Make a self catering villa in Prats-de-Mollo, France your home away from home

This charming border town is the very last town in France, just 13km (8 miles) before the Spanish border, so it enjoys a very unique Spanish atmosphere. Located in the Vallespir region of Languedoc-Roussillon, Prats-de-Mollo enjoys the best of the mountains and the Med. Petanque, a type of French bowls, is played in the main square of El Firal. This walled city on the banks of the River Tech has an interesting history and has a Fort on the top of the hillside which was reputedly built to keep the Spanish out and the locals in check. A self-catering apartment in Prats-de-Mollo makes a great centre for exploring both sides of the border.

Things to do in Prats-de-Mollo, France

Prats-de-Mollo is an excellent town for walking around, with its steep cobbled street. The local weather-worn church has marvelous ironwork on the door beneath the porch. The city walls were rebuilt in the 17th century after a local revolt against taxes imposed by Louis XIV. The fort is also worth a tour and has some great views of the area.

The area around Prats-de-Mollo is ideal for hiking and walking. The hills provide a moderate challenge from your self catering villa. Mountaineering and cycling are also popular. In the heat of the summer, the mountains are a cool place to relax beyond the heat of the local towns.

During February Carnival is usually celebrated in Prats-de-Mollo with great enthusiasm. It is held on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent begins. The Ball de la Posta is a dance with a plank which has a pretty virgin at one end and the devil on the other. Dancers must choose whether to kiss the virgin or the devil with judgment to follow! The Fete de l’Ours or Bear Festival is another local cultural festival which is fun to participate in.

Places to visit near Prats-de-Mollo, France

The nearby town of Ceret is best known for its museum of modern art. It also has a Saturday Market which is not to be missed, selling plants, local produce and more.

Beaches of Spain - Take the stunning mountain drive over the border and into Spain – much prettier than the motorway route from Ceret. Less than an hour and a half from your villa in Prats-de-Mollo you can find yourself on some beautiful white sand beaches.

Just a few kilometers from Prats-de-Mollo is the famous town of La Preste. Known for its spa and healing waters, Leper’s Pool was once where people with leprosy would bathe to relieve their symptoms.

Weather in Prats-de-Mollo, France

Although Prats-de-Mollo is close to the Pyrenees it rarely sees temperatures below 10C (54F) and enjoys glorious summer weather with daily temperatures averaging 29C (84F). It has very little rainfall which is mainly from October to February and summers are reliably sunny and dry.

Flights to Prats-de-Mollo, France

Frequent budget airlines fly to Perpignon airport which is 68km from your self catering villa in Prats-de-Mollo, making this a popular area for a holiday.