Have you ever stumbled into a festival by accident while traveling? If you’re a cherry lover visiting the Pyrénées-Orientales in southern France around mid-May, Céret is a must. Known as the Capital of Cherries, this charming Catalan town celebrates its first harvest with pride, a tradition that includes sending the season’s first cherries to the Élysée Palace, dating back to 1932.
In May 2025, I visited Céret on a vibrant Saturday, coinciding with the first day of the Fête de la Cerise. It was a whirlwind of art, cherries, and infectious energy. While the festival was a delightful surprise, Céret’s reputation as the “Mecca of Cubism” was the true draw for me, an art enthusiast with a sketchbook always in hand.
The Saturday Market: Cherries and Cheer
My partner and I arrived in Céret around noon, just before the Céret Saturday Market—one of the region’s finest outdoor markets—began to wind down. On this special Saturday, coinciding with the Fête de la Cerise, Boulevard Jean Jaurès and beyond buzzed with nearly 170 stalls shaded by plane trees. The market was a sensory feast: vibrant piles of fresh produce, fragrant bouquets, handmade crafts like woven baskets and jewelry, and trailers offering cheeses, sausages, and Catalan specialties like paella and escargots. The streets were alive with locals and visitors chatting, laughing, and debating which bag or trinket was the best find. Unlike online shopping, this market was a social hub, fostering connection and joy.
I couldn’t resist sketching the lively scene, balancing my sketchbook against a tree. My lines were wobbly, but the energy was worth capturing. Musicians filled the air with melodies, and the market’s buzz was pure magic.
For Sketchers’ Sidekicks:
If your companion isn’t as keen on lingering over every brushstroke, the museum’s small size is a blessing—it won’t take all day. Suggest they grab a coffee at the nearby Place Pablo Picasso, where they can people-watch. Or check out the stalls in the market.
The Saturday Market: Cherries and Cheer
We arrived Ceret late in the morning, but right before the closing of the Céret Saturday Market, one of the region’s best outdoor markets. On this special Saturday, coinciding with the Fête de la Cerise, the boulevards (Jean Jaurès and beyond) were alive with nearly 170 stalls under shady plane trees. The market was a feast for the senses, with ruby-red cherries (Céret’s pride, ripened by the Vallespir climate) front and center. I grabbed a bag of those sweet, juicy gems and couldn’t stop munching. Stalls brimmed with creamy goat cheese, crusty breads, paella, and Roussillon wines, while artisans sold cherry confitures and handmade crafts like pottery and woven baskets. I tried to sketch the vibrant scene, balancing my sketchbook against a tree—my lines were wobbly, but the energy was worth capturing. The market’s buzz, with locals chatting and musicians playing, was pure joy.
For Sketchers’ Sidekicks:
While I was busy sketching, non-artists could dive into the market’s treats—think cherry tarts, local garlic paste, or even Catalan classics like snails and paella. The market’s cozy setup makes it easy to explore, and there are loads of cool souvenirs like homemade jams and handmade jewelry to check out.
Fête de la Cerise: A Party for Everyone
The Fête de la Cerise made my afternoon unforgettable. This two-day festival in mid-May 2025 was in full swing, celebrating Céret’s famous cherries with red-decked streets and cherry-themed treats—think cherry beer, pies, and special restaurant menus. The highlight was a lively parade with giant puppet dolls of two kings towering over the crowd, locals dancing the traditional Catalan sardana in joyful circles, and musicians playing reedy, bagpipe-like instruments that gave the air a magical hum. I tried sketching the parade’s energy, though my standing sketches were more chaotic than polished. The Céret de Bandas added brass band flair, making the whole town feel like a big, happy party.
For Sketchers’ Sidekicks:
If your companion isn’t sketching the parade, they’ll love the festival’s vibe. The sardana dance is mesmerizing to watch, and the food stalls are perfect for grazing—grab a cherry pastry or join the pit-spitting fun for a lighthearted moment. The music and crafts keep things lively, so they won’t feel left out while you’re lost in your sketchbook.
A Quick Stroll Through Céret’s Charm
Even in just an afternoon, Céret’s laid-back magic shone through. I wandered the Old Town, admiring the red-and-yellow Catalan flags and the 13th-century Porte d’Espagne. The Place Pablo Picasso, with its quirky fountain inspired by Mount Canigou, was a great spot to pause and sketch (yes, standing again—my lines were wild!). If I’d had more time, I’d have hiked the Vallespir hills for Pyrenees views or sipped sweet Banyuls wine at a local bar. Céret felt like a place where art and life intertwine effortlessly.
For Sketchers’ Sidekicks:
The Old Town’s compact size is perfect for a quick stroll while you sketch. Suggest they check out the fountain or grab a drink at a nearby café. If they’re into nature, point them toward a short walk in the hills—it’s a great way to stay busy without straying far.
Final Thoughts for Art Lovers and Their Pals
My afternoon in Céret was a love letter to art, with the museum’s masterpieces, the market’s vibrancy, and the Fête de la Cerise’s infectious spirit filling my sketchbook (and stomach!). For us art lovers, it’s a paradise to soak up Picasso’s legacy and sketch under plane trees. For our sidekicks, Céret offers plenty—cherries, crafts, music, and that warm Catalan welcome—to make the day just as special. I left dreaming of my next visit, maybe with a better sketching setup! Have you explored Céret or another artsy gem with a companion? Share your stories and tips below—I’d love to hear how you balance art and adventure!
Places to Sketch in Collioure
For sketchers chasing Collioure’s Fauvist spark, here are top spots to unleash your creativity:
- The Place Pablo Picasso: Quirky fountain
- The Cherries Stalls: Sketch the pink bell tower and fishing boats from Plage de Boramar benches. Dusk offers golden hues for subtler sketches. Watch your supplies—seagulls are bold!
- Quiet alleys behind the main road: If you take a turn away from the main street, you will find quiet corners.
- Saturday Market: The beautiful color of the busy market and the crowds are fun to sketch.
What to Bring for Sketching
To sketch Collioure’s vibrant scenes, pack these essentials:
- Sketchbook: Stillman & Birn Alpha series soft cover sketchbook, 14X21, 150 g
- Colored Pencils or Markers: Stabilo highlighters or Caran d’Ache luminance pencils for bold Fauvist hues. Limit to 6–8 colors to avoid overwhelm.
- Portable Seat: A lightweight stool or cushion for rocky spots like Plage de Boramar.
- Sunglasses and Hat: Protect against Mediterranean glare, especially at dusk or midday.
- Water Bottle and Snacks: Stay hydrated and energized during long sessions.
- Small Pouch: Organize supplies to avoid spills near water or sand.