Langudoc Rousillon - Out and About

The village of St. Genis Des Fontaines is ideally placed to access the Mediterranean some 12 kilometres distant to the nearest local beach, known as Argeles Sur Mer. During the summer period this small resort opens its shops, cafes and restaurants for the visiting holiday trippers. And nearby at the port, there are boat excursions for those wishing to see the rugged coastline which operates in the summer. A bit further along the coast is the lovely resort of Collioure dominated by a castle overlooking a bay which is renowned for its artists and artists’ shops, as well as some fine restaurants.

As for the village of St. Genis Des Fontaines, this lies about 2 kilometres from the foot of the Pyrenean chain known as the Alberes, which is forested with a variety of trees, and is great for hill walking for energetic visitors taking a packed lunch. In the countryside around, this is mainly made up of vineyards which produce some excellent wines.

For those seeking more cultural diversions, there are the Cathar castles seemingly all built on rocky outcrops with commanding views, some spectacular gorges, churches and old buildings of historical interest, and 3 museums of pre history covering the evolution of man and nature --- from the Palaeolithic to Neolithic ---- dating back 450,000 years. And further west at Esperaza, one can visit the Dinosaur museum which reaches far back in the time of pre history where these animals once lived and roamed.

Apart from that already described in France, there are many places of interest in Spain which can easily be reached by car. For example there is the interesting city of Gerona with its cafes, restaurants, shops and buildings of historical interest like the Old Jewish Quarter and the Arab baths constructed at the time of the Moors conquest. And north of Gerona near the town of Olot, there is a national park with some extinct volcanoes surrounded by delightful countryside.

An finally in between sorties visiting places of interest and eating out, it is possible to go to some local French event or musical concert held during the months of July and August.

Depending on the sort of holiday one wishes to spend: be it sight seeing or relaxing on the beach or a combination of the two, one can obtain most of the information required from the local Tourist Offices --- France and Spain --- which usually has its version in English.

Written by Derek Andrews - Owner of Property 7914 in St Genis des Fontaines, France

ST GENIS DES FONTAINES, FRANCE

Nestled in the foothills of the Alberes Mountains at the western edge of the Pyrenees is the small, but historical village, of Saint Genis Des Fontaines. It is a beautiful holiday location and excellently situated for the golden beaches of Argeles Sur Mer on the coast to the mountainous skiing areas of Font Romeau.

At the heart of the village is the ancient Abbey which dates from the 10th Century and has a lintel of world renown at its western portal. This history sits well within a region which also houses the famous City of Perpginan, town of Carcassonne, and many castles of the Cathars.

St Genis, as it is known locally, has market days on Wednesdays and Fridays when local goods can be brought and a delightful coffee or beer can be found at the Palais Des Alberes in the Place de la Republic, a short distance from the market place. The local award winning wine, Domaine Bisconte, is produced at the community cellar, Cellier des Alberes, on the Route de Brouilla and is really worth a visit. They will allow you to taste the wines before buying and you will not be disappointed, you will leave with a case, rest assured.

The village itself does not have many restaurants or bars, however, the next village of Laroque des Alberes features some of the best in the area. Bar Mimi, has friendly hosts Mimi and Nico, serving local beers and wines as well as a great Asian menu. The Café Des Artistes run by Fergal and Mel will be welcoming to you and has a great family feel. The menu is varied and good value, you will find a pint of cold Guinness , as well as local beers and wines, all served with that great Irish humour. For the purist is Claude’s Wine Bar where great wine is served with dry French wit.

Visitors exploring the Alberes Mountains on foot or bicycle will find many small villages with a friendly welcome and great local produce. The coast holds the ancient sea port of Coullioure which has been the subject of artwork from many of the French masters of the past, as well as local painters today who display their works for pleasure and sale. The cafes and restaurants in the port are a must to visit, with excellent sea food. It is a short drive to visit the ski regions of the Pyrenees which, even in summer, are panoramic.

The weather is hot from May through to October temperatures drop somewhat after this. There is moderate rainfall in the area through the winter months but during the day a pullover or light jacket is all that is needed for comfort. All in all, Saint Genis Des Fontaines is well worth the visit during any of the four seasons as you will experience the warmth of the weather and the people of beautiful southern France.

Written by Ian Tickner - Owner of Property 59041 in St Genis des Fontaines, France