The Spanish Town in France: Why Llivia Still Belongs to Madrid.

The Town of Llivia, Which Belongs to Spain

According to The Sun: Llivia is a small town located in central France, but it is actually part of Spain. Although it is surrounded by French territory, its actual location is close to the border with Spain.

This situation arose due to the historic Treaty of the Pyrenees, signed in 1659, which ended the war between France and Spain. According to the agreement, 33 villages that belonged to Spain were transferred to France. However, Llivia remained under Spanish jurisdiction as it was considered a town, not a village.

Today, Llivia remains part of Spain, despite being surrounded by French territory. One can reach the town via the narrow road N-154, which stretches just two miles through France and then leads to the nearest Spanish town of Puigcerdà.

In the 1970s, conflicts arose between France and Spain over this road, when the French side installed signs requiring Spanish drivers to yield. Local residents repeatedly destroyed these signs, leading to the construction of a new bridge that resolved the dispute. Thanks to the ease of travel between Schengen countries, this road is now actively used by both nationalities.

The Popularity of Llivia Among Tourists

Llivia has around 1,400 residents and is popular with tourists, especially during the ski season. Llivia is surrounded by mountains and is located at an altitude of 1,200 meters. It is worth visiting the Esteva pharmacy, now a museum, once one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe.

It is also worth seeing the Church of Saint Mary of Angels and the tower of Bernat de So. This charming town is worth a visit, as it has many stone houses with wooden balconies that give an impression of a ski resort.

Llivia has several hotels, the cheapest being Hotel Llivia, with prices starting from £60 per night. For more comfort, you can stay at the four-star Set Terres – La Vil·la de Llívia, with prices starting from £83 per night.

The easiest way to get to Llivia is by car from Barcelona, taking about two hours, as there are not many airports nearby.

This is not the only unusual destination shared by France and Spain. The island of Phazant, located in the middle of the River Bidassoa, measures only 200 meters long and 40 meters wide. Its territory belongs to both countries, and the nationality changes every six months. However, it is not advisable to plan a visit to the island, as it is mainly used by the military, although it is occasionally open to the public on heritage days.

Llivia is a unique town that reflects the historical significance of the borders between France and Spain. Due to its history and nature, it remains a popular destination for tourists looking to enjoy the beauty of the Pyrenees.