Catalonia, the valley of sleeping volcanoes

Less than an hour from the French-Spanish border, Catalonia is shaped by a chain of volcanoes. The region was built around nature and water. For many French people, the first stop is often a fortified bridge, dating from the 11th century. It forms an angle with a tower over 100 meters long. Near its central square, the village of Besalú (Spain) hides a treasure: a 12th century Jewish bath, under the site of the old synagogue.

The protected natural park of La Garrotxa is home to no fewer than 40 volcanoes, most of them completely covered by vegetation. With its notch that allows you to see the heart of the volcano, Croscat is an exception. It is linked to the old mining of the site. Today, hikers come here to recharge their batteries. “There is this nature… It’s a matter of feelings, I can’t explain it”confides one of them.

The volcanic area has more than a thousand flowering plants and a beech forest, which grew on the volcano’s ancient lava flow. The eruption, which occurred 11,000 years ago, still prevents the roots from sinking into the ground. The fertile soil also ends up on the plates. A collective defends volcanic cuisine, based on local products.