Villefranche and the Scenic Yellow Train

Villefranche de Conflent
Villefranche de Conflent is a beautiful fortified town with ramparts that can easily be walked around. It is little changed from the 17th century when it was rebuilt by Vauban. Near one of the Gateways to Villefranche there is the entrance to a tunnel with 1000 steps which lead up to Fort Liberia. If you do not fancy this climb there is a bus which runs regularly from the town to the Fort. The picture on the right shows a typical Villefranche street. Some streets also have small shops and cafés.

Villefranche cafe and market square The market square (picture below-right), near the church is an ideal venue for enjoying a light lunch & drink, whilst soaking up the atmosphere.

Caves at Villefranche de Confluent
One kilometre along the Vernet road are the Grotte des Grandes Canalettes (Tel: 04 68 96 23 11) and Grotte des Canalettes which have the Pyrenees' most peculiar stalactites.

Villefranche is also the prime starting point for a ride on the Yellow Train (Le Train Jaune). The yellow train is probably the number one attraction in the area. You can ride in open (or closed) top carriages and admire the breathtaking scenery and railway architecture (viaducts, bridges & tunnels) from Villefranche de Confluent to Mont Louis and on to Latour-de-Carol.

SNCF provides more information for those interested in the technicalities of the Yellow train.

For either Gite or B&B accommodation in the area please contact the resident English speaking owners of the Peach Valley gite:
Jolanta & Steve Williams
Tel: 00 33 4 68 05 96 44
6 Cami Ral, 66320 Rodès, France.
Email us at enquiry@peachvalley.co.uk