St-Martin-du-Canigou
Perched on a rocky Pyrenee outcrop, a beautiful but steep walk up a footpath for more than half an hour from the hamlet Casteil, 3 km south of Vernet-les-Bains, leads to the monastery of Saint Martin du Canigou. Halfway you come across a small chapel surrounded by trees. Saint Martin du Canigou's red rooftops and square bell tower provide a landmark from far. Inaccassibility helps protect the abbey from becoming overcommercialized.
In the early 15th century the monastery was severly damaged by an earthquake and in 1902 the ruins were bought by the bishop of Perpignan and gradually restored. The glory of the place resides in its cloister. The monastery is now occupied by nuns, and visits are only possible for groups guided by one of the inhabitants.
