Garrotxa is quite a contrast scenically, with forests, volcanoes and lakes, some huge climbs and superb vistas.
Around Girona:Many of the back roads have been at the heart of Lance Amstrong's tour preparations in recent years.The road to Els Angels (Ride 3)is a regular fixture on local training rides. Is a deserted and spectacular climb that is ideal for interval training.It's quite amazing how the traffic dries up and you see more cyclists than cars in these rides.
Catalonia has long been a stronghold of Spanish cycling, with a thriving and aggressive racing scene. During March Catalan week takes place in the region, using many of the roads on our tour. In June the Tour of Catalonia follows suit and a whole heap of quality amateur races in the region.
History:
This area has also recent historic symbolism. During the Spanish civil war, thousands of republicans catalans and vascs had to find refuge in France and the presidents of Catalonia and the vasc country reside in this area on the run from the troops of General Franco.
Special Interest towns:
Amelie les bains and Le Preste. Areas well known for the natural sources of heated water 44deg celsius. First center of thermalism in France. Health treatments since 1302.Prats de Mollo town tour and local history. Tour of Forte Lagarde a frontier fortress at Prats de Mollo. Arles sur Tech – Ancient Benedictine Abbey (778) and Musee du Fer (Iron production). Medieval village of Palada and the Musee de la Poste. Ceret – Very interesting town – well worth a visit with an Art Museum focusing on art from the 20th century. Saint Laurent de Cerdans – Weaving Mill for Catalan table linen and traditional espardille Factory. Gorges de la Fou – A unique geological formation with caves and waterfalls.Prats de Mollo le Preste – fantastic walks, visit the thermal spa. Take a scenic mountain drive to the tiny village of Montferrer with its pyrenees vista, enjoy the free outdoor swimming pool.
Garrotxa:
North of Catalonia, a hidden treasure, full of natural beauty. Covered by extensive and dense forest of deep green beech trees and oak trees,thousand species of plants with flowers, the impression they create is unique. The forests and medieval trade routes and villages reveal the human side of this landscape, complemented by hermitages and Romanesque churches, amongst well-kept fields.There are more than 40 volcanos and 20 spurs of basalt .In 1982 is declared National Park, its extension is of 12,000 hectares. The protected territory includes eleven municipalities, with a great historical interest. Area well known for very well preserved romanesque churches and is also an area with very fine cuisine, based on the highest quality local products.
Special Interest towns:
Besalu Has one of the finest Romanesque churches in Catalonia.
Santa Pau
Castellfollit de la Roca fantastically situated on a spur of basalt which falls almost vertically down to the River Fluvià. Near the outermost tip of the crag, high above the abyss, is the old church.
Banyoles the largest natural inland lake in Catalonia, which was the venue of the rowing events in the 1992 Olympic Games.
Emporda-Girona
Girona
Girona is one of the most important historic sites in Spain.Was founded by the Iberians, probably in the period of the first Greek settlements, and has preserved remains of its Iberian walls. In Roman times it was known as Gerunda, and the Arabs (from whom it was briefly recaptured by Charlemagne in 785) called it Jerunda. Strategically situated on the most important road through the Pyrenees, it was frequently fought over and became known as the "town of a thousand sieges". In the late 10th century it became an independent County, and later became subject for a time to the Counts of Barcelona. During the rising against Napoleon, in 1809, Gerona withstood a French siege for seven months before surrendering. Thereafter the French occupation lasted until 1814.
The old quarter, the Call, with its narrow alleyways and ancient stone houses. Inside the ancient walls are such gems as the 12th-century Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants and the14th-century cathedral built in the Catalonian Baroque style. The cathedral is accessed by climbing up 90 steps. It includes a museum containing art works and rare manuscripts. Also of particular interest are the restored 12th-century Arab baths with their central octagonal pool, and the fascinating Jewish quarter where, between the 9th and 15th centuries the culture and religion flourished on the narrow steep streets. The arcaded promenade, the Rambla de la Llibertat, is lined with delightful cafes and shops selling souvenirs, crafts, antiques and curiosities. In addition the city is well supplied with museums and galleries
Museum Dali One of the most important sights in the whole of Catalonia and, after the Prado in Madrid, the most visited museum in Spain.E xceptional master pieces of Salvador Dali and a fairy castle building design by the eccentric genius.
