Corneilla-La-Rivière: History and Força Real

These themes provide concrete points of interest and help you distinguish between culture and nature when planning your stay.

Saint-Martin and the historic townscape

The church of Saint-Martin is documented as early as 951; in 1145, it was consecrated by Bishop Ugaldar of Elne. In 1640, it was looted and set on fire by the retreating Spanish army under Jean de Garai; it was rebuilt the following year. The history of the church therefore encompasses both its early ecclesiastical development and a severe setback followed by reconstruction.

Medieval Corneilla-La-Rivière was defined by thick defensive walls with four towers, two of which have survived to this day. The towers add a different focus to the church when looking at the town’s history: here, the subject is the town’s former fortifications, not a single religious building.

Saint-Martin is also home to the 18th-century polychrome wooden sculpture Misteri de Nostra Senyora dels Dolors. Polychrome means multicoloured and describes the colouring of the wooden sculpture. Since 30 April 1980, the work has been listed as a historic work of art under the reference ISMH PM66001506. This allows you to distinguish the work’s period of creation from the date it was listed.

Força Real: views and wine country

Corneilla-La-Rivière is a suitable base for accessing Força Real. At 507 metres, Força Real is the highest point on the Roussillon plain. From there, you can enjoy 360-degree views across the Aspres, Conflent and Corbières as far as the Côte Vermeille. The elevation and panorama offer different points of reference: the elevation describes the point on the plain, while the view encompasses several named landscape areas.

The sunny, windy slopes of Força Real are considered a terroir for characterful wines. The wine connection adds another perspective on the same slopes to the panorama: both their location and their suitability as a terroir are part of the description of this landscape.

Trails and activities

One possible starting point for the Boucle de Força Real is in Corneilla-La-Rivière; the route is part of the Balcon Nord du Canigó eco-trail. The possible starting point for this particular route should be distinguished from the general base for accessing Força Real: one refers to the Boucle, the other to the landscape feature.

Motor flying and paragliding in the Catalan skies are also associated with Corneilla-La-Rivière. If you would like to include one of these activities in your trip plans, check the participation requirements in advance. Le Souvenir Lambert Narach is listed for November in Corneilla-la-Rivière. Check the event’s exact date before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Ille-Sur-Têt, Thuir, Oms, Tordères, Bages, Bourg-Madame, Taillet, Pollestres

For the broader travel overview: Pyrénées-Orientales.