Discover Thuir: Caves Byrrh, culture and a circular route

Thuir combines industrial and cultural history with a circular route that starts in town and also passes through the surrounding countryside. The Caves Byrrh and the Théâtre des Aspres represent different cultural themes; the Aux Portes des Aspres route adds a canal, pastures, and local flora and fauna. Also on offer are introductory tandem flights from a provider based in Thuir. If you are planning a stay, you can weigh up history, performances, and outdoor activities.

Caves Byrrh and local history

The Caves Byrrh in Thuir are considered the birthplace of Byrrh, an elixir invented by the Violet brothers, Simon and Pallade, in 1866. The history of the Caves also includes an exhibition room with advertising posters from 1903. These two dates mark different chapters: 1866 denotes the invention of the elixir, while 1903 is the year of the posters. The Caves are described as the largest cellar in the world and have a storage capacity of 15 million litres. Product history, advertising, and a large storage volume therefore come together as three tangible ways to explore Thuir’s industrial past.

Théâtre des Aspres

The Théâtre des Aspres is housed in former annex buildings of the Caves Byrrh, in Thuir’s cultural and tourist centre. It has 500 seats and offers a varied programme of performances for all age groups. The buildings’ former use and their present function as a theatre are two different sides of the same place. Performance dates vary. If you want to plan your stay around a particular show, check the programme for your chosen dates.

The Aux Portes des Aspres route

The Aux Portes des Aspres route is a seven-kilometre circular trail starting in Thuir. It follows the canal through the pastures of La Prade de Thuir and invites you to observe the local flora and fauna along the way. The route then passes through Thuir, the former royal town, and invites you to discover the town’s unique heritage. The circuit thus brings countryside and town together: first the stretch beside the canal and through the pastures, then the town route with its historic character. Allow time for the walk as a separate activity; its seven-kilometre length gives you an idea of its scale.

Introductory tandem flights

Parapente 66 is based in Thuir and offers introductory tandem paragliding flights. Availability depends on the weather and reservations. If you want to include a flight in your travel plans, confirm your preferred date with the provider in advance.

What to consider when planning your trip

When planning your trip, these options differ not only in subject matter but also in how far ahead they need to be arranged: the route has a stated length of seven kilometres, performance dates at the Théâtre des Aspres vary, and Parapente 66’s availability depends on the weather and reservations. You can take these differences into account when looking for a hotel in Thuir and choosing your travel dates. If you are planning your stay around a performance or tandem flight, check the specific date or availability.

Discover more destinations

Le Tech, Cabestany, Mosset, Puyvalador, Corsavy, Caramany, Saint-Paul-De-Fenouillet, Le Soler

For the wider travel guide: Pyrénées-Orientales.