Places of Interest:
Mont Canigou - this mountain peak, although not the highest of the eastern Pyrénées, is a mystical and mythical mountain for the Catalans. Can be climbed from mid-May by landrover / 4x4 or two hours on foot.
Villefranche-de-Conflent - an historic town surrounded by defensive walls is a fort built by Louis Vauban in the 17th century and is well worth a visit. Fort Liberia looks down on the fortified town and there is a connecting tunnel between the two.
Mont Louis - another fortified town, higher up into the mountains with superb views over the foothills as they descend to the Mediterranean. Near to Mont Louis is the 'Fort Solar' - one of the largest solar powered electricity stations in Europe, with its own visitor centre.
Not too far away is the Fort of Salses constructed in the 15th century, or take a visit to Carcassonne a fortified city in Cathar country.
Activities:
Excellent walking and hiking country. There are two Randonnées (or signposted footpaths) that pass the front door. Ask at the local Syndicat d'Initiative or tourist office in Olette. Walking maps are available in bookshops, 'tabacs' and petrol stations.
Trout fishing in the stream in front of the house (permit available at the 'tabac' in Olette) or the fishing lake near Olette.
A full range of watersports (sailing, windsurfing and scuba diving) take place all along the Vermeille coast (Canet Plage etc) and there is also windsurfing on the mountain lakes at Les Angles.
All winter sports (skiiing, snowboarding, husky sled rides, ice skating etc) at the ski stations of the Pyrenees. Font Romeu and Les Angles are especially good for their range of activities and children's facilities, including ski schools with English-speaking instructors.
There is an adventure activity centre in Maquixanes (30 mins) with white water rafting, high-rope walks / climbs through the trees and canoeing.
Restaurents & Hotels:
Café de l'Houstalet - Olette
La Fontaine Auberge - Olette
Visit the Templiers bar in Collioure where Picasso sat.
There are many excellent restaurants in Prades, Villefranche, Thuir, Vernet-les-Bains, Port Vendres, Céret etc as well as wonderful village bars serving simple 'family' meals.
Try the Auberge de Jujols for spectacular views over the valley - but make sure that you call to book a table first!
After skiiing or a visit to the mountains, try one of many excellent restaurants / hotels in Font Romeu - all types of cuisine and a full range of prices from the simple to the simply luxurious!
If you are desperate for fast food, there is even a McDonald's in Prades! But the pizza vans are much better quality and value!
Ski:
There are nine ski stations within an hour's drive of the house. The largest & nearest is the resort of Font Romeu with its ice rink, numerous ski lifts, snow guns and a skiable route suitable for all to Pyrénées 2000, another ski station. Wonderful views from Roc de la Calme at 2200 metres. If you wish to travel a little closer to Spain then try Port Puymorens with its rugged beauty. All nine ski satations are served with English-speaking ski schools.
Other resorts include the twin stations of Cambre d'Aze Eyne & Cambre St Pierre.
Puigmal 2600 has lovely long trail to a restaurant and the opportunity to sunbathe and recouperate from the ardours of skiing. The magnificient resort of Les Angles also has the added attraction of an ice rink and great facilities for children.
At every resort, there are plenty of green and blue runs for the novice as well as red and black for the more experienced.
Buy a half-day, full day, weekly or 9-station pass for the greatest variety.
Golf:
Saint-Cyprien - North of Saint-Cyprien on the Etang-de-Canet, phone 04 6839 3766
Amélie-les-Bains, phone 04 6839 5142
Font Romeu
Other Activities:
Adventure park, all snow sports and water sports available within approx 45 mins drive.
