If you enjoy exploring the outdoors in Ponteilla, you can choose between a plant trail, walking routes through the Aspres countryside and encounters with Catalan donkeys. The church also adds architectural history to the mix: it is of Romanesque origin and was substantially altered over the centuries. Different formats are available for planning your visit, from a family trail lasting almost an hour to activities for which you should check participation details in advance.

Garden trail or walking routes at the vineyard

The Jardin Exotique has an approximately three-hectare discovery trail featuring 1,400 plant species. Its discovery trail loops around the garden and offers families a challenge that takes almost an hour. This time estimate gives you a guide for the trail; you can plan the rest of your garden visit separately. There is also a zip line. Check whether it will be available when you visit; activities may change. The exact layout of the trail may also change.

At the Mas Bécha vineyard, there are four signposted walking routes where you can discover the estate and its expertise while enjoying the typical Aspres landscape. Check the availability of the routes in advance. The vineyard at Nyls covers 25 hectares, stretches across three hills and sits at an altitude of almost 100 metres; also check the latest information about the vineyard before your visit. In terms of choosing between them, the Jardin features a trail that takes almost an hour, while at the vineyard you can choose from four signposted routes.

Encounters with Catalan donkeys

The Asinerie Kuleni is a farm that breeds Catalan donkeys and produces donkey milk. It also offers a choice of activities, including simple visits. Special workshops let you try out different activities and spend time with donkeys, jennies and foals. The focus here is therefore not on walking routes, but on donkey husbandry and encounters with the animals. If you are planning a visit, check booking requirements and the current participation conditions in advance; the activities on offer may change.

Church and architectural history

The church has Romanesque origins and was substantially altered over the centuries. One of its two towers rises above a gate made of cairons, or Catalan bricks; the other belongs to the church. Cairons is the name for the type of brick used for the gate. The two towers have different associations: one rises above the gate, while the other is part of the church building.

What to check when planning

For a quick plan, you can start with the time estimate for the Jardin trail: it offers a challenge that takes almost an hour. Check the availability of the Mas Bécha walking routes in advance; for the Asinerie, booking requirements and current participation conditions are relevant. This lets you compare not only the themes, but also the preparations involved.

Discover more destinations

Angoustrine-Villeneuve-Des-Escaldes, Palau-de-Cerdagne, Saint-Pierre-Dels-Forcats, La Cabanasse, Salses-Le-Château, Serdinya, Formiguères, Pézilla-La-Rivière.

For the regional travel overview: Pyrénées-Orientales.