Planoles: Nature, Routes and Romanesque Heritage

In Planoles, the Ruta de les Mines provides access on foot to numerous mining relics in the Planoles valley, bringing this historical and industrial heritage to life.

Nature

In the Obagues del Rigart area, species-rich riparian alder forests alternate with Scots pines and various deciduous forests of ash, birch, lime and large-leaved oak. The Volta a l’Avetar route passes through l’Avetar, a mostly municipal fir forest in Planoles containing several monumental firs notable for their size and age, as well as a great diversity of animal and plant species. The 5 km Ruta de l’Isard i les Marmotes is a circular route starting at the Collet de les Barraques and passing through the Pinatar forest; it runs through the Parc Natural de les Capçaleres del Ter i del Freser and the Freser–Setcases National Hunting Reserve. Planoles is one of the municipalities located within the Parc Natural de les Capçaleres del Ter i del Freser; the nature park covers 14,750 hectares.

Routes and Trails

The Ruta del Rigart is a 42 km valley route that passes through Campelles, Nevà, Fornells, Dòrria and Planoles on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. In 2022, the municipality of Planoles created The Trail Zone, with six routes promoting mountain sports and providing access to the natural surroundings. The Itinerari romànic i natura a la Vall del Rigart is a 13 km linear route with an estimated duration of around 4 hours and 45 minutes; sections are marked with GR and Itinerànnia signage, and returning by train is possible.

History and Culture

The Itinerari romànic i natura a la Vall del Rigart combines the landscape of the valley with Romanesque heritage and allows visitors to see up to five Romanesque churches. La Casa de les Papallones houses a macrolepidoptera collection that was moved to Planoles in 2005 and presents the region’s diversity of butterflies in an educational way. The Ruta dels veïnats de Planoles begins at Plaça del Casino near the church of Sant Vicenç and leads to the village of Planès, then directly back to Planoles. The church of Sant Vicenç de Planoles was first mentioned in 1141. Sant Marcel de Planès is a rural Romanesque church in Planès, about 1 km above Planoles, built at the end of the 11th or beginning of the 12th century; inside it has a horseshoe-shaped apse, while the exterior apse is semicircular. The church, also known as Sant Marcel de Planès de Rigard, was consecrated by Bishop Oliba between 1018 and 1046. Pedra Dreta is a designated archaeological site in the surroundings of Planoles.

Other places include Garrigàs, Forallac, Riudellots De La Selva, Campelles, Marzà, Besalú, Palamós and Vilanant.

The peaks of Pla de la Serra, Costa Pubilla, la Covil and l'Emperadora are located in the immediate surroundings of Planoles. Museu Municipal De Llívia is a museum in the wider regional area around Planoles. Santuari de Núria is a pilgrimage sanctuary in the surroundings of Planoles. Castell de Montesquiu is a castle in the wider regional area around Planoles.

For the higher-level travel overview: Girona.