various information panels describe the Mediterranean flora, including sarsaparilla, holm oak, lavender, downy oak, Montpellier cistus, woolly rockrose, and rosemary.
Roc Catri offers a different perspective on the landscape: the limestone promontory overlooks the valley floor and provides views across the plain. Oms’s landscape, flora, and fauna are characterised by dry conditions. The streams in the municipality flow only after heavy rain, and many plants are adapted to a dry climate. Together, these scenic spots offer wide-ranging views of an environment where water and drought-adapted vegetation are defining features.
More Activities
The Association Equestre – Or-limit offers horseback rides and hikes in Oms. Details of the activities may change, so check the latest information before planning. Along with the marked hiking trails, this provides another way to tailor your stay to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Palau-Del-Vidre, Ur, Baho, Ille-Sur-TĂŞt, Bourg-Madame, Puyvalador, Saint-Michel-De-Llotes, Saint-Jean-Pla-De-Corts.
Go to the broader travel guide: Pyrénées-Orientales.
