Vernet-les-Bains is an excellent base for the eastern Pyrenees. It is easily accessed by bus from the station of Villefranche-de-Coflent which is connected by rail with Perpignan and the eastern terminus of the Petit Train Jaune.
Vernet takes pride in being the first village-arboretum in France and is full of readily identifiable trees of a large number of different species. It's also the home of a casino, if you happen to fancy one of those in your mountain base. There is also an unexpectedly good geological museum. The monastery of Saint Bernard du Canigou is near Casteil above the town and walks of all standards are listed in a local guide. However the TIC waits for summer to issue some things, and summer is rigorously defined as starting on 1st June. [edit text][editors]
