To reach the small village of Périllos, a winding road winds through the arid landscapes of the Corbières before climbing toward this isolated hamlet, lost among the hills and limestone cliffs. Upon arrival, the setting immediately takes you by surprise. A few stone houses, ruins overgrown with vegetation, almost total silence, and that strange feeling of being at the end of the world.
Located in the municipality of Opoul-Périllos, on the border between the Aude and the Pyrénées-Orientales, the village is now virtually abandoned. Yet Périllos was once a thriving community. For centuries, this small community lived primarily off agriculture and livestock farming, despite a particularly harsh and isolated environment.
The village’s history dates back to the Middle Ages. At that time, Périllos was part of a strategic region between the Kingdom of France and the Kingdom of Aragon. The surrounding hills served as both natural protection and observation posts. Several noble families succeeded one another in the area, including the Périllos family, which gave the village its name.
But what stands out most in the village’s recent history is its gradual decline. With rural depopulation and difficult access, residents gradually left the village throughout the 20th century. There is a shortage of water, the roads remain difficult to navigate, and life becomes increasingly hard in this isolated setting. Starting in the 1970s, Périllos emptied out almost entirely. Some houses fell into ruin, while others simply remained closed for years.
Today, this unique atmosphere attracts visitors curious to discover this village, seemingly frozen in time. Strolling through the narrow streets, you can still see the old stone buildings, the remains of ovens, vaulted passageways, and partially collapsed facades.
But Périllos isn’t completely abandoned. In recent years, several projects have sought to breathe new life into the hamlet, with house restorations and occasional cultural events. Some residents have gradually returned, drawn precisely by the tranquility and unique character of the place.
The landscape surrounding the village also plays a major role in its identity. Here, the Corbières offer very wild scenery, featuring scrubland, cliffs, and vast, windswept expanses. Hiking enthusiasts know the area well for its rarely visited trails and spectacular views of the surrounding hills.
About 40 minutes from Perpignan, Périllos is one of those places that’s hard to compare to anything else. Neither a true tourist village nor a simple abandoned ruin, the place retains something quite raw and mysterious.
📍Périllos