Local Attractions

With the proximity of the sea and the mountains, the favoured Mediterranean climate and more sunshine hours per year than anywhere else in France, it is easy to find plenty to do.

The Coast

Long stretches of sandy beaches give way to dramatic rocky coves as the Pyrenean mountains tumble into the sea. There are traditional seaside resorts and ports with restaurants and lively night-life. The pretty port of Collioure attracted many early 20thC artists, and remains today largely unspoilt and picturesque.

The Mountains

Within 1 hours drive are the high Pyrenees where wild boar, izards and eagles live. In early summer, when the snow remains on the mountain tops, wild flowers including narcissi and gentians carpet the fields of the Cerdagne high plateau.

There are lakes and rivers to explore, and remote ancient monasteries and chapels as this was one of the pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostello.

The famous peak of Canigou (2785m), sacred mountain of the Catalans, towers over the Roussillon plain. There are many walking routes up the mountain, and remote villages tucked away in the valleys beneath it. On June 23rd, fete of St Jean, a bonfire is lit at the top of Canigou and the flame transported to villages all over Catalonia where the children dare each other to leap over the bonfires.

The ski resorts are just over an hours drive and the mountain kingdom of Andorra is 2 hours away.

Other attractions

For those who like action, there are rivers for canoeing, good snorkeling and diving around the coast, walking, climbing and cycling. The popular water park, ‘Aqualand’ is nearby and also ‘Forest adventure’ – a tree high rope walk and dramatic pulley slide.