
Go to the casino if you must but in any case don't miss the geological museum where the owner gives a most informative tour in several languages.
The village takes pride in being the first 'village-arboretum' in France. There are certainly some wonderful trees and many signs describing them. Walks range from the ascent of the 'Pic du Canigou' to easy strolls suitable for children. Unfortunately the TIC only sells the walks guide in summer, which starts by decree on June 1 - but hotels are likely to have copies that you can see at other times.
Vernet shares a station with Villefranche-de-Conflent, easily reached from Perpignan, but, whereas Villefranche is near the station, Vernet is a fair trek and uphill on a road so a bus or taxi is necessary.