Paul's Sournian Guidebook
Sightseeing
Gorges of Galamus
Saint-AntoineLovely walk down to the church in the hill. Exciting road!
Villefranche de Conflent
Medieval town with other attractions nearby.
Well worth the drive to a lovely town and beach. Go early to make parking easier!
627 locals recommend
Collioure
Well worth the drive to a lovely town and beach. Go early to make parking easier!
Fabulous Cathar Castle overlooking the lovely village of Cucugnan.
129 locals recommend
Chateau de Queribus
Fabulous Cathar Castle overlooking the lovely village of Cucugnan.
Prades
Visit the market on Tuesday morning!
Canigou
Fancy a climb?
Fabulous geological site with incredible formations. The town of Ille offers good shops and supermarkets.
130 locals recommend
The Organs of Ille-sur-Tet
Chemin de RegleilleFabulous geological site with incredible formations. The town of Ille offers good shops and supermarkets.
Well worth the drive to walk around the ancient walls of the inner city. Savour the local specialities of Cassoulet de Carcassonne and Creme de Carcassonne.
482 locals recommend
Carcassonne
Well worth the drive to walk around the ancient walls of the inner city. Savour the local specialities of Cassoulet de Carcassonne and Creme de Carcassonne.
A memorable experience particularly if you are lucky and get the musical concert during your visit. Vast caves with limestone sculptures.
53 locals recommend
Grotte des Canalettes
A memorable experience particularly if you are lucky and get the musical concert during your visit. Vast caves with limestone sculptures.
Romanesque (1009) monastery surrounded by stunning views. A 5 star attraction.
77 locals recommend
Saint Martin of Canigou Abbey
Romanesque (1009) monastery surrounded by stunning views. A 5 star attraction.
Neighbourhoods
Sournia has a lovely feel about it, particularly after 4pm when boules is played and others gather to chat in the surrounding space. The sound of bells from the church clock is always soothing and noon is marked by a longer musical run.
Go to the fountain and fill some of the glass bottles for fresh Sournian water from the fridge.
Go early to the busy shop to ensure you get your fresh morning croissants, an opportunity to chat with locals.
There are many walks of all lengths and types around Sournia, from a gentle stroll to Le Puigts picking fruit from the trees to a full day in the hills! Start by visiting the Goufre and ancient church a little way beyond Le Puigts. (Maps for walks are in the house bookcase.)
There is a lovely public swimming pool a 5 minute drive away at Pratts de Sournia. Tennis courts are free at Campousy, Pratts and Le Viviers. (Rackets and balls are in the house as well as a set of boules.)
The Auberge offers good food and atmosphere.
The community often has communal meals and hosts musical events in the foyer...always well attended and not to be missed! Guided tours are available for Sournia. Ask at the shop.
Best of all just sit on the terrace watching the swallows and enjoy the view with a good book and a cool drink! At night the terrace is perfect for looking at the planets and moon with the telescope.
Sournia
Sournia has a lovely feel about it, particularly after 4pm when boules is played and others gather to chat in the surrounding space. The sound of bells from the church clock is always soothing and noon is marked by a longer musical run.
Go to the fountain and fill some of the glass bottles for fresh Sournian water from the fridge.
Go early to the busy shop to ensure you get your fresh morning croissants, an opportunity to chat with locals.
There are many walks of all lengths and types around Sournia, from a gentle stroll to Le Puigts picking fruit from the trees to a full day in the hills! Start by visiting the Goufre and ancient church a little way beyond Le Puigts. (Maps for walks are in the house bookcase.)
There is a lovely public swimming pool a 5 minute drive away at Pratts de Sournia. Tennis courts are free at Campousy, Pratts and Le Viviers. (Rackets and balls are in the house as well as a set of boules.)
The Auberge offers good food and atmosphere.
The community often has communal meals and hosts musical events in the foyer...always well attended and not to be missed! Guided tours are available for Sournia. Ask at the shop.
Best of all just sit on the terrace watching the swallows and enjoy the view with a good book and a cool drink! At night the terrace is perfect for looking at the planets and moon with the telescope.
Food Scene
Under new management since August 2021 the Auberge has quickly gained a good reputation and has attracted plenty of diners.
Auberge de Sournia
4 Rte de PradesUnder new management since August 2021 the Auberge has quickly gained a good reputation and has attracted plenty of diners.