Discover Espira-De-L'agly

Espira-de-l'Agly offers several clearly distinct themes for a trip: sacred architecture in the historic centre, historic buildings, a circular route, and wine and fig-related activities. Depending on your interests, you can include architectural history, scenery and producer visits in your plans. Different conditions apply: there is a route description for the Pont Romain dating from 2020, tastings should be confirmed with the producer, and farm visits are by appointment.

Romanesque heritage in the historic centre

A monumental religious ensemble centred around the Romanesque Église Sainte-Marie is located in the historic centre of Espira-de-l'Agly. The church is protected as a historic monument. Inside, it has two twin apses—a specific architectural feature in addition to its Romanesque classification.

A holy water stoup in the church is also protected as a historic monument: it was protected as an immovable historic monument on 12 July 1886. The sacred heritage thus reflects different historical connections: the protected Romanesque church and a stoup with a precisely dated protection event.

The Pont Romain adds another perspective on the past. It is a remnant from the 12th century, built on an ancient ruin. The two structures therefore differ in their historical context: the Église Sainte-Marie is Romanesque, while the Pont Romain dates from the 12th century and was built on an older ruin. A municipal route description from 2020 describes access via the road along the Agly in the direction of Cases de Pène. Check local road conditions before your visit.

Tour de Montpins and pump track

The Tour de Montpins starts in Espira-de-l'Agly and is a very easy 3.8-kilometre circular route. The route passes through Mediterranean woodland and a fragrant, hilly pine grove. Several viewpoints overlook the Roussillon plain; visibility may vary depending on vegetation and weather. As route conditions and access may change, check them before setting off.

Espira-de-l'Agly also has a public pump track. It is intended for BMX bikes and dirt bikes, skateboards, roller skates and scooters. This means two different kinds of activity are available in the town: a circular route through woodland and a pine grove, and a facility for cycling and wheeled sports. Check the facility’s local conditions before visiting.

Wineries and regional produce

The Espira-de-l'Agly area has at least 21 independent wineries. This number may change as producers open or close. Domaine Piquemal is a 48-hectare family-run estate on the slopes of the Agly Valley in Espira-de-l'Agly, offering wine tastings in its own cellar. If you plan to book a tasting, confirm the offer with the estate in advance.

Domaine Mas Crémat is located in the “Côtes du Roussillon Villages” wine-growing area in the Agly Valley. Its vineyards are farmed organically and lie around a roughly century-old building on a black schist terroir. If farming methods are important to your choice, check with the estate for the current status; agricultural practices may change over time.

Les Jardins du Pilo offers fresh figs from mid-August to the end of October; the season may vary depending on harvest conditions. Its range includes fig jam, whole figs, orange figs, walnut figs, apricot jam and fig vinegar. Product availability may vary with production and the season. Farm visits are by appointment; arrange a time with the producer in advance.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Génis-Des-Fontaines, Camélas, Brouilla, Saint-Michel-De-Llotes, Escaro, Serralongue, Fenouillet, Saint-Laurent-De-La-Salanque

For the main travel overview: Pyrénées-Orientales.