Ancient remains in the heart of Vallespir The Roman Ruins of Les Cluses

A site steeped in history

Nestled between the hills of Vallespir, the Roman ruins of Les Cluses bear witness to the passage of ancient civilizations in this strategic region between Gaul and Hispania. This exceptional site is home to the remains of fortifications and paved roads that recall the importance of the Col du Perthus as a key crossing point in the Roman Empire.

Les Cluses: An ancient frontier

As early as the 1st century B.C., the Romans established a defensive system here to control access to the Iberian Peninsula. The structures visible today, including the remains of stone walls and the foundations of ancient buildings, reveal the ingenuity of the engineers of the time. The Via Domitia, the famous Roman road linking Italy and Spain, passed through this area, facilitating trade and military movements.

An immersion in antiquity

To walk through the ruins of Les Cluses is to plunge into over 2000 years of history. The remains of the fortifications blend into a wild Mediterranean landscape, where nature has gradually reclaimed its rights. A strategic crossing point for centuries, it was reused long after the fall of the Roman Empire, particularly in the Middle Ages, when new constructions reinforced its key position.

A site to discover on your trip to Vallespir

Accessible on foot from the village of Les Cluses, this historic site offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Franco-Spanish border. It’s an ideal stopover for history buffs, hikers and anyone wishing to immerse themselves in the region’s fascinating past.

Prepare your visit

Access: Car park nearby, marked trail
Best time of year: Spring and autumn to avoid the heat.
What to bring: Walking shoes and water
As you explore these ruins, let yourself be transported back to the days when legionnaires patrolled these roads and merchants used the Via Domitia to link the great Roman cities. A real invitation to travel back in time!

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