Villefranche-de-Conflent, the yellow train
Walking round the ramparts of this strongly fortified medieval town, you can easily feel transported back in time. Many buildings within the thick walls are classed as historic monuments. Often built in pink marble from the nearby quarry, they date from the 13th and 14th centuries. Though most are now occupied by souvenir shops or restaurants, Villefranche is definitely a place to linger and absorb the unique atmosphere.
Entering by the massive Porte de la Cité, a narrow street leads to the entrance of the ramparts halfway on the left side. You want to walk the immense and maze-like ramparts, from which you have views down on the village on one side and on the road and rocks on the other. High above the town Fort Libéria rises on the steep nothern bank of the river Têt.
Villefranche is also the starting point of Le Petit Train Jaune, one of Europe's most scenic railways lines twisting up into the high valleys of the Pyrenees till close to Andorra.
