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THE COAST of the Mediterranean offer many possibilities for days out.
Large sandy beaches, too large to be crowded, run from Leucate down to Spain and are the ideal place to spend a relaxing day with a parasol and picnic.
Try Leucate, St Marie de la Plage and St Cyprien
PORT VENDRE is a working fishing port where the quayside restaurants offer superb seafood dishes and a swim in one of the secluded bays to cool off during the afternoon. We would also recommend going to the fish quay and ordering a plate of oysters and prawns.
COLLIOURE is the gem of the Roussillon coast and has been a magnet for artists since Matisse settled there in 1905 . The streets are narrow and cobbled have many galleries and interesting shops. The pretty harbour with its famous church tower is lined by colourful fishing boats and the restaurants serve locally caught sardines and anchovies.
There are also diving and windsurfing schools.
There is a wide choice of local RESTAURANTS to suit all budgets where you can wine and dine in relaxed surroundings. The nearest one is five minutes away in Saint Martin at the Auberge.
You could try some of the hearty regional dishes locally such as Cassoulet from around 10 euros or eat at the new Michelin-star restaurant in Maury.
The bar in nearby Caudies sells home made pizzas and the restaurant offers a choice of menus.
Throughout the year, you will find fresh produce in the local MARKETS. Here you can stock up on fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese and wine. They are great fun and are a good place to mix with the locals. You are often encouraged to try before you buy as each vendor is so proud of his produce. There are markets in various villages and are usually on different days of the week. The bigger markets are found in Quillan, Ceret, Prades and Esperaza and make a great day out.
There are many WALKS around the villages of Fosse and Le Vivier ranging from short strolls to a full days. Wherever you roam you can be sure that the scenery will be superb and the countryside will be unspoilt. There are maps in each gite for you to look at.
WINE TASTING is actively encouraged. The whole of this region is a major wine producing area and is undergoing a major transformation from quantity to quality. Many vignerons (wine makers) from abroad are investing in the area as the growing conditions are so good. You will see many roadside ‘degustation’ signs meaning you are welcome to taste. There is no obligation to buy. Some vignerons have restaurants attached which allow you to taste a different wine with each course.
THE GORGE DE GALAMUS is a must. From its car park admire the views and maybe take the walk down to the old church carved into the rock returning through steps set into a tunnel which leads back up to the road.
If you are feeling adventurous you can drive or walk over the gorge. It is a single track road with passing places but is not for the faint-hearted.
The 3rd century ROMAN AQUADUCT crosses the river at nearby Ansignan. is another must see. It lies in a vine encrusted valley and still irrigates the fields to this day.It is one of our favourite haunts and is free to visit.
We strongly recommend that you visit at least one of our local three CATHAR CASTLES of Queribus, Peyrepertuse and Puilaurens. They are steeped in history and sit on the top of high peaks.
There is a small entry charge which includes a guidebook. All involve a climb up to the castles themselves and the views are amazing .
They are remarkably well preserved and it is not difficult to imagine the lives the inhabitants lived and how they must have suffered.
If you are finding life too relaxing then WHITE WATER RAFTING should wake you up! This is great fun and very well supervised. You start with the raft and an experienced instructor near Axat on the river Aude. The ride lasts for about about an hour and a half and you will get very wet.
Normally May to September.
The CANAL DU MIDI is an incredible feat of engineering and connects Toulouse and the Mediterranean. Along its length there are pretty villages (with restaurants!) where you can have lunch outside watching the boats go by and then maybe go for a stroll by the canal.
The eight-step locks at Bezier are also worth a visit.
The old walled Cité of CARCASSONNE is popular with visitors to the region, although it is very touristy. The old ramparts and cobbled streets are now filled with gift shops and cafés.
SALSES LE CHATEAU – Take a guided tour of this fascinating fort which used to be on the boarder between France and Catalunya.
THE LITTLE YELLOW TRAIN runs 63 kms from the valley bottom up towards Spain. Construction was completed in 1927 and is considered to be one of the most scenic railway journeys in Europe passing round hillsides, through deep gorges, over lofty viaducts, through 19 tunnels, past terraced vineyards and tiny red-tiled villages that cling to the hillsides.
RENNES LE CHATEAU (1hr) – Wander through the small village and visit the church that featured in the Davinci Code.
If you really enjoy superb SCENERY just get in your car and drive. The scenery is simply beautiful.
Take a picnic and swim wear, somewhere along the way you will find a "plan d`eau" a SWIMMING area with shaded picnic spot. Perfect on a hot day.
The regions capital PERPIGNAN is always a lovely day out especially during the summer months. There are always festivals of one description or another, art, jazz, street miming, open air markets etc as well as a large choice of open air cafes, bars and restaurants. Perpignan`s historical past include the 15th centuary " Castillet"
The 13th centuary "Loge de Mer" headquarters of the towns maritime trade and the "Palace of the Kings of Majorca" built in 1276 when the town, part of the kingdom of Majorca, became the mainland capital and where the Kings of Aragon kept lions in the moat. Though you will find it much more relaxed today.
Visit any of the THERMAL SPA TOWNS such as Vernet-les-Bains, Axe-les-Theremes , Thomas-les-Bains and Allet-les-Bains. Enjoy taking the waters that are said to help against gastric problems as well as ear, nose and throat problems. If the iadea of taking theses waters is not appealing, you can always take to the waters and enjoy swimming in them as they are always at a constant warm temperature.
During the winter months the SKI resorts are open and offer runs for all abilities as well as ski schools. The smaller resorts of Puyvalador and Mijanes are just over 1 hrs drive whilst the larger resort of Les Angles, Frances highest town at 1800mts and Font Romeu are slightly further.
Andorra is about 3 hrs drive but, you could always take a night or two in one of the many B&B`s or hotels.
Situated on the outskirts of Caudies de Fenouilledes, CASTELL FIZELL ACTIVITY CENTRE offers a whole host of activities for those who want a bit more action. Activities include, canoeing and cannoning, horse riding, rock climbing and archery. There is a swimming pool and a bar and restaurant, you could be there the whole day.
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