Villelongue-dels-Monts offers two distinct highlights: sacred art and history, and outdoor experiences in the Albères and around Lac de Villelongue. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether your stay will focus mainly on culture, hiking, or a mix of both.
The Albères, hiking trails, and Lac de Villelongue
The area of Vilallonga dels Monts reaches an altitude of more than 1,000 metres at Pic d’Aureille. The mountain slopes of the Albères in the area are covered with forest and heathland. These details about altitude and the vegetation on the slopes help put the landscape into context. Marked hiking trails run through the Albères near Villelongue-dels-Monts. The hiking route to Pic Sant Cristau also passes through the municipality. Check route details and trail conditions before setting out.
The circular trail around Lac de Villelongue takes about an hour and offers opportunities to observe the fauna and flora in a protected area. Fishing is also possible at the lake; you will need a fishing permit. Check fishing regulations and access conditions before setting off. The circular trail and fishing are different ways to include the lake in your plans.
Churches and the Prieuré Santa Maria Del Vilar
The Church of Saint-Etienne is designed in the Catalan Romanesque style. Its furnishings include a depiction of Christ between the Virgin Mary and Saint John, created around 1600, and a rosary altar dating from 1697. These dates refer to different works of art: the depiction was created around 1600, while the altar bears the specific date 1697.
Another example of sacred art is the Romanesque frescoes in the apse of the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Vilar. They depict apostles and symbols of the Evangelists. The Prieuré Santa Maria Del Vilar, meanwhile, was founded by Augustinian canons in 1083. It comprises a building from the Carolingian period, converted into a pilgrims’ hostel for pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela, as well as a church and cloister. The Prieuré is protected as a historic monument. The founding year, 1083, and the Carolingian period of the converted building refer to different historical points of reference.
Planning visits and getting around
During the 2026 opening period, the Prieuré offers both self-guided visits and guided visits for individuals. Check the visiting arrangements for your chosen date. An annual lyrical festival featuring secular and religious singing is also held there. If you plan to travel for it, check the dates of the next edition.
The Prieuré is less than a 30-minute walk from the “VILLELONGUE-DELS-MONTS – Place d’en Damia” bus stop. The walk is about 1,982 metres and takes around 23 minutes; walking time and route may vary. Bus line 553 connects Villelongue-dels-Monts with Perpignan. Check the timetable for your travel day.
BALUDIK offers an 80-minute walking tour through the village of Vilallonga dels Monts. As the digital tour’s content may change, it is recommended that you check it before travelling. This allows you to plan the walk as a separate activity alongside visits to the Prieuré and churches or walks in the Albères.
Choose a hotel to suit your stay
When looking for a hotel, it helps to first decide which activities you want to do and when you plan to visit. Visits to the Prieuré, festival dates, timetables, and trail conditions may matter for different travel plans. You can then compare hotel options with your own priorities, without assuming a fixed order for visiting the sights.
Discover more destinations: Claira, Rodes, Rivesaltes, Estavar, Torreilles-Plage, Port-Vendres, Porta, Fillols.
For the wider travel overview: Pyrénées-Orientales.
