RIPOLLÈS

Useful Information
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The Ripollès – Catalonia (Spain)

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

Located on the Southern slopes of the East Pyrenees, the Ripollès is a region of the province of Girona. (1) Covering an area of 956.6 km², and with a population of 25,995 it is made up of eighteen municipalities. (2) The climate of the Ripollès is typical of the Mediterranean Pyrenees and the Pyrenean foothills. (3) There is little maritime influence, which has something to do with the abundant amount of rainfall, its cold winters (3 °C - 7 °C) and mild summers (14 °C - 20 °C). The landscape is primarily made up of oak, beech, black pine woods and high mountain meadows.

With a variety of roads, bus routes, train lines and access to the airports of Barcelona and Girona the Ripollès and its capital, Ripoll, are well connected with Barcelona and France.

(1) Regional Council of the Ripollès

http://www.ccripolles.cat/

(2) Demographic and economic data for the region of the Ripollès (IDESCAT, Institut d’Estadística de Catalunya)

http://www.idescat.cat/emex/?id=31&lang=en

(3) The State Meteorology Agency (AEMET)

http://www.aemet.es/en/eltiempo/prediccion/municipios/ripoll-id17147

WHAT TO VISIT

Situated between three valleys –Camprobon, Ribes and the Baix Ripollès– the majority of the towns are medieval in origin, its geographical diversity allows one to enjoy a wide range of activities among valleys, rivers, mountains and charming towns, which invite one to walk, climb, fish, ski or, simply to disconnect.

RIPOLL

The capital of the Ripollès is surrounded by forests, rivers, valleys and mountain tops. Symbol of the region and origin of ancient Catalonia, one finds the ninth century monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll, cradle of Catalan culture in the middle ages.

CAMPRODON

The most charming village of the valley of the same name, with great panoramic views and a historical centre ideal for a stroll and to visit its shops, it offers a great range of leisure and sports activities and accommodation.

SETCASES

Situated at 1,200m above sea level it is one of the most valued locations for hiking and for excursions to the feet of the summits of Costabona or Pastuira.

QUERALBS

Its narrow streets, with Stone houses and slate roves, are the perfect location to while away the hours. Located in this municipality, the sanctuary of Nuria is one of the most highly recommended excursions of the region and the whole of Catalonia.

RIBES DE FRESER

Ideal for the practice of mountain tourism and to spend the summer, Ribes de Freser is the economic and financial centre of the Ripollès.

GOMBRÈN

It is in this village where Count Arnau, an emblematic figure of medieval Catalonia, finds the epic stage for a legend that poets and film directors have recreated up to the present day. In addition, its formerly walled historical centre preserves hidden corners which allow one to look over its artisan past.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ripoll

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camprodon

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queralbs

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ribes_de_Freser

WHAT TO DO

CULTURAL TOURISM

The Romanic heritage of the Ripollès, with ninety-eight monuments spread around the territory, allows one to undertake various routes related with this historical period. Guided tours to museums, castles and interpretation centres help complete one’s historical knowledge of the region.

SKIIING MOUNTAIN AND ADVENTURE SPORTS

Adrenaline junkies can go rock climbing, mountaineering, canyoning and caving, in addition to doing archery or taking part in activities with adventure guides. During the winter, snow and the area’s ski installations become the protagonists.

CUISINE

Mushrooms, cold meats, cheeses, wild game, veal and lamb are the unarguable stars of the Ripolles’s cuisine, which, thanks to the climate and characteristics of its surroundings, allow one to taste top quality products, which are said to be the best in the country.

TOWNS AND VILLAGES OF THE RIPOLLÈS