Saint-Jean-Pla-De-Corts: Lakes, Water Sports and History

Saint-Jean-Pla-De-Corts can be explored from two perspectives: its lakes and water activities, and its history of churches, fortifications and crafts. If you’re looking for a hotel for a stay in the town, you can plan your visit around whichever of these interests you most.

Lakes, trails and water activities

A trail around the two lakes of Saint-Jean-Pla-De-Corts is accessible on foot and by bicycle. The greenway connects the lakes with the town centre and forms part of the cross-border Pirinexus route. The two route descriptions have different focuses: one trail goes around the lakes, while the greenway connects them with the town centre. If you want to include the town centre in your plans, the greenway is the connection specifically mentioned.

There is a supervised beach at the swimming lake in July and August. If lifeguard supervision is important to your plans, check the exact dates in advance. The first lake is home to Aquapark Saint Jean, a large inflatable water-play structure. The FUN NAUTIQUE centre by the lake rents pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and Big Paddle boards. Teleski Saint Jean offers waterskiing, kneeboarding and wakeboarding for everyone from beginners to advanced participants. Its Water Jump has nine ramps and is open to visitors aged four and up. Water sports and rental services may operate seasonally; check the dates in advance for the specific activity you want to enjoy.

Parc Les Aventuriers de Saint Jean offers nature-themed adventure courses on the lakeshore for visitors aged three and up. It also has numerous zip lines, including one that crosses the lake and ends at water level. The park is open seasonally. Confirm the current opening days before planning your visit.

Churches, fortifications and crafts

The choir of the Church of Saint-Jean Baptiste dates from the 10th century and is pre-Romanesque in style. A bell from this church, dating from 1657, is listed as a Monument historique. In the keep complex, a chapel dedicated to Saint John was commissioned in 1370. The Chapel of Saint-Sébastien also reflects a long building history: its choir dates from the 14th century, while its single-nave hall was built in the 18th century. These dates refer to different parts of the buildings. The fortifications surrounding the new Cellera date from the 12th century. The Château of Saint-Jean-Pla-De-Corts served as a summer residence for the kings of Majorca.

The Briqueterie Sainte-Marcelle adds a craft tradition to the story. It is the last active brickworks that makes Cayrous for the region’s historic monuments. The brickworks’ knowledge of brickmaking dates back to 1735 and has been recognised as part of France’s intangible cultural heritage. During a visit, you can follow every stage of production, from raw clay to finished terracotta products. Confirm visitor access before planning your visit. The production of Cayrous and their use in regional historic monuments give this craft a tangible connection to the architectural history of the town and region.

Discover more destinations: Taulis, Saint-Laurent-De-Cerdans, Montner, Villelongue-dels-Monts, Saint-Hippolyte, Cerbère, Sournia, Montesquieu-Des-Albères.

For the regional travel overview: Pyrénées-Orientales.