Prades, capital of the Conflent region is a small village of 5800 people located in Occitanie region. Situated at the confluent of several rivers and the base of the Canigou mountain, Prades enjoys a micro-climate characterised by many hours of sunshine. In Spring it is a delight to contemplate the landscape where the snow on the Canigou blends with the colour of the peach blossom.
Access
Prades is about 30 minutes drive from the beaches in the summer and 45 minutes drive from the Ski slopes of the Pyrenees in the winter.
Getting to fly from the UK is easy because the village is well served with airports offering low cost airlines such as Ryanair. You can fly to Perpignan (30mn by car), Girona (90mn) or Carcassonne airport.
History
Prades was first mentioned in historical documents in 843 by its latin name Prata Virent meaning “green fields”. Charles le Chauve gave the town as a gift to Sunifred Count of Urgell. The scenery around Prades is rich in history with its Cathar castles as reminders of the turbulent religious history which shaped the region.
Culture
The setting of Prades inspired Pablo Casals to choose this village as his second homeland. This famous composer and musician is honoured every summer during the renowned Pablo Casals Festival of Chamber Music.
Activities
If you buy a property in Prades you will be able to benefit from several local activities: walking for example with the Canigou mont, riding, canyoning, potholing, trekking, cycling and climbing. Prades is also located at 30mn drive by car from the Mediterranean beaches and 45mn from the Pyrenees ski slopes (Font Romeu and les Angles).
Food
Prades has all the shops and services you will need for your holidays. The tuesday morning market is well known throughout the region and provides a wide variety of items, such as fruit, vegetables, clothing, household goods, and holiday mementos. The farmers market is held on Saturday mornings in the main square, providing the shopper with local produce. Wander through the typical streets and discover the decorated facades of the houses, the artistic wrought iron work and balconies, the door surrounds made of local pink marble, the oratories, the fountains and the communal wash house.
Restaurants
- El Patio: 19 place de la republique, 66500 Prades Tel: 0033 46 805 3560
- La Bodegita: 120 Avenue General de Gaulle, 66500 Prades Tel: 0033 46 896 2348
- La soupe aux cailloux: 20 rue des marchands, 66500 Prades Tel: 0033 46 805 3016
Our team of sale advisers at Sextant Properties will be happy to help you to find a property in Prades. All of our agents in Occitanie are registered French estate agents and speak both French and English. Whatever kind of property you are looking for: flat, gite, B&B, villa, castle or mansion, we will do our best to find a property in Prades matching your requirements. Do not hesitate to contact us to find out more about our selection of properties for sale in Prades.