The Region:
Ceret lies in the Languedoc-Roussillon region on the lower south east of France nestled in the foothills of the he Pyrenees, 25km from the Mediterranean beaches at Argeles-Sur-Mer and Collioure. The region is also renowned as a spa area with resorts at Amelie-les-bains and Le Boulou.
Collioure is the quaintest of the towns on what is known as the Vermillion Coast. It has also worked its spell on artists for more than a century, writers, poets (Antonio Machado), and painters Picasso, Matisse, Derain, Dufy Chagall, Marquet have all been blessed by its charm. There are approximately 30 galleries in addition to the Museum of Modern Art. It is also famous for its anchovies and a sweet aperitif wine from Banyuls.
The coast is indented with small pebbly or sandy beaches with the background of steep, terraced vineyards.
They are patrolled in summer and are busy but never packed. As there is little industry in this area, the land, air and sea are clean.
Eating Opportunities:
Now after a hard day out doing whatever, it’s time to relax a fill up. As you can see from the photos, this apartment is fitted with an American-style kitchen, more than enough to prepare simple meals, (a picnic lunch) perhaps with goodies from the market. If you feel like stepping out, then there is no exaggeration about the restaurants on offer in Ceret. They range from gourmet-style cuisine to wood-fired oven pizza, Vietnamese and the local Catalan/Mediterranean style cuisine. There are twenty-two on the list the majority within a short walk from the front door. See this link to the tourist office for the full list. http://www.ceret.fr/cer-3100.php?CatID=4&ArtID=30
There are many more in the region. Perhaps you could check out those recommended in the Via Michelin.
Perpignan:
It’s only a short drive to Perpignan, the site of the new TGV Station which will link France and Barcelona, Spain. The city centre with its winding medieval pedestrian area, the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, the winding canals, beautiful open city squares, cafes, bars and restaurants and shopping areas, multicoloured buildings is really delightful. You will also come across the late 14th-century Castillet, Perpignan’s emblem, which was at once a castle, town gate and prison, Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Le-Baptiste (“Saint John the Baptist Cathedral”) and 'Campo Santo' (France’s biggest cloister cemetery), Eglise Saint Jacques “Church of Saint James”, and the Jardin de La Miranda (“La Miranda Garden”).
There is a Saturday morning market in Place de la Republique next to the Theatre and in the midst of the old town with shops which still have a medieval feel. Perpignan is home to festivals in summer of music, dance, theatre, see: http://www.estivales.com/
