The Area:
Prades is a pretty French market town of about 4000 people. The big and colourful market is on Tuesday mornings. The Romanesque church has the largest baroque Reredos in France. There are cafes, brasseries and restaurants as well as a good range of shops all around the town square. There are events and festivals throughout the year.
From Carcassonne to the Vermillion coast the Rousillion is packed with interest. Notable vineyards include Limoux, Rivesaltes and Banyuls.
Catalonia has been part of the Kingdom of Majorca, Aragon, France and Spain. Its history is visible in the fortified towns, coastal watchtowers and castles throughout the area. Prades is a centre of French Catalan heritage and culture. Spanish cellist Pablo Casals fled to Prades during the Spanish civil war, stayed and established the festival that now bears his name. The Catalan summer school takes over the town for two weeks in August, and there is dancing in the square every night. Local food is influenced too.
Things to do:
There is so much to do in the region that all we can do is give you a taste. There are impressive hills, lakes and rivers around Prades with a wide variety sports and activities. In winter the nearest ski resorts are just 45km away.
Canet Plage is 30 minutes drive from the house. It has long, sandy Mediterranean beaches, restaurants and lively nightlife. You can get to Canet by public transport.
There is a variety of other beaches and coastal resorts close by including Sainte-Marie-Plage, Saint-Cyprien-Plage, Port Barcares, Argeles-sur-Mer and the pretty fishing town of Colluire.
The Petit Train Jaune, the most scenic SNCF service, climbs 1200m up the Tet valley from the walled town of Villefranche via some spectacular viaducts.
There are pretty towns and villages, castles, abbeys and lots of museums in the Conflent. Prades has an excellent, English speaking tourist office to help you plan your trips. Many of our guests keep coming back because there is so much to do and see.
Eating Out:
As you would expect, good restaurants are plentiful and you will be hard pressed to eat badly. The set menus are good value and a way to sample local specialties. Try Escalivade-roast vegetable salad, Bourride-delicious fish soup, anything with anchovies, Paella, Boules de Picolat-Catalonian meatballs, and Crepes Forestiere-wild mushroom pancakes. The ice-cream liegeois are excellent and Creme Catalane is the local dessert.
The local wine, best ordered by the pichet, is excellent and cheap. The vin rose goes well with virtually everything. Other drinks popular with the locals are Banyuls and Rivesaltes as aperitifs and dessert wines, Kir, Sangria, and demi-peche lager with peach syrup.
Other Activities:
Canoeing, White water rafting, Skiing 45 minutes drive
