'About the area' gives a general flavour of the region.
Here we aim to give more specific advice about
'Whats on and Where to go'.
We have divided it up into general areas of interest which are
Culture, Sports and Activities, and Towns and Cities worth a visit:
Musée d'art Moderne de Céret | This houses collections by Matisse and Picasso amongst others. The museum is architecturally pleasing and has a very nice museum shop. It is also located in one of the most picturesque French market towns. |
Salvador Dali Theatre Museum at Figueres | This is a wonderful day out. The museum building is of interest in itself, and then there are the contents! A surreal experience. |
Salvador Dali house at Port Lligat | Three fisherman's cottages knocked together at the water's edge of this delightful tiny port. Only Salvador and Gala Dali could create such an interior. Wonderful. |
Sardanes | This can be observed in many towns and villages throughout the summer season. Some places have a Sardanes festival but you can be assured of a viewing every Thursday evening in the village of Sorède. The instruments played to create the music are also interesting. |
Le Musée du Liège | Our very own museum in the village of Maureillas celebrating the village's cork oak industry. Upstairs they have a gallery where local artists can exhibit. |
Palace of the Majorcan Kings | This citadel in the city of Perpignan speaks of Catalonia's historical past. |
Aqualand | For a water park day out. The usual selection of water slides and a special area for the tinies. Located near St. Cyprien. |
Boat hire, boat and fishing trips | From Port D'Argelès. You can also hire Dart 14 catamaran dinghies by the hour off the beach at Banyuls-sur-Mer. |
Boules/Petanque | You can play anywhere in France or just watch the locals. We have a boules set at the villa and Boules courts at the bottom of the village at the Parc de Loisir. |
Cycling | There are some bikes at the house to go and explore, take a picnic and lunch in the vineyards. It is also France's national sport. They take it very seriously and there is plenty on offer for the more serious cyclist. If our bikes aren't up to the job you can hire locally. |
Forest Adventure | There are two forest activity sites at St. Jean Pla de Corts and Amelie-Les Bains. Take the high wire, hire a pedalo, swim, trampoline or go horseriding. |
Golf | There are several golf courses in the area. Try Domaine de Falgos at St. Laurent de Cerdans, the 18 hole course at St. Cyprien or the course at Montesquie. |
Petit Train Jaune | This quaint little yellow train will take you right up into the mountains. You can cut your journey at any of the stops en-route and return back down. Starting from the 11th century fortified town of Villefranche-de-Conflent it is a very picturesque way to see the mountains. Closed in November. The timetable also varies from season to season so it is important to find an up-to-date one! |
Skiing | We have done skiing day trips from the house. It takes 2 hours from villa to slopes. Try the resorts at Font Romeu, Les Angles, Pyrénées 2000 or Formiguères. The Pyrénées are a less expensive option than the Alps. |
Walking | The Pyrénées are famous for their 'randonees'. There are books at the villa describing how to prepare and embark on the GR10. Other information on routes and qualified guides can be collected from the Tourist Information office in Céret |
Wine Tasting | There are many 'caves' where you can taste at the cellar door. In Maureillas try a 'degustation' at Domaine Alquier (located on the route to St. Jean Pla de Cort) or Pla d'Arque (shop in the village). Alternatively drive the Route du Vin (map provided at the villa) for a very scenic tour through this wine growing region. There are several Grand Cru wines to be discovered and we have books to whet your appetite. |
Amelie-Les-Bains | For its Thermal Spa and Forest Adventure. |
Banyuls-sur-Mer | Its own Mediterranean bay offering sailing off the beach, wine tasting, aquarium, and cafés and bars along the waterfront. Famous for its aperitif wine of the same name. |
Barcelona | Renowned first city of Catalonia, Spain's second city. Home to the Olympics in 1992 it is now a popular city destination. Shop, sunbathe on its award winning beaches, dine out, experience Gaudi's architecture first hand and much more. |
Carcassonne | Carcassonne is Europe's largest medieval fortress city and is only a 1½ hour drive from the house. it is a fabulous place to visit with many craft boutiques, shops, restaurants and cafés. |
Castelnou | Set to the beautiful backdrop of Mont Canigou, with wonderful views too, Castelnou village, dating from the 10th century, is well worth a visit. Topped by a medieval castle and a Roman church, enjoy the winding cobbled streets of old stone houses, some with walls bulging with bread ovens and some housing art and craft workshops. Visit the picturesque local market to be found here on summer Tuesdays and eat at the open air grill restaurant. . . |
Céret | On our doorstep, this stunningly beautiful old walled French market town is famous for its Art museum, Saturday market, Cherry festival, Sardanes festival and Bull fighting weekend in July . |
Collioure | Picturesque old fishing port with cafés, restaurants, shops and galleries. Has famous firework display on 16th August each year to celebrate their Patron Saint, Saint Vincent. Also famous for its Good Friday 'Sanch' procession. |
Figueres | Visit the Salvador Dali Theatre Museum for a surreal experience. The Thursday market here has one of the largest clothes markets in the region. |
Le Perthus | Border town offering a plethora of duty free shopping. |
Perpignan | The old town centre is built along the river Têt. Come here for shopping, dining, beautiful old churches and The Palace of the Majorcan Kings. |
Tuesday evening market in Céret | In high season only. This is a more arts and crafts type market. |
Fêtes at the Parc de Loisir, Maureillas | These fêtes happen most weekends throughout the summer. Giant Paella, Moules Frites or Mechoui soirées with outside discoteque. There is one Grand Bal each season which has the added attraction of side shows, trampolines etc. |
Bastille Day | Bastille Day is on 14th July - with local firework displays. |
Collioure fireworks | In Collioure on 16th August - big firework display to celebrate their Patron Saint, Saint Vincent. |
Dining out - there are many restaurants in the local area, some celebrating the local cuisine, which is heavy mountain food. Some of our favourites close by include: |
El Tap, Maureillas | Simple food served in the local square next to the old Marie and fountain. |
Auberge du Chêne, Maureillas | This restaurant serves Plat Combinados in the summer months on their outside terrace. Run by Jean - Marc and the lovely Celine who are your hosts. In winter, dine inside next to the huge open fire. |
Can Joan | Located up a mountain road, this walkers lodge serves big local cuisine. They charge a flat rate per person which includes as much as you can drink. Only problem is you have to drive home! |
Quattrocento, Céret | A good pizzeria serving other meat and fish dishes too. |
Hotel Vidal, Céret | Summer dining is on their first floor terrace in a beautiful old building. Frederic is your most convivial host... |
Keep an eye out for local billboards advertising local events.