In Vinça, seasonal activities at Lac des Escoumes meet a diverse religious heritage. There are also opportunities for walking, fishing, hiking and cycling, as well as wine tastings and workshops. When planning your trip, it is worth bearing in mind the different conditions: some activities are seasonal, and one hiking route is currently closed.
Beach, swimming and leisure at Lac des Escoumes
There is a public beach at Lac des Escoumes. Swimming activities are seasonal. The leisure area includes water games, children’s games and stand-up paddleboard rentals; availability may vary by season. So if you are planning your stay around a day of swimming, check which activities are available during your travel dates.
The lake is also classified as a second-category fishing site and carries the “Passion Pêche” label. Local fishing conditions may change; check the rules in force before fishing.
Walking and fishing at Barrage de Vinça
The body of water at Barrage de Vinça provides a setting for walks. It is also a starting point for visits to Chapelle de Bell Lloc or the dam’s industrial structure. Anglers can find a night carp fishing course and an area for float-tube fishing there. As access conditions and fishing rules may change, it is advisable to check before your visit.
Parish church and historic artworks
The parish church of Saint-Julien-et-Sainte-Baselisse was classified as a historic monument by decree on 27 January 1987. It was rebuilt in the 18th century: the foundation stone was laid in 1734, and construction was completed in 1769. The church contains 11 altarpieces from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as an organ built by Cavallié-Coll. Concerts are held in the church today, and the programme may vary.
A notable artwork is the protected Retable du Christ in the chapel beneath the bell tower. It comprises a crucifix with Mary Magdalene, four medallions depicting scenes from the Passion, and a representation of God the Father. The chapel of Saint-Sébastien in the former hospital also has its own history: it dates from the 16th century and contains an altarpiece of Saint Sebastian, two statues of the Virgin Mary from the 13th and 18th centuries, a 17th-century Christ, and a 17th-century wooden bas-relief.
The historic gates that have been preserved include Porte du Barri, built in 1245, and Porte de Marcevol, dating from 1330. Together with the religious artworks, they give Vinça’s heritage points of reference from different periods.
Hiking and cycling: comparing route profiles
The Tour de la Baronnie is an easy, 13.4-kilometre circular family walk that takes about four hours. It passes through villages and orchards and offers panoramic views over the valley in the Bas-Conflent landscape. The start and finish are at the Lac des Escoumes car park. Important for planning: access to the route is prohibited until further notice under a municipal order following a fire. Before setting out, check whether the closure is still in effect and whether the car park details are suitable for your starting point.
“Sur les hauteurs de Palomeres” offers a different route profile: this difficult circular cycling route is 83 kilometres long and starts in Vinça. The walk and the cycle route therefore differ considerably in activity, difficulty and distance. Check the route conditions before cycling.
Wine tastings and workshops
Les Vignerons en Terres Plurielles in Vinça offers wine-tasting courses and introductory workshops, including free workshops for adults and children. As dates may change, check the current programme in advance.
Discover more destinations: Valcebollère, Eus, Pézilla-La-Rivière, Banyuls-Sur-Mer, Saint-Hippolyte, Los Masos, Claira, Corsavy.
For the broader travel guide: Pyrénées-Orientales.
