Mosset

Visit Mosset, Languedoc-Roussillon

Mosset is a small village towards the north-west of the Pyrenees-Orientales department of Languedoc-Roussillon, situated high on a hill above the Castellane Valley to the west of Perpignan . Mosset is classified as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'.

The village originally developed around a 12th century castle (the castle at Mosset has long since been divided and used for private residences) which helped defend the border between France and Aragon, and is scenically situated at the top of a rocky promontory

Exploring Mosset

The main pleasure of a visit to Mosset comes from exploring the narrow medieval streets, absorbing the historic atmosphere and enjoying the views out across the surrounding countryside.

Although much of the original defensive structure that once defended the town is now gone, you can still see parts of the ramparts and the towers and entranceways that once formed part of the ramparts.

There are also some monuments of interest to enjoy, such as the 17th century Church of Saint-Julien and Sainte-Baselisse; a small 13th century chapel built in the roman style; and the 13th century watchtower called the Mascarda Tower which once kept watch over the valley.

The 'Tour des Parfums' is  now a small museum where you will be introduced to the scents of the local perfumes and the tourist office is situated in the tower.

As you walk around you will see that some of the buildings have round structures bulging out of their upper stories - these are bread ovens and this region is the only one where i have seen bread ovens built in this way.

On the whole I must say that whilst pleasant Im not sure that Mosset is of the very high standard of most of the 'most beautiful villages' of France.

Around Mosset

Mosset is now part of a protected nature reserve, and a walk through the surrounding countryside is highly recommended, with many opportunities to see unusual wildflowers and to catch glimpses of the wildlife as it scurries away. Numerous marked trails are available - we followed a pleasant trail through the forest that took less than two hours.

The chapel at Corbiac is a scenic 12th century chapel and monastery two kilometres downstream from Mosset (now in private ownership).

The village is also a little way north-west of the village of Eus, which (as with Mosset) is classified as a 'most beautiful village of France'.

See Languedoc-Roussillon and Pyrenees-Orientales (the region and department for Mosset) for more travel ideas...

Photos of Mosset

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Suggested places to visit near Mosset, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Mount Canigou 19km; Ille sur Tet 22km; Quillan 27km; Gorges de l'Aude 27km; Rennes-les-Bains 28km; Castelnou 30km; Rennes-le-Chateau 30km; Prats de Mollo la Preste 31km; Arles sur Tech 33km; Gorges de la Fou 33km; Ceret 39km;

Mosset tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Abbaye Saint Michel de Cuixa (Codalet) - religious monument (10km) : Eglise de Sainte Marie de Marcevol (Arboussols) - religious monument (12km) : Eglise de Sainte-Marie (Corneilla-de-Conflent) - religious monument (12km) : Abbaye Saint Martin du Canigou (Casteil) - religious monument (17km) : Gorges de Galamus - site of natural beauty (21km) : Prieuré de Serrabone (Boule-d'Amont) - religious monument (21km) : Orgued d'Ille-sur-Tet - site of natural beauty (22km) : Eglise de Trinité d'Aregno (Aregno) - religious monument (22km) :

See more places and a map at places near Mosset