BEACH DESTINATIONS:
There are a number of seaside destinations within easy reach of the house. The nearest is Argelès, with activities for kids and adults, and a 3km palm-tree-fringed promenade. Le Racou is smaller and good for snorkeling. North of Argelès is St Cyprien, with its pretty fishing harbour and quayside restaurants and boats for hire. South of Argeles the coast becomes rockier. Set in a picturesque cove with its old narrow streets down by the harbour and its seaside promenade, is reputedly the prettiest town on the Côte Vermeille, Collioure, where there are 2 small pebbly beaches and 1 small sandy one and a great choice of bars and restaurants. Just south of Collioure is Port Vendres, which is much more of a fishing harbour. A little further south still, set in a wide bay, is Banyuls with a beach, shops and restaurants. See frenchvilladirect.co.uk for more information on the local area. Alternatively, the pretty coastal resorts of the Costa Brava in Spain are about 1½ hours away by car.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
Walking: There is easy access straight from the centre of the village to a number of easy and more challenging walks, with picnic areas along the way. If you are feeling more adventurous, you could try a longer hike in the mountains with the local walking club, or set off on your own on the trans-Albères path, which leads right down to the beach. Mountain biking: Just up the road from the house is a mountain bike circuit which leads up into the Albères. Horse Riding: There are riding stables in the village. Tennis: There is a tennis court in the village which you can book to use. Golf: The best golf course in the area is 20 km away in St Cyprien. Wine tasting: More wine is produced in Languedoc Roussillon than in any other region in France. One of the vineyards in the village, the award-winning Mas Rous, is listed in the Hachette Guide. Another one, Domaine de Breuil, is owned by the former village Mayor, the charming M. Joseph de Massia. Visitors are very welcome at both vineyards.
SIGHTSEEING:
Both Collioure and Céret were favourite spots with many great modern artists, including Picasso and Matisse, and have a number of art galleries worth visiting. The Museum of Modern Art in Céret attracts visitors from near and far. If you’re interested in Romanesque architecture, there is a fine chapel at St.Genis des Fontaines, a priory at Serrabone, the cathedral in Elne and an abbey at St.Michel de Cuxa near Prades. Other suggestions include: Wander around the pretty medieval village of Castelnou (near Thuir), and combine with a visit to the Byrrh distillery in Thuir. Walk through the Gorges de la Fou near Arles sur Tech. Visit the Cathar fortresses only about 45min away to the north west of Perpignan: Queribus and Peyrepertuse. Dramatic scenery and you’ll need a head for heights while driving. A day trip to Carcassonne (approx one hour and 30 min away). Visit the Salvador Dalí museum in Figueras in Spain (30 min by car). A day trip to Barcelona (under two hours away).
