A tough day on the bike today - but we have crossed the Pyrenees by bicycle (and our own leg power) The day started out cold (7 degrees) and did not warm up until we had descended to Prats de Mollo, on the French side of the border - the air was crisp, even though the sun was shining in a cloudless sky today. This gave absolutely gorgeous panoramic views of the mountains (snow covered on the highest peaks) and the meadows. We could hear bells as we climbed, assuming it was from cows frolicking about - but we came across horses with bells. From what we learned yesterday, it was not a good omen for these horses…. We eventually reached the Coll d’Ares, on a bright and sparkling morning, even if it was cold. A far cry from the winter of 1939, when thousands of refugees streamed across, fleeing the forces of General Franco, at the end of the Civil War After the climb, it was a long and steep descent into Ceret, stopping along the way to have a look at Prats de Mollo. This walled town is a maze of narrow cobbled streets and mediaeval architecture. With only 1,100 inhabitants, it boasts numerous hotels, restaurants and cafés, the narrow streets forming terraces linked together by stairways and passages. A covered walkway leads directly from the town to Fort Lagarde, an impressive fort built by Marshal Vauban in 1683 to strengthen the town's defences and keep the population under control after the Treaty of the Pyrenees (1659) divided Catalonia between Spain and France and after the revolts of the Angelets de la Terra (1667–75). Its position also makes it ideal as a starting point for walking and climbing itineraries. Only a few kilometres away lies La Preste, a spa town known for its waters and treatment of urinary infections and related diseases. In the 14th century, people with leprosy used to bathe in the ’Leper’s pool’ to help to relieve their symptoms. Onwards to Ceret, the French capital for cherries, and noted also for an awesome bridge! The Pont du Diable (English: Devil's bridge) or Pont Vieux (English: Old bridge) is a medieval stone arch bridge at Céret, France, built between 1321 and 1341. It spans the Tech River with a single arch of 45.45 metres . At its apex, the arch is 22.3 metres high. At the time of its construction it became the world's largest bridge arch, being bigger than the Ponte della Maddalena in Italy which held the world record until then. It remained so until 1356, when the Castelvecchio Bridge in Verona (Italy) became the new largest bridge