Castelnou

Castelnou is a commune in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France. It is located in the canton of Les Aspres and in the arrondissement of Perpignan. The village is situated at the foot of the Aspres mountains, with the mythical Canigou mountain in the background. The Viscount's castle, built between 988 and 990, is one of the oldest surviving examples of a medieval fortress in the Pyrénées-Orientales. The castle features vaulted rooms, palatial halls, and a Mediterranean botanical trail. The village is also home to the church of Sainte-Marie du Mercadal, a 13th-century church. Castelnou is a family-friendly destination, with activities such as a treasure hunt, play books for children, and a botanical trail. The village is also accessible for visitors with disabilities