Prades was first mentioned in historical documents in 843 by its latin name Prata Virent meaning “green fields”. Charles le Chauve gave the town as a gift to Sunifred Count of Urgell.
Situated at the confluent of several rivers and the base of the Canigou mountain Prades enjoys a micro-climate characterised by many hours of sunshine. In Spring it is a delight to contemplate the landscape where the snow on the Canigou blends with the colour of the peach blossom.
It was this setting that inspired Pablo Casals to choose Prades as his second homeland. This famous composer and musician is honoured every summer during the renowned Pablo Casals Festival of Chamber Music.
Other major events such as the Journées Romanes (romanesque days) Ciné-Rencontres, (cinema festival) and Université Catalane d’Eté (catalan summer university) punctuate the summer months.
All year the towns eclectic and active associations ( ciné club, samedis musicaux, and a host of sports clubs) provide a variety of entertainment, sporting events, traditional fêtes, shows, and meetings. Prades also boasts an exceptional heritage with St Peter’s Church and its Treasure House. The church has the largest baroque altar piece in the whole of France.
Admire the Maison Jacomet, a beautiful 15th century Tudor style building found in the main square which is on the national register of historic buildings, and visit the two jewellers who will help you discover the ancient craft of making catalan jewellery by encasing garnet stones in gold.
Prades has all the shops and services you will need for your holiday. The Tuesday morning market is well known throughout the region and provides a wide variety of items, such as fruit, vegetables, clothing, household goods, and holiday mementos. The Farmers market is held on Saturday mornings in the main square, providing the shopper with local produce. Wander through the typical streets and discover the decorated facades of the houses, the artistic wrought iron work and balconies, the door surrounds made of local pink marble, the oratories, the fountains and the communal wash house.
The town and its surroundings are in a natural setting, ideal for hiking and discovering the wild fauna and flora. At each twist and turn of the paths you will discover a dolmen here , an oratory there, a religious building, superb vistas or unusual natural features.