Targassonne: Granite Landscapes, Climbing and Cultural Heritage

There are many reasons to visit Targassonne: bouldering in the granite landscape of Chaos de Targasonne, science tourism at Thémis Solaire Innovation, horseback rides, and traces of sacred and megalithic history. If you’re looking for a hotel for your trip, you could start by considering which of these themes you’d like to shape your stay. The following information will help you compare the different options.

Granite Boulders and Bouldering at Chaos de Targasonne

Chaos de Targasonne is a south-facing landscape of granite boulders at an altitude of around 1,500 metres, with more than 1,000 large boulders. Boulderers will find more than 1,200 problems there, graded from 3 to 8b+. These figures describe different aspects: the number of boulders refers to the terrain, the number of problems to the bouldering options, and the grades indicate the stated difficulty levels. When making your choice, read these figures as different points of reference.

There is a car park alongside the road at Chaos, and several trails cross the area. So, both a roadside car park and trails through the area can help you find your way around. The boulders and trails appeal to two different interests: bouldering and hiking. The activity you’re most interested in can therefore be a useful starting point for planning your trip.

Thémis Solaire Innovation: Science and Solar Power Plant

Thémis Solaire Innovation is open to the public year-round as a science tourism site. Its programme includes events, exhibitions, film screenings, guided tours and workshops; the public programme may vary by season. If you’re interested in a particular format, check its dates in advance.

Free parking is available for cars, buses, motorbikes and bicycles. There are also two accessible parking spaces for cars and a bus drop-off area. As information about visitor facilities can change, it’s a good idea to check the parking details before your visit.

The site’s history is also part of its scientific and technical focus: Thémis, the world’s first solar power plant with a solar tower, was built and operated here from 1979 to 1986. This distinguishes the period when it was built and operated from today’s science tourism offerings. There are two different ways to explore the site when planning your trip: its events and educational activities on the one hand, and the history of the solar power plant on the other.

Horseback Rides and Equestrian Excursions

Cheval Loisirs Promenades offers horseback rides and equestrian excursions in Targassonne. Rides range from one hour to several days. This range gives you a specific point of reference for matching the time commitment to your travel plans.

Except in July and August, rides start from Route du Mas Vilalte in Targassonne. As the departure point is specified by season, and dates and availability may change, it’s a good idea to confirm the starting point and current options before your trip.

Saint-Saturnin Church and Dolmen de l’Arrel

Saint-Saturnin Church in Targasonne contains an altarpiece of Saint Nicholas from the early 17th century. This sacred artwork offers a cultural focus distinct from the technological history of Thémis.

Dolmen de l’Arrel lies in the northeastern part of the Targasonne area, on the border with Égat, and can be reached via a challenging hiking trail. Take this rating into account when planning your route. The church, dolmen and solar power plant represent different historical themes; at the dolmen, the challenging hike is an additional practical consideration for planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: Montferrer, Vingrau, Nahuja, Err, Montesquieu-Des-Albères, Millas, Vinça, Corbère

See the main travel overview: Pyrénées-Orientales.