Joch

Joch combines architectural and artistic history with two distinct circular walks. La Força, Saint-Martin Church and the Rec Major, still in use today, represent different sides of the village. Elevations range from the camí de l’Estrade to Puig de les Feixes; the walks also differ considerably in length, difficulty and scenery.

Village, heights and water

The old village of Joch lies on a hill above the Vinça plain and the Têt Valley. This describes the location of the historic village centre; the highest elevation figures, by contrast, refer to the municipal area. The camí de l’Estrade is at an altitude of 300 metres, and Puig de les Feixes at 926 metres. The latter is the highest point in the municipality.

The Rec Major is an irrigation canal dating from the late 13th century and still supplies water to all the fountains scattered throughout the village. At El Salt, it forms two successive waterfalls in the village: the first is about 6 metres high, and the second, downstream, approximately 12 metres. The height figures are approximate.

La Força and Saint-Martin

In the upper part of the old village is La Força, a fortified complex of homes and cellars surrounding the former castle. The walls still visible today were built between 1361 and 1368. Only two gates and some outer walls remain of the original complex. The surviving structures therefore give a different impression from that of a fully preserved castle.

Saint-Martin Church dates from the 18th century. Its cornerstone was laid on 5 May 1756, and construction continued until 1778. The sanctuary contains the Retable du maître-autel, gradins d'autel, a carved, painted and gilded wooden altarpiece classified as a protected object. The church houses several valuable Baroque altarpieces from the late 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

The Retable de saint Jean-Baptiste depicts the life and death of John the Baptist in four panels in half relief. It is made of carved, painted and gilded wood.

The Cambra del rector contains a painted ceiling dating from the 17th century. The central beam bears the date September 1693.

Guided visits can cover Saint-Martin Church, the village of Joch or both. Allow about 1.5 hours for the church and about 2 hours for the village; the offer depends on local availability.

The Croix de les Feixes is a replica of the Croix du Canigó, erected in 2011.

Comparing two circular walks

The Puig de les Feixes route is a difficult 8.6-kilometre mountain loop that takes about four hours. It passes through orchards and vineyards, with views stretching to the Mediterranean.

The Boucle de les Voltes is an easy family-friendly circular walk covering 1.9 kilometres, with 175 metres of ascent and descent. It runs entirely through Joch, at the heights of Joch and the Baronnie, through oak woodland and garrigue along former rural paths.

These routes offer contrasting options: a difficult mountain loop through orchards and vineyards with far-reaching views, and an easy family walk through oak woodland and garrigue. Both circular routes start and end at the château car park in Joch. Before setting off, check the route information and local access conditions at the car park.

Local cuisine

L’ESCOLA D’AVANT is a traditional restaurant serving local cuisine in Joch’s former village school. Check current availability before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Maury, Puyvalador, Taurinya, Le Tech, Enveitg, Saint-Nazaire, Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via, La Sacristie

For the main travel overview: Pyrénées-Orientales.