Early local history, Romanesque architecture and a clearly specified hiking trail offer different ways to explore Villemolaque. At the Église Saint-Julien-et-Sainte-Basilisse, the architectural style and dedication are the main points of interest; “Sur Les Pas des Templiers” leads along named streets and squares and through vineyards. Picturesque streets offer another perspective on the village. For planning, the stated hiking time and the seasonal or appointment-dependent visiting conditions are particularly relevant.
Early history
The first recorded mention of Villemolaque dates from 981 and refers to the area of VILLAM MULACAM. Until the Revolution, the village’s history was closely linked to the “MONASTIR” priory. The historic name and the connection to the priory offer different perspectives on the village’s history: one refers to the area, while the other endured until the Revolution.
Architecture and military history
The Église Saint-Julien-et-Sainte-Basilisse is a Romanesque church dedicated to Saint Julien and Saint Basselisse. Its single-nave layout and semicircular apse are two distinctive features of the building. “Single-nave” means that the nave consists of one aisle; the apse forms a semicircular ending. The history of the choir end is also part of the church’s story: in the 13th and 14th centuries, it was raised to improve the village’s defences. Romanesque architecture and a defensive alteration thus coexist in one building.
Village streets and a stroll
Villemolaque’s picturesque streets are also worth exploring. They draw attention to the streetscape as a whole, while the church reveals individual architectural features. Visitors can therefore choose between two different ways of seeing the village: taking in the design of its streets or looking more closely at a building.
Hiking the “Sur Les Pas des Templiers” trail
The “Sur Les Pas des Templiers” hiking trail is 10 kilometres long and takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. It starts on Rue de la Marinade near the statue of the “catalan au porró”. In Villemolaque, it passes Place de la Mairie, goes by the Cortal with its Cossi, and follows Carrer del Mitg. The route also runs through vineyards bordered by clay-rich soils. It thus combines named stops in the village with a described vineyard landscape. The distance and duration provide a clear guide for planning your time; check local access conditions before setting out.
Other visitor attractions
La Ferme Saint Roch is an educational farm with 300 animals spread across 3 hectares. Visitors interested in this kind of farm experience will find a different focus here from church architecture and hiking. Access is seasonal and may change, so check in advance whether a visit is possible.
In 2026, Domaine Les Conques welcomes visitors to its wine cellar by appointment with the winemaker. The visiting conditions differ: at La Ferme Saint Roch, seasonal access is a consideration; for a wine-cellar visit, an appointment must be arranged in advance.
Discover more destinations: Baho, Fenouillet, Sorède, Tordères, Rasiguères, Joch, Corbère, Taurinya.
For the broader travel guide: Pyrénées-Orientales.
