The Treaty of the Pyrenees

The countryside had seen many battles. But during the 30 year war ( 1618 to 1648) the opposition between the Catalans and the Castilians came to a head when France and Spain declared war (in 1635). In 1640 the Catalan people rebelled against the Castilian crown. This was known as the uprising of the Segadors ( meaning reapers or harvesters). It was lead by Pau Claris, the Canon of Urgell.

They petitioned Louis XIII of France to recognise Pau Claris as Count of Barcelona.

The Prince of Conde laid seige to Elne. Collioure was taken by the Spaniards and on 29th August 1642 they captured Perpignan.

The Treaty of the Pyrenees was signed in 1659 between.

Philippe IV King of Spain and Louis XIV King of France. The counties of Roussillon, Conflent and 33 villages in the Cerdagne went to France. But Llivia remained a Spanish conclave within France.

The land was destitute after 200 years of war and plagues. However gradually the population grew so that just prior to the revolution there were 100,000 people in roussillon.

The department of the Pyrennes-Orientales was created on 6th March 1790. At the same time approximately 30 villages from the Fenouilledes were transfered to Roussillon.