Tradition

A number of megaliths and engraved stones are evidence of the ancient occupation of this site. Communities settled here because of the favourable climate and the potential for agriculture.

La forteresse de Paracoll Two fortresses were built in Molitg and still remain:

the fortress of Paracoll with its romanesque chapel clings to the top of a granite hill above the gorges of the Castellane.
the castle next to the village church is mentionned in 1024 in a deed to the Abbaye of St Martin du Canigou.

The romanesque stone church was completed in the 12th century, so its cornice tells us. It was enlarged in the 17th and 18 century with lateral chapels. Its contains beautiful stained glass and baroque statues of the Virgin Mary, Saint Peter and Saint Isidore (patron of peasants). The old outside wall which protected the castle and its former chapel, ran between four defence towers; the only remaining one is now the church tower.

The Catalan cellist Pablo Casals instituted the internationally renowned music festival now held every year from late July to the middle of August in the nearby abbey of St.Michel de Cuxa.

During his long stays in Molitg, Casals enjoyed games of "pétanque" with the villagers who welcome all newcomers to their game.

Molitg (pronounce Molitch) comes from Moligigas, a reference to the big mill which must have been in the village. A large millstone was found under the village square.

Today there is no grain to grind nor hemp to hackle before weaving the fibres. Many mills in the Conflent were used for these operations in the 19th century. As a reminder of this past, the logo of the village has chosen a blue shield with a millstone.

The region is famous for fruit, in particular the mountain peaches with their unique flavour resulting from lots of sunshine and late ripening.

The local farms produce top quality calves. Nourished with their mother's milk, these animals have been awarded the label "rosée des Pyrénées".

The honey of the Castellane has also won regional recognition. Molitg is also proud of its French language school "Le Français Nature".