Palau-del-Vidre is shaped by a glassmaking tradition that dates back to the 13th century. Anyone considering Palau-del-Vidre as a holiday destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment.
Culture
In the historic centre, the workshops demonstrate glassworking techniques such as fusing, enamelling, engraving, mosaic, murrine, pâte de verre and sandblasting. These are complemented by glassblowing with a glassmaker’s pipe and burner work. L’Effet Verre creates handmade jewellery from Murano glass using coloured glass rods worked with a burner.
The Church of Sainte Marie de l’Assomption in Palau-del-Vidre contains two Gothic altarpieces from the 15th century, a Renaissance altarpiece and the rare Vierge Ouvrante. The former fort of Palau-del-Vidre was once surrounded by moats and protected by an entrance gate.
During Été Verrier, five or six glassmakers present their latest work every week in July and August. A guided tour through the streets and the cultural heritage of Palau-del-Vidre conveys the history and traditions of glassmaking, as well as the traces left by the art of fire.
Nature
A path approximately two kilometres long leads around Lake Sant Martí. Its shores feature diverse vegetation and are designed for walkers and sports enthusiasts. Fishing is possible at the lake depending on the season; day permits are issued on site by the local association.
Activities
The Baludik tour “Palau-del-Vidre, le palais du Verre” is a family-friendly treasure hunt through the village streets and to the glass workshops. Palau Aventures offers a high ropes course, zip lines and electric boat rides.
The Boucle des Albères cycling loop leads to the lake of Palau-del-Vidre and then to the glass workshops in the village. A connection leads from the glassblowers’ village of Palau-del-Vidre to the EV8 cycle route and runs through fields towards Argelès or Le Boulou and beyond.
