Olette

Olette (in Catalan Oleta ) is a commune of the Pyrénées -Orientales in the Languedoc- Roussillon region. Administratively, it is assigned to the district of Prades. Olette is the capital ( chef-lieu ) of the canton of the same name.

The territory now includes the historic district of EVOL, who was a political independent municipality until 1827. This EVOL is classified as one of the plus beaux villages de France ( most beautiful villages in France ).

Geography

The southern French mountain village with 398 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2011) is at least 600 meters and is located in Conflent on the left bank of the Tet. The municipal area receiving agency for access to the Pyrénées Catalanes Regional Natural Park is set up. The place can be reached from the city of Perpignan, which is located 53 kilometers east of the Route nationale N116.

Two kilometers north- west of the village center of Olette, above the valley of the river Evol 985 meters, perched increased the district Evol, which is sometimes referred to as "the balcony of Olette " 300 meters. It is the historically most interesting part of the community. There you can find in front of old houses whose walls are stationary typical slate ( schist ) and their umbrella chairs with slate tiles ( roofing stones ) are covered.

The 1,861 -meter high mountain pass Coll de la Llose leads from Olette into skin -Conflent (in winter a popular cross -country ski area ) and ends in the village of La Llagonne.

Olette is served by the narrow gauge railway Ligne de Cerdanya, which links Villefranche -de- Conflent with Enveitg. A shuttle train on this route is often referred to as Le canari ( canary ) because of its eye-catching yellow paintwork of the local population. The cable car has become a magnet for tourists. The travel time for the total distance ( 63 km ) is just under three hours.

History

The Castle of Evol (French Château d' Evol ) in 1260 by Guillaume de So (also Guillem de So ) is hereby established. Evol 1137 was raised within the historical province of Cerdanya Vice County. 1550 a Catalan forge was established in Evol. Evol 1827 was incorporated by Olette.

Demographics

Attractions

• The church Église Saint -André in Evol dates from the 11th century and was modernized in the 18th century. The religious building is a French cultural monument since 1943.

• The ruins of the castle Château d' Evol go back to the year 1260. Have been preserved only a tower and some ruins. The fortification is a French cultural monument since 1982.

• Bastide d' Olette calls himself an old traditional Provencal house where the receiving agency is set up for the nearby natural park today. The building is a French cultural monument since 1927.

• The chapel Chapelle Saint- Étienne in Evol from the 14th century was reconstructed in the 18th century.

• Also in EVOL is the Folk Art Museum Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires.