Traveling allows us to enjoy the gastronomy of different places, find where to disconnect and surprise ourselves with the purest nature, as in these spectacular hidden coves of Mallorca. We travel to live unique experiences and to have the opportunity to surprise ourselves.
And the surprise (or the secret) that we have found today is that of a Spanish town located in the middle of France, like a hidden island without sea and called Llívia.
Llívia, a hidden landlocked island in France
Llívia belongs to the beautiful province of Girona (which has some of the most beautiful fortresses in Spain), but is not physically in it. In a Rare avis which is actually hidden in France. A landlocked island that by chance of fate is located beyond the border. In fact, if we look for the town on Google Maps, you can see it as a small place delimited and completely surrounded by French territory.
It is located at the foot of the highest peaks of the eastern Pyrenees, following the course of the Segre River and at an altitude of 1,224 metres. One of those towns to flee from the heat wave. What was the former capital of the Cerdanya region today has a unique singularity: Llivia It is a Spanish town but it is located in France. And as happens on many occasions, everything is the fault of history.
Eina Valley, in Cerdanya
La Cerdanya was the only pass on the natural route to the interior that made it possible to cross the Pyrenean mountain range with ease. At that time, Llívia and its hill were a key point of control of the road and of the entire territory, and that privileged position was already used by the Roman Empire.
The Treaty of the Pyrenees signed in 1659 put an end to the Thirty Years’ War. with your signature Spain handed over to France the 33 towns of the eastern region of Cerdanya, with the exception of Llívia which held the title of town granted by Emperor Charles V and was exempt from the deal. After the territorialization of the enclave with that of Baiona (1866-68), Llívia was surrounded by French territory.
What to see in Llivia
In addition to the peculiar history of this town, Llívia has many secrets to discover. Historic buildings such as the Esteva Pharmacy, one of the oldest in Europe with documentation dating back to 1594the Municipal Museum of Llívia, the Church of Our Lady of the Angels or the Tower of Bernat de So are some of the most important enclaves in this town.
In addition, its location allows you to enjoy nature as it is they explain to us at the town hall and the nearby ski resorts of the Pyrenees, and it is the starting point for routes of hiking, a perfect sport activity for autumn.
With accommodations like The Villa of Lliviaor the luxurious Hotel Mercer Torre del Remei 10.5 km from the Municipal Museum of Llívia, you can enjoy the tranquility of this landlocked island, its gastronomy and everything that this Spanish secret hidden in the middle of France has to offer.
Set Terres – La Villa de Llívia – Adults only from 91 euros per night.
Mercer Torre del Remei. Rooms from 277 euros per night.
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Photos | istock, City Hall of Llivia