History

Les Angles was probably inhabited from around 2500BC onwards. At this time the Cerdagne plate was cold and wet, and not suitable for habitation. Humans would have habitated the higher ground on the sides of the hills. The valley of Capcir, was without any doubt one of their locations. In spite of the undeniable attraction of the place there have not been any remains found (neither megalith, dolmen nor menhir).

In fact, Capcir preserves few traces of human activity until the arrival of the Carolingians, in 793. The Carolingians founded the feudal system and the valley of the Aude was integrated into the county of Razès, (now part of Aude)

In 833, the church of Formiguères was built, marking it beginning of the settlement by the pioneers of this area. From the end of the 9th century, the valley was populated under the direction of the abbot of St Jacques of Jocou, an abbey of Razès. At this point the church of St Saver was built, around which the village was formed.

Les Angles was then given by the count de Cerdagne Seniofred (927-967) to the abbey of St Michel de Cuxa which had been built the previous century. This was not the only thing given away by the count at this time. He in fact passed all Southern Capcir (Matemale, Creu, Vallsera, etc.) to the abbey of St. Michel de Cuxa.

The church of St Saver became too small by the 19th century and was dismantled with it’s stones being used to build the present church of St. Michel (between 1864 and 1866).

In 1964, Les Angles created a winter-sports resort close by to the original village which has developed significantly over the years since and has also become a summer sports destination due to the building of a large reservoir nearby (Lake Matemale)

Nowadays, Les Angles is a beautiful mountain village which incorporates the old town and the facilities of a modern ski destination perfectly. Relatively unknown outside of France, the resort benefits from quiet pistes outside of the French school holidays (February), which makes skiing, boarding or cross-country skiing much more of a pleasure. Forget those crowded pistes !!

As well as loads of shops, restaurants and bars, Les Angles also has a swimming pool, bowling alley, ice rink, night club, cinema and tennis courts.

Regular firework displays and torchlit descents throughout the ski season are another highlight to look forward to during your winter break.

Les Angles also has a ‘Parc Animalier’, which is open all year round.

Les Angles is not just a ski location, but also benefits from being positioned on the shore of Lac Matemale which is a popular sailing and wind-surfing venue in the summer time, as well as with walkers and mountain bikers. The gondola runs throughout the summer allowing hikers and bikers to benefit from the beautiful scenery at the top, without the trouble of getting there under their own steam! Tennis courts, swimming pool, cinema, ice rink etc. are all open during the summer period.