ELNE - a remarkable find in France
We stumbled upon Elne by chance. Most of the Aires in the southeastern corner of France, along the A9 corridor, were full or too tight for our 7.5m motorhome, as per the reviews we read. Consulting the Camping Car Parks App, we found available space in Elne. Arriving later than usual, we opted to explore the town at dawn.
Elne might not strike you as an obvious tourist hub, but that would be a mistake. It's actually a charming and delightful town to spend an hour walking around its historic centre.
Elne, perched on a fortified site, overlooks the Roussillon plain, boasting occupation since ancient times. Initially an Iberian stronghold known as Illiberis, it witnessed Hannibal's passage in 218 BC. Renamed Castrum Helenae in the 4th century, it became an important town, hosting significant events like the assassination of Constans. Elne thrived as a bishopric and participated in numerous synods. Despite facing Arab attacks and French sieges, it retains its historic cathedral and Romanesque cloister. Over time, it yielded prominence to Perpignan. Modern Elne preserves its heritage, with landmarks like the Maillol museum honoring notable artists. Urban developments like "Las Trillas" and plans for a pedestrian boulevard signal its growth and preservation efforts, maintaining its allure for visitors.
Elne is a truly intriguing destination. With its captivating architecture that blends French charm with Catalan influences, we highly recommend making a stopover here.
Most places were closed, as expected at this early hour, except for the Boulangerie/Patisserie, whose enticing aroma greeted us from a distance. After a brisk walk in the cool morning air, we followed the scent to its source and purchased breakfast. We then made our way back to the van to enjoy our meal, accompanied by our usual boiled eggs.
I imagined these French pigeons discussing the bustling scene below, ready to swoop down on unsuspecting citizens at their most vulnerable moment, leaving their unique mark on chosen victim.
"Looks like Madame Dubois has hung her whites out on the line again, Pascal. She never learns. You take the first strafing run; I'll be your wingman." "Okay, Jacques. I've got a full payload of blackberries on board. Let's go."
We hope you enjoyed the images we took. If you appreciate our photography, please explore our portfolio via the links above. Thank you for reading. Helen and Martin
