Visita a la Maternitat suïssa d'Elna + ruta "Cotlliure, trajecte final" , Sat, Sep 30...

Join us for the annual edition of the "Paths of Exile" series, where we explore beautiful, peculiar, and interesting places connected to the drama of the Spanish Civil War and the forced exile of hundreds of thousands of people who had to cross the border under terrible conditions, fleeing Franco's Spain.

This time, we will take a comprehensive historical, cultural, and fun tour to the Swiss Maternity of Elna and Cotlliure, the gem of Costa Vermella and a town closely linked to the Republican exile.

GUIDED TOUR OF THE SWISS MATERNITY OF ELNA (Rosselló, France)
The maternity of Elna was the stage for one of the most dramatic and unknown chapters of our post-war period. Between 1939 and 1944, Swiss nurse Elisabeth Eidenbenz saved the lives of 597 infants. They were the children of Catalan and Spanish exiles who were living in wretched conditions in the Republican refugee camps of Sant Cebrià de Rosselló, Argelers, and Ribesaltes. These fortunate infants were welcomed into the maternity created by Eidenbenz.

GUIDED ROUTE "COTLLIURE, FINAL JOURNEY"
Cotlliure, one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Catalonia, has strong ties to the Republican exile. The most well-known case is that of the poet Antonio Machado, who died in the village and is buried in its cemetery. But few people know that the medieval castle-palace was used as a prison for Spanish Republicans considered potentially dangerous by the French government.

This comprehensive guided tour will allow us to discover the most emblematic corners of the town and delve into the tragic history of the Republican exile. We will also visit the cemetery and uncover lesser-known aspects of Antonio Machado's last days.

Summary and some of the main highlights of the excursion:

1. Visit the Swiss Maternity of Elna and learn about its fascinating history.
2. Explore Cotlliure, the gem of Costa Vermella:
2.1- Take a panoramic route to discover the most interesting places in the town and its history.
2.2- Embark on the "Cotlliure, Final Journey" route to uncover lesser-known aspects of Antonio Machado's last days.
2.3- Free time to enjoy the beach.
3. Discover the tragic history of the Republican exile and get to know Northern Catalonia better.

THE ITINERARY

8:00 AM: Meet at Universitat Square (main entrance of UB). We will stop for breakfast during the journey.

11:00 AM-12:30 PM: Arrival in Elna and guided tour of the Swiss Maternity.

12:30 PM-1:00 PM: Bus ride to Cotlliure.

1:00 PM-3:00 PM: Free time for lunch in Cotlliure.

3:00 PM-5:00 PM: Guided tour of Cotlliure. The visit is divided into two parts:
- First part: Panoramic tour of the town.

• Second part: Visit to the cemetery and "Cotlliure, Final Journey" route.

5:00 PM-7:00 PM: Bus ride back to Barcelona.

LANGUAGES: Catalan and/or Spanish.
GUIDE: Toni Bellido (official guide of Barcelona and Catalonia).

PRICE: 45 euros (cash payment at the beginning of the excursion).
ADVANCE SALE: 40€ on ENJOY CATALONIA's website (up to 48 hours before the start of the excursion):
https://www.enjoycatalonia.com/ca/tours/maternitatelnaimemorialribesaltes/

This price includes:
✔︎ Private bus transportation from Barcelona.
✔︎ Entrance and guided tour of the Swiss Maternity of Elna.
✔︎ Guided tour of "Cotlliure, Final Journey".
✔︎ Official guide accompanying from Barcelona.
✔︎ Taxes.

IMPORTANT: It is mandatory to bring your ID card or passport to enter France.