The Ripollès is the Pyrenean sector of the province of Girona. We are in the north of Catalonia, inland, where the mountains await those who love nature and breathtaking views. Winter and summer alike, there are many sporting activities to be enjoyed in the heart of breathtaking landscapes. But it is also a land where local traditions are perpetuated, to be discovered in museums and interpretation centers. Finally, you can stop in the villages and at the foot of the monuments that are full of ancestral history. There is much to discover and many experiences to live in Ripollès. A Catalan county quickly accessible from France, and we are delighted.

The Ripollès, the pleasures of nature in a mountain environment

A stay in the Ripollès is an opportunity to make beautiful mountain hikes, with the presence of a multitude of trails. One of the most romantic territories in Europe, the cradle of Catalonia, it offers landscapes that change color with the seasons, from the white of the snow in winter to the green of the forests and valleys in summer and the orange shades in autumn. The Natural Park of Capçaleres del Ter i del Freser is located in part of the territory. The most emblematic peaks of the Ripollès are located here, such as Puigmal, Costabona and Balandrau, which are almost 3,000 meters high. The fauna and flora, varied and of Pyrenean type, can be observed on both sides of the interpretation routes.

In the Ripollès, treks can be made along the marked paths linking the municipalities together, but also along historical paths. There are also several refuges where hikers can make the most of the stunning nature and the richness of the biodiversity. During the stages in the towns and villages of the Ripollès, we also take the opportunity to sit down at good tables and discover the quality of the local food products. A delicious mountain gastronomy, which oscillates between tradition and avant-garde cuisine

In addition to hiking, there are many other activities to enjoy in the Ripollès. Mountain biking, running, horseback riding and climbing are all available on sunny days. The Ripollès is one of the best spots in Europe for mountain biking. The natural heritage can be discovered peacefully along the greenways, mountain biking offers great sensations and the roads allow you to reach some of the most demanding passes such as the Vallter, the highest in Catalonia!

When the winter season arrives, the powdery snow makes the happiness of the ski and snowshoe lovers. For this purpose, the unavoidable resorts of Vall de Núria, Vallter 2000 and La Molina are reached

The Ripollès, land of culture

The Ripollès is the cradle of Catalonia and a land of culture. The county has nearly 100 masterpieces of Romanesque art. In the Middle Ages, the region was a spiritual center, and there are several abbeys and monasteries that are a must-see. The monasteries of Santa Maria de Ripoll and Sant Joan de les Abadesses, founded by Guifred le Velu, are among the most beautiful architectural works to be examined in detail. The monastery of Sant Pere de Camprodon, as well as the New Bridge of Camprodon and its historical center are other sites of interest for lovers of old stones. Several monuments make use of current digital technologies and offer virtual tours in 360° and 3D.

The county is also rich in trails with historical accents. The Camí Oliba offers an itinerary through the heart of Old Catalonia, while the Camís dels Bons Homes and the Camís de la Retirada offer the chance to follow the footsteps of those who fled to France during the Spanish Civil War. Another interesting route to follow is the Via Romana del Capsacosta. In this case, we follow in the footsteps of our ancestors the Romans, who used it to go from Rome to Cadiz. From Figueres, this route enters the mountainous area and after crossing the plain of Bianya, we climb to the pass of Ares. The walk allows us to see a multitude of constructions that reveal the ingenuity of the Romans.

Ripollès also has various museums and interpretation centers to better understand thecultural heritage of the county, its history, legends, traditions and customs. The Ethnographic Museum of Ripoll, the first of its kind in Catalonia, has a rich collection of objects related to the life of the shepherds, the peasant culture and religion. Another place not to be missed is the Ogassa Mining Museum, dedicated to the mining history of the municipality. It should be remembered that Ripollès also lives to the rhythm of its festivals celebrating traditions, legends, religion, history and the peasantry, such as the Ripoll Wedding and Wool Festival.

In a completely different atmosphere, the Isaac Albéniz Museum in Camprodon immerses us in the life of this master of the piano, renowned for his works inspired by Spanish folk music, who was born in the municipality, while in Ribes de Freser, the train station exhibits old wagons that were used to travel to Núria.

Villages of character in the mountains

After nature and culture, let's stop for a moment in some of the most beautiful mountain villages of Ripollès. Beget has the essence of rural mountain villages, with its medieval streets and bridges over the river. The church of Sant Cristòfol de Beget is a marvel of Romanesque art and houses the Majesty of Beget, an impressive polychrome Romanesque sculpture of Christ. Romanesque art and stone streets are also present in the charming village of Pardines, which has a strong Pyrenean character and lies in the shadow of the mountain Taga.

Vallfogona de Ripollès, with its old houses and paths that allow you to enjoy the surrounding nature in no time, is another of the villages in Ripollès that attracts the curious. Dòrria is one of the municipalities that have best preserved the charm of high mountain villages. In its church of Sant Víctor, we can find Romanesque paintings from the 12th century that are extremely well preserved. Setcases is another picturesque village, with its stone houses, charming streets and alleys and restaurants where you can enjoy the local gastronomy. The municipality is also a gateway to the Natural Park of Capçaleres del Ter i del Freser.

Ripollès is also home to majestic castles such as Mataplana, Queralbs, Ribes de Freser and Torre de Campelles. Beyond their architecture and history, they are strategic places to enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding nature.

And to get back to the gastronomy, let's not forget to recover our strength during the adventure and discover the local specialties by sitting down at a restaurant table or having a picnic in the open air. Charcuterie, cheese, cookies, honey, sweets, it would be a shame to miss the pleasures of a county with a rich gastronomic and culinary tradition.

More information on the website of the tourist office of Ripollès as well as on the Facebook and Instagram pages.