Puigcerdà is the capital of the Cerdanya, a wide Pyrenean valley straddling the border between Catalonia and the French region of Occitanie. Sitting at around 1,200 metres on a small plateau above the valley floor, it commands broad views of the surrounding peaks and farmland. The town is pretty in a low-key way, with a central lake, shaded arcaded streets, and a ruined bell tower — all that remains of its medieval church after French bombardment in 1936.
In winter, Puigcerdà serves as a base for the ski resorts of La Molina and Masella, both within 15 minutes by road. In summer it fills with cyclists and hikers exploring the valley. The town has a slightly French character — cross-border shopping has long been part of the local economy — and you'll hear both Catalan and French spoken regularly.
Llívia, a curious Spanish enclave entirely surrounded by French territory, is just three kilometres away and worth a detour.