France - France's Catalonian Corner - The Roussillon (15/151)

France - France's Catalonian Corner - The Roussillon (15/151)

The Roussillon, situated between the Mediterranean and the Pyrennees is also named "French Catalonia". This ancient borderland with castles and fortresses managed to preserve its own identity even under changing influences. Evelyn Schel's film takes us first to Perpignan, the capital of the "Catalonian Corner" of France, where Spanish and French rulers alternated until under the Treaty of the Pyrennees in 1659 Roussillon was finally ceded to France. Jacques Deloncle, the "Catalan Chief", talks about his people's culture and their struggle to preserve their identity. The rocky Côte Vermeille extends right up to the Spanish border. The brilliant colours and the clear sunlight of the coastal resort Collioure inspired great painters such as Henri Matisse or André Derain. Jojo Pous, landlord of the legendary "Hostellerie des Templars", a popular meeting place, owns a quite incredible art collection: artists were always welcome here, even Picasso visited "Les Templiers".